[ Maybe it is his scent but isn't that enough? It feels like enough to Alhaitham. He doesn't think he'll ever feel like this about anyone else ever again. He can't imagine it — the thought physically pains him. No, he needs Kaveh and he'll do everything in his power to get him.
For instance. The coffee, he's drinking the coffee. Alhaitham is filled with the urge to give him more gifts, more things to take care of him. A blanket covered in his scent. Food cooked by Alhaitham. Whatever else will make Kaveh feel comforted and taken care of by an alpha, whatever he needs. ]
... Okay. As long as you'll have me.
[ Though it also feels like Kaveh is shooing him out. He doesn't want to go, doesn't like the idea of being away from Kaveh but... there's not much he can do if Kaveh wants him to leave. For a moment, he does look rather awkward as he's caught between the urge to stay and the more logical notion of leaving. ]
[ Alhaitham clearly does not understand; Kaveh is likely one of the most stubborn omegas he will ever meet, having spent year refusing to cave to anyone who showed him even the slightest hint of pity or patronizing intent. Maybe others can be won with gifts, or an arousing scent, but Kaveh has forced himself time and again to ignore it, so that now it's nearly second nature. It has nothing to do with Alhaitham. Rather, the fact that Kaveh has not flown into a tirade and tossed him right out is a good sign of... something.
But maybe there is a tiny part of him that wouldn't mind it. A partner, who liked him for himself, and not the fact that he is an attractive omega, or that he smells nice. Kaveh doesn't quite believe Alhaitham is really attracted to only him; he figures this will pass the moment he catches sight of someone more appealing, or when the gifts don't immediately draw Kaveh into his bed. But for now... this is fine.
Still, Alhaitham seems to want to linger. Kaveh purses his lips; there's something about him that is kind of cute. Charming. Ugh. ]
...You don't have to look at me like that. Do you want to say something? If you do, come out and say it.
[ Even though he ignores it, as much as Kaveh hates this, there is still the urge to soothe. ]
[ Alhaitham knows he has to leave. But his heart's not in it, doesn't want to move from this seat and leave Kaveh's side. In fact, everything about this conversation has made his feelings even stronger and when Kaveh asks him if he has something to say, that's the only thing he can think. So, he shares it, in his own way. ]
... I find you overwhelmingly endearing, Professor. You may think this conversation has scared me off but it's only bolstered my resolve to court you. There was a chance I'd come here and our personalities would be too polarizing for this to work but I don't think so anymore. I think we're compatible and I'd like to get to know you more.
[ He knows that might be a little much but, well. It's how he feels and Kaveh said to just say it, didn't he? He wonders if there's anything he could do that would make Kaveh dislike him. There's still that unknown quantity of all this that makes him wonder if there will be an action he takes, a thing he says, something that happens that makes Kaveh disregard him entirely and throw him out for good.
[ So matter of fact! Kaveh stares at him, though he really has no right to be annoyed when he'd been the one to demand Alhaitham say what was on his mind. This is becoming more dangerous by the moment, because the more stubborn Alhaitham is...
The more Kaveh's curiosity grows. And he knows it shouldn't, but he is. Fascinating? There's none of that stupid, fake-nice flattery that most alphas give him, complimenting his appearance and his scent and telling him how good he'd be as a mate, like Kaveh doesn't have his own life and goals he is working towards. It's just Alhaitham saying, very bluntly, that he thinks they are compatible, and staying determined to court Kaveh no matter how rude he is. Normally, that is a major turn-off, isn't it?
And yet, Alhaitham calls it endearing. ]
How, exactly, do you think we're compatible? I don't know anything about you, and you hardly know anything about me. Maybe I can't stand your habits, or maybe you can't stand mine. Maybe you hate the foods I'm best at cooking, or I hate the way you sleep. I've been around long enough to know that just because someone seems good to you, does not mean you are at all compatible.
[ Kaveh says it just as bluntly. He isn't saying that is the case, but... he's had enough bad dates. ]
On top of that, I would hate if you changed yourself to fit my preferences, so don't even think about it.
[ First, Alhaitham has to reply to the last bit and so he does, immediately. ]
Don't worry, I don't change myself for anyone.
[ He's long since held to his ways stubbornly, knows himself enough to know that he isn't exactly the most easy to get along with and that's why he has the reputation that he does. But still that doesn't mean there's no hope for the two of them. Alhaitham firmly believes there is. Because the compatibility doesn't just come from his scent alone but in this short conversation, Alhaitham has learned a lot about Kaveh. ]
I think we're compatible because the things you've expressed in this conversation have only made me more sure about you. You're driven and you won't let me affect your career, which I never would but some alphas don't respect an omega's choice of career and you seem the type not to tolerate that sort of behavior. It makes me like you more. You're opinionated and considerate, you've spent a lot of this conversation setting boundaries but also not wanting to hurt my feelings. You can, if you want. I can take it if there's really something about me that turns you off but... I'm getting the feeling that there isn't.
You're also fiercely independent, which I like too. I couldn't stand being with an omega who wasn't their own person. If we were to bond, I would want it to be because we both want it, and we think it would make us better as individuals to be together than apart. I don't know what type of alpha you're looking for but I imagine the typical swagger filled boneheads you might meet don't suit your preferences.
I'm not someone who wants an omega to take advantage of and dominate. You don't seem the type who would want an alpha to do that for you either. I want an omega I respect, who respects me back, and who will allow me to be there for them on their terms. I want an omega who is clear about what they want and will hold high standards for me to meet and make me work for their favor. Compatibility is just the first step. But from what I see from this conversation so far, I think we have it.
[ That was a lot of talking on Alhaitham's part and he doesn't typically like talking that much but he wanted to be clear about his wants and desires and what he sees here between them. So, afterwards, he goes quiet and just looks back at Kaveh with earnestness in his eyes. He wants Kaveh to see what he sees and even if it doesn't succeed today, hopefully this is a good start. ]
[ Oh. Kaveh is left open-mouthed and staring as Alhaitham really just lists off all the ways in which he thinks they are compatible. It's a lot to process at once, but Kaveh follows along as best as he can while still feeling slightly in shock at the utter confidence with which Alhaitham speaks.
And he cannot help the feeling of flattery, either, which his scent likely conveys. Alhaitham compliments him in ways others don't, and he is more than a little surprised that Alhaitham picked up all these things just from a brief conversation where Kaveh tried gently to turn him down, and the fact that Kaveh really isn't turned off by him. Rather the opposite, in fact, but it is Kaveh's stubbornness and some sense of morals that keeps him from going in right away.
It is the last part that really makes Alhaitham hard to ignore, though. This... is the type of relationship he wants. And that's the thing; Kaveh, for all the rejections he has doled out, is not opposed to a relationship. Maybe it's something he yearns for; he is a lonely man, but holds his independence higher than settling down with someone who would seek to train that out of him.
...gods, he's in trouble. ]
That is the most I've ever heard you talk in one go. Maybe if you turned some of that introspection on your art reviews, your observations would seem a little less stiff.
[ Kaveh clears his throat. ]
There's a new place close to campus that I've been meaning to try. Do you like Indian food?
[ In the end, Alhaitham is too happy at the slightly pleasant shift of Kaveh's scent to be too defensive over the comment about his art reviews. He's sniffing the air, catching Kaveh's scent and feeling like he's only just gotten a taste. He wants more, wants to bury his face in Kaveh's throat and breathe him in until he's satisfied, though he doubts he'll ever be.
This is going to be hard, he knows. To hold himself back, to not press Kaveh for more sooner than he is ready for. His whole body aches for even just the slightest touch from Kaveh and he already knows he's going to try to bury his nose in his own clothes when he goes home, desperate for some sort of rub off of Kaveh's scent. He's... he's really down bad for Kaveh, even if he's trying so hard to keep himself in check.
When Kaveh asks him if he likes Indian food, the implication that they would go to get the food together — Alhaitham isn't a very expressive individual but the way his body perks up a bit at that makes it seem like if he had a tail, it would be wagging. ]
I like Indian food. Are you... asking me to accompany you?
[ More! Time! With! Kaveh! That's all he wanted and now he's being given this gift. He's thrilled. ]
[ Even that small shift in his demeanor, Kaveh notices. It’s different from earlier, and it makes Kaveh’s face slightly warm, unused to this kind of attention or enthusiasm for his presence. Maybe he should second guess this, but there’s something about Alhaitham that draws Kaveh’s attention. He’s being a selfish asshole, for sure. ]
Just a casual thing. Not a date.
[ To make it clear!!! Kaveh is Alhaitham’s professor; nothing can happen. Nothing will happen, or that’s what he tells himself, even if there is undoubtedly something about Alhaitham that piques Kaveh’s interest, and his attraction.
Yes, maybe Alhaitham is Kaveh’s type. That doesn’t mean he intends to entertain this crush of his. ]
[ He knows it's not a date. He knows it's nothing more than just a professor and his student sharing a meal together. He knows that Kaveh is, if anything, pitying him in some regard.
That doesn't matter to him. It's still more time with Kaveh, more time to learn how he ticks and what Alhaitham can do in the future to make himself even more indispensable to Kaveh. He's ready for the long game of this. ]
Not a date, I understand.
[ Of course, he would want their first date to be a little more special than just Indian food, after all. ]
Should we get going now or is there more you have to do here before then?
[ The back of Kaveh's neck is warm; he doesn't usually do this. Despite Kaveh's chattering, friendly personality, he generally spends his personal time alone - unless it's at a bar. Why is he asking a student, of all people, to accompany him to a restaurant? And one who just made it very clear he intend to court Kaveh. An alpha.
He's a fool. ]
There's nothing pressing I need to do, so we can go now, if you're free.
[ Kaveh doesn't ask people out, either, and while he knows he's said this is not a date, it very much feels like he's asking for one. That's the reason his face is warm, when he sets aside the now-empty coffee cup, and grabs for his jacket. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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For instance. The coffee, he's drinking the coffee. Alhaitham is filled with the urge to give him more gifts, more things to take care of him. A blanket covered in his scent. Food cooked by Alhaitham. Whatever else will make Kaveh feel comforted and taken care of by an alpha, whatever he needs. ]
... Okay. As long as you'll have me.
[ Though it also feels like Kaveh is shooing him out. He doesn't want to go, doesn't like the idea of being away from Kaveh but... there's not much he can do if Kaveh wants him to leave. For a moment, he does look rather awkward as he's caught between the urge to stay and the more logical notion of leaving. ]
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But maybe there is a tiny part of him that wouldn't mind it. A partner, who liked him for himself, and not the fact that he is an attractive omega, or that he smells nice. Kaveh doesn't quite believe Alhaitham is really attracted to only him; he figures this will pass the moment he catches sight of someone more appealing, or when the gifts don't immediately draw Kaveh into his bed. But for now... this is fine.
Still, Alhaitham seems to want to linger. Kaveh purses his lips; there's something about him that is kind of cute. Charming. Ugh. ]
...You don't have to look at me like that. Do you want to say something? If you do, come out and say it.
[ Even though he ignores it, as much as Kaveh hates this, there is still the urge to soothe. ]
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... I find you overwhelmingly endearing, Professor. You may think this conversation has scared me off but it's only bolstered my resolve to court you. There was a chance I'd come here and our personalities would be too polarizing for this to work but I don't think so anymore. I think we're compatible and I'd like to get to know you more.
[ He knows that might be a little much but, well. It's how he feels and Kaveh said to just say it, didn't he? He wonders if there's anything he could do that would make Kaveh dislike him. There's still that unknown quantity of all this that makes him wonder if there will be an action he takes, a thing he says, something that happens that makes Kaveh disregard him entirely and throw him out for good.
He hopes he doesn't find it. ]
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The more Kaveh's curiosity grows. And he knows it shouldn't, but he is. Fascinating? There's none of that stupid, fake-nice flattery that most alphas give him, complimenting his appearance and his scent and telling him how good he'd be as a mate, like Kaveh doesn't have his own life and goals he is working towards. It's just Alhaitham saying, very bluntly, that he thinks they are compatible, and staying determined to court Kaveh no matter how rude he is. Normally, that is a major turn-off, isn't it?
And yet, Alhaitham calls it endearing. ]
How, exactly, do you think we're compatible? I don't know anything about you, and you hardly know anything about me. Maybe I can't stand your habits, or maybe you can't stand mine. Maybe you hate the foods I'm best at cooking, or I hate the way you sleep. I've been around long enough to know that just because someone seems good to you, does not mean you are at all compatible.
[ Kaveh says it just as bluntly. He isn't saying that is the case, but... he's had enough bad dates. ]
On top of that, I would hate if you changed yourself to fit my preferences, so don't even think about it.
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Don't worry, I don't change myself for anyone.
[ He's long since held to his ways stubbornly, knows himself enough to know that he isn't exactly the most easy to get along with and that's why he has the reputation that he does. But still that doesn't mean there's no hope for the two of them. Alhaitham firmly believes there is. Because the compatibility doesn't just come from his scent alone but in this short conversation, Alhaitham has learned a lot about Kaveh. ]
I think we're compatible because the things you've expressed in this conversation have only made me more sure about you. You're driven and you won't let me affect your career, which I never would but some alphas don't respect an omega's choice of career and you seem the type not to tolerate that sort of behavior. It makes me like you more. You're opinionated and considerate, you've spent a lot of this conversation setting boundaries but also not wanting to hurt my feelings. You can, if you want. I can take it if there's really something about me that turns you off but... I'm getting the feeling that there isn't.
You're also fiercely independent, which I like too. I couldn't stand being with an omega who wasn't their own person. If we were to bond, I would want it to be because we both want it, and we think it would make us better as individuals to be together than apart. I don't know what type of alpha you're looking for but I imagine the typical swagger filled boneheads you might meet don't suit your preferences.
I'm not someone who wants an omega to take advantage of and dominate. You don't seem the type who would want an alpha to do that for you either. I want an omega I respect, who respects me back, and who will allow me to be there for them on their terms. I want an omega who is clear about what they want and will hold high standards for me to meet and make me work for their favor. Compatibility is just the first step. But from what I see from this conversation so far, I think we have it.
[ That was a lot of talking on Alhaitham's part and he doesn't typically like talking that much but he wanted to be clear about his wants and desires and what he sees here between them. So, afterwards, he goes quiet and just looks back at Kaveh with earnestness in his eyes. He wants Kaveh to see what he sees and even if it doesn't succeed today, hopefully this is a good start. ]
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And he cannot help the feeling of flattery, either, which his scent likely conveys. Alhaitham compliments him in ways others don't, and he is more than a little surprised that Alhaitham picked up all these things just from a brief conversation where Kaveh tried gently to turn him down, and the fact that Kaveh really isn't turned off by him. Rather the opposite, in fact, but it is Kaveh's stubbornness and some sense of morals that keeps him from going in right away.
It is the last part that really makes Alhaitham hard to ignore, though. This... is the type of relationship he wants. And that's the thing; Kaveh, for all the rejections he has doled out, is not opposed to a relationship. Maybe it's something he yearns for; he is a lonely man, but holds his independence higher than settling down with someone who would seek to train that out of him.
...gods, he's in trouble. ]
That is the most I've ever heard you talk in one go. Maybe if you turned some of that introspection on your art reviews, your observations would seem a little less stiff.
[ Kaveh clears his throat. ]
There's a new place close to campus that I've been meaning to try. Do you like Indian food?
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This is going to be hard, he knows. To hold himself back, to not press Kaveh for more sooner than he is ready for. His whole body aches for even just the slightest touch from Kaveh and he already knows he's going to try to bury his nose in his own clothes when he goes home, desperate for some sort of rub off of Kaveh's scent. He's... he's really down bad for Kaveh, even if he's trying so hard to keep himself in check.
When Kaveh asks him if he likes Indian food, the implication that they would go to get the food together — Alhaitham isn't a very expressive individual but the way his body perks up a bit at that makes it seem like if he had a tail, it would be wagging. ]
I like Indian food. Are you... asking me to accompany you?
[ More! Time! With! Kaveh! That's all he wanted and now he's being given this gift. He's thrilled. ]
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Just a casual thing. Not a date.
[ To make it clear!!! Kaveh is Alhaitham’s professor; nothing can happen. Nothing will happen, or that’s what he tells himself, even if there is undoubtedly something about Alhaitham that piques Kaveh’s interest, and his attraction.
Yes, maybe Alhaitham is Kaveh’s type. That doesn’t mean he intends to entertain this crush of his. ]
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That doesn't matter to him. It's still more time with Kaveh, more time to learn how he ticks and what Alhaitham can do in the future to make himself even more indispensable to Kaveh. He's ready for the long game of this. ]
Not a date, I understand.
[ Of course, he would want their first date to be a little more special than just Indian food, after all. ]
Should we get going now or is there more you have to do here before then?
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He's a fool. ]
There's nothing pressing I need to do, so we can go now, if you're free.
[ Kaveh doesn't ask people out, either, and while he knows he's said this is not a date, it very much feels like he's asking for one. That's the reason his face is warm, when he sets aside the now-empty coffee cup, and grabs for his jacket. ]