[ Alhaitham kept to his word and he didn't try anything inappropriate with Kaveh. Kaveh enforced his boundaries and Alhaitham respected them. He didn't want to do anything with a student and Alhaitham knew that. He was good about it. They were good. But it didn't mean he wasn't eager to spend his time with Kaveh. Any free time he was able to scrounge up found him lingering in Kaveh's office, or going out for meals with Kaveh or finding ways to get Kaveh's approval.
He even picked up photography and while most of his photos with a human subject were just... photos of Kaveh, he did take to it well. A bit like a duck to water. So, he practiced his photography, spent time with Kaveh, was generally patient and good and waited for Kaveh's approval. It didn't stop him from trying to give Kaveh gifts though. Coffees here and there, art supplies when he noticed he was running low, that sort of thing. He couldn't really rub his scent on much of that but he hoped it still made his omega feel good.
Because, yeah, even though he was respecting boundaries — in his head, he still considered Kaveh his omega.
Tonight was interesting. A bit before the end of the fall semester, leading up to finals. It was too cold out to go to dinner together and Alhaitham didn't really want to take the trek back to his dorm room from Kaveh's office so Kaveh had... suggested they go back to his place. This was a first of Alhaitham, he didn't expect to be let into Kaveh's place anytime soon but here they were. So, he followed Kaveh home and when he was let into his professor's apartment, he took in every detail he could.
It smelled like him. Like omega. Like mate. And if Alhaitham had a tail — it'd be wagging. As it is, he just stood there at the entrance, feeling a little nervous to do anything until Kaveh invited him in. He hung up his coat, took off his shoes and followed Kaveh into the apartment carefully. He didn't even know where to sit, where to stand. He spotted the scarf he'd given Kaveh ages ago lying on one of the pieces of furniture and that was... really nice.
But now what? Would Kaveh cook? Would they eat? Was he allowed to scent the apartment? Probably not on that last one. But... what else? ]
[ Kaveh knows he’s grown a bit too comfortable with Alhaitham. At first, he’d have assumed their personalities simply wouldn’t mesh, but the truth is, they get along rather well together. Kaveh talks (and talks) and Alhaitham listens; he gives Kaveh space, isn’t too pushy, and soon enough, Kaveh has started letting Alhaitham in far more than he has any other alpha.
This is why Alhaitham has been allowed into Kaveh’s apartment, where he would never have allowed another alpha. Because instead of an alpha, Alhaitham has become just Alhaitham, and Kaveh… enjoys his company. He doesn’t even mind the gifts. Maybe, secretly, he has started enjoying them.
Not that that means he has changed his mind! He knows nothing can happen between them… but maybe he’s been thinking about it a little more often. Thoughts are just thoughts; they can’t harm anything.
Kaveh’s home is clean and colorful, but not overly so. He motions to the sofa. ]
Make yourself comfortable. Are you thirsty? I can make tea or coffee.
[ It has been a long time since he’s had anyone over. It feels sort of nice. ]
[ Alhaitham has a moment of hesitation when Kaveh offers him the couch, offers him a drink. It's so polite, it's kind of him, and Alhaitham feels briefly silly for having been thinking inappropriate thoughts instead. Thoughts of how good Kaveh's omega scent is, how lucky he is to be here. No, he should stick to the dynamic that Kaveh has allowed — one of teacher and student, mentor and mentee, Kaveh and Alhaitham.
So, Alhaitham does take a seat on the couch and considers the offer. ]
Tea would be nice. Herbal, if you have it.
[ He's not much of a coffee guy, even if he's always buying coffees for Kaveh. But he wants Kaveh to feel warm and sated and content with the coffees. And maybe associate coffee with Alhaitham for when he wakes up and makes himself the drink. That's fine, that's toooootally fine.
But back to the reason why they're here in the first place. Alhaitham shifts a little on the couch, feeling antsy. ]
Professor, do you want to order food or should we cook together?
[ Alhaitham isn't much of a cook, honestly, but it feels a little rude to assume Kaveh is going to cook for him. ]
[ Kaveh sets about boiling the water for tea — he has several varieties — and rejoins Alhaitham. He’s a little surprised the man doesn’t ask for coffee, given how often he’s bringing it to Kaveh, who has started associating coffee with Alhaitham. ]
I don’t mind cooking, but you’re a guest.
[ Obviously, Kaveh would do the cooking himself. He prides himself on being a good host, and… maybe he likes the idea of Alhaitham eating his cooking. For no particular reason, mind you. ]
[ Alhaitham gives his thanks as Kaveh brings the tea out for him. He'll put a bit of sugar into his mug before taking a sip. At the comment, he raises an eyebrow and then just asks, no need to be cagey about it. ]
Are you okay with me not helping you cook?
[ He doesn't mind sitting here enjoying the ambiance of Kaveh's apartment (the scent, the omega scent, the scent of his omega) while Kaveh cooks but he'd rather not get in trouble for it. ]
[ Kaveh will deny that this is an omega thing, but maybe it is a little bit. Just don’t mention it to him; he’s laboring under the pretense that this is simply what a good host does. And that may be true, but he likes the idea of feeding Alhaitham his cooking a bit too much. ]
I don’t mind at all, but if you’d rather order out, at least let me pay for it.
[ Kaveh can’t make his student buy him dinner. ]
How is the tea? Do you need anything?
[ Maybe he’s fussing a bit. He doesn’t often have guests over. Particularly not alpha guests. ]
[ Alhaitham wants to eat Kaveh's food. He wants Kaveh to feed him. He is not under a delusion that it's anything other than an alpha-omega thing. He knows why he wants it, he knows why he craves it, the idea of being taken care of by his omega is a heady one. But he doesn't know if Kaveh will balk against it when he realizes why he wants it too.
[ Kaveh is a little more pleased than he ought to be, both about the tea and Alhaitham’s decision to let him cook. He likes to think he’s fairly decent at it, and while Kaveh doesn’t cook for himself a whole lot, it’s different having someone else to cook for. ]
What sort of food do you like? Savory, spicy?
[ There’s a similar enthusiasm that Kaveh has for his projects, or things he’s passionate about. Odd, because he isn’t particularly passionate about cooking, no more than most people. ]
[ Alhaitham can pick up the scent of Kaveh's enthusiasm and it makes him happy. He has to contain himself from letting out a soft, pleased rumble in response and instead just swallows it down and tries to be... cool. He can be cool. He wants to pounce Kaveh and scent him until he's delirious but he's also not an animal. ]
Savory. Spicy in moderation. I like things with a good divide between meat and vegetables.
[ Idly, he can't help but imagine what it'd be like to eat Kaveh's cooking. Maybe he can convince Kaveh to sit in his lap and feed him... probably not, but a man can dream, no? ]
[ Increasingly often, Kaveh finds himself forgetting about Alhaitham’s initial intention to court him, along with the complicated relationship of student-professor that he should perhaps be more mindful of. It feels like Alhaitham is a friend, and Kaveh is comfortable enough that he isn’t wary any longer of accepting gifts, or getting a little closer than he would with others.
He likes learning more about Alhaitham, too.
The kitchen opens to the living space, so they can still talk; Kaveh decides some kind of spicy stir fry might do well — quick and with a good balance, like Alhaitham says. It won’t take him long to prepare. ]
Do you enjoy cooking?
[ Smalltalk, but genuine. Kaveh likes to talk, as Alhaitham has no doubt come to understand very well. ]
[ With Kaveh moving about the kitchen and it being so close, Alhaitham decides to move. He takes his mug of tea and moves close to Kaveh, leaning against the kitchen counter as he sips his tea and watches Kaveh. He just... craved to be closer is all and so that's why he moved, even if he might be a little in the way now that he's here. ]
Mm, it's a bit utilitarian for me. I don't do it for pleasure, just to cook what I need to eat. When I move out of the dorms, I might feel differently.
[ Idly, he thinks when I move in with you and decides then to get a place with a nice big kitchen for Kaveh to cook all he wants in. It's probably a little presumptuous but Kaveh doesn't police his thoughts. ]
[ Kaveh tsks, a noise almost lost in the chopping of vegetables. Of course that would be the answer he gets. Cooking isn’t Kaveh’s favorite activity, but trying new things makes it fun — it shouldn’t be a utilitarian thing. ]
If I’m going to cook a meal, it will be something interesting. Although, I suppose I enjoy eating more than cooking.
[ But in order to eat the foods he likes, he has to cook them… when he feels up to it. A lot of the time, it’s takeout or snacks, when he’s focused on a project and can’t drag himself away from it.
Oddly enough, he finds that he prefers Alhaitham being closer, rather than sitting far away. ]
[ The slight offense in Kaveh's words just makes Alhaitham smile just a little into his mug of tea as he takes another sip. Kaveh is so... cute. Getting to know him has been great, has really made it even more definitive for Alhaitham. They're meant to be together, he doesn't care what anyone says, not even Kaveh. He'll let him drag this out as long as he wants, but they're going to be together in the end. ]
Then I hope to eat even more of your meals, professor.
[ He imagines it now — Kaveh will cook the meals and Alhaitham will wash the dishes. A healthy division of labor when they're living together. He thinks it'll be nice. Some alphas definitely prefer their omegas to do all the house chores but Alhaitham doesn't think that's very fair and it's definitely not his preference, so. ]
[ Kaveh, for one, believes in an equal division of labor when it comes to partners, no matter their designation. It's one of the reasons some find him 'undesirable', and other want to change his mind. He remains stubborn and steadfast in everything he believes, but somehow, that has not deterred Alhaitham from hanging out with him, as Kaveh had suspected it would. ]
You say that, but I could be a terrible cook, for all you know.
[ But the politeness, and the confidence, is cute. Somehow, Kaveh has come to find Alhaitham endearing, not that he's dwelled on that fact in the slightest. Ah... maybe a few nights when he's had a bit too much to drink, spilling his guts to his favorite bartender. But nothing sober.
The scent of cooking food quickly fills the apartment, and Kaveh is quite liberal with the way he spices things. How long has it been since he cooked for someone else? He's shared several meals with Alhaitham, but those had all been at restaurants. This... this is his own space. He won't think too much about the implications that might come from that. ]
[ It's all the things that make Kaveh undesirable to others that make him very desirable to Alhaitham. He can't imagine having an omega who was some simpering thing that did everything at his beck and call. No better than a servant. That's not what he wants. He wants a partner, as equal as they can be.
He likes the biological separations though. The scent of an omega. The heat they experience. The taste of their slick. He can't wait to be able to have Kaveh in all those different ways instead. In fact, the thought alone makes his scent a little warmer though he tries to get his mind off the more illicit thoughts. ]
You won't be. You put too much care in the things that you do for cooking to be something you're terrible at.
[ Said matter of factly, like it's a simple truth. Because for Alhaitham, it is. Kaveh is just good at the things he does, because he cares. It should be obvious to anyone with a brain, but unfortunately those are in short supply around here. ]
[ Undeniably, Kaveh is also attracted to alphas in the same way Alhaitham is omegas. Still, he does not believe that should trump feelings, and so Kaveh will fight against those urges if he feels they don’t suit him.
…although… it seems Alhaitham might suit him well, as much as Kaveh remains willfully oblivious to the fact. Kaveh raises a brow at Alhaitham’s words, but he is very visibly pleased at the comment. He has begun to not bother hiding his scent as much around Alhaitham lately. ]
Reserve your praise — though it is deserved — for after you try it.
[ Alhaitham catches Kaveh's pleased feeling on his scent and it's almost enough to make him smile. He doesn't though but it definitely make his own scent warm a little with pleasure. Ahh, he could bury his face in Kaveh's throat if he could but he knows better than to make that happen without consent.
Bah. He's really getting tired of holding back. ]
Then I will make sure it is effusive.
[ He takes a sip of his tea again, realizing he's finished the mug and moves around Kaveh to put the mug in the sink. As he moves around Kaveh, his hand settles on the small of Kaveh's back, set there for the moment as Alhaitham places the mug down. Then he pulls back and hovers behind Kaveh, hand moving from his back to his waist as he sniffs the air over his shoulder both for his food and his scent. ]
[ There’s a jolt of warmth up Kaveh’s spine when he feels Alhaitham’s hand on his back. Generally, he would never allow this sort of overly-familiar touching, but… he excuses it, warm-faced, and doesn’t comment. Nor does he shake Alhaitham off when that hand moves to his waist.
Kaveh can smell Alhaitham. He could before, but up close like this, it is more apparent than ever. It’s a scent he’s grown used to — fond of, even, if he lets himself admit it — and even the fragrant spices don’t diminish Alhaitham’s scent.
He suspects the alpha is not only talking about the food. ]
If you want to help, you can get plates.
[ Kaveh angles his head towards a cabinet door, figuring that’s likely a safe way to maintain space between them when everything in Kaveh is telling him to allow it. ]
[ Alhaitham doesn't want to pull back from Kaveh. He'd much rather stay right here and continue smelling him all he wants. But he knows a dismissal when he hears one and that's the only reason he has survived so far in his pursuit of Kaveh. So, he takes a step back, drops his hand from Kaveh's waist and nods. ]
Plates it is.
[ He'll move in the small space then to reach the cabinet with the plates, pulling them out with practiced ease even if he's never been in the space before. It just feels familiar to him, like this is his mate's den and he's just making himself comfortable in it. Which, to be fair, it kind of is and he kind of is too. ]
[ Kaveh instinctively misses the touch, though he's still trying to tell himself it's nothing. He's simply someone who enjoys physical contact, and has not enjoyed it in quite a while. No matter the fact that Alhaitham's scent makes his cheeks warm.
He fits so comfortably in Kaveh's apartment, too. Like he belongs there. He doesn't, Kaveh reminds himself, but... ]
Here.
[ He serves Alhaitham a generous portion, and a strange anxiousness settles on him. Like he's concerned with how Alhaitham will enjoy the food. Kaveh brushes that off, too. ]
Would you like anything to drink? I generally have wine with dinner.
[ A bit too much wine. He can make more tea, too. ]
[ Alhaitham is happy to take the plate of food, picking up both of their servings with his hands and nodding towards the couch. ]
Should I take these to the couch for us to eat or is there somewhere else you'd prefer to eat?
[ He notices the little dining table, but it wouldn't be as cozy as eating next to each other on the couch. In his heart of hearts, he wants to see if he can figure out a way he can convince Kaveh to feed him himself. ]
And wine is good with me, thanks.
[ Maybe if he gets a bit of wine in Kaveh, he'll be easier to convince into it. ]
The couch is fine. I'm not fussy about where we eat as long as you don't spill.
[ With that, he gives Alhaitham a pointed look. No stains on the couch or the rug. He paid a lot for that rug. It doesn't cross Kaveh's mind to examine how the couch seems preferable to him, where he'd normally select the dining table with anyone else.
In the meantime, he pours two glasses of wine. He will try very hard not to overindulge, not with a guest over, but Kaveh does enjoy a bit of wine. ]
[ There's the slightest quirk of Alhaitham's lips upward as Kaveh agrees to the couch and he'll bring both of their plates to the couch, setting them on the coffee table while he leaves Kaveh to bring the wine glasses and the bottle over, if he wants.
It's only when they're both settled on the couch that Alhaitham finally tries the food. He's sitting next to Kaveh, close enough that their shoulders are pressed against each other. Just happenstance, truly. But then he's picking up the fork and taking a bite of the stir fry and, huh, this is really good.
He takes a few more bites, making a pleased noise before looking at Kaveh. ]
[ Oh, he's certainly bringing the bottle. Kaveh never ends with just one glass of wine.
They're sitting awfully close, which Kaveh tries to ignore; he tells himself it's only because... because the couch isn't all that big, and he doesn't like it. But also, he doesn't hate it either.
He watches Alhaitham closely, and then beams when his cooking is given approval. ]
I don't cook often, so I'm glad I've still got it.
[ It's only then that he takes a bite of his own food. And then a sip of wine. ]
[ Alhaitham doesn't know how to subtly get Kaveh to feed him. He wants it to happen, can't stop picturing it in his head, but he also knows that Kaveh is still on guard around him a little bit. So, he eats his food and his eyes flicker over Kaveh, taking him in, considering.
He'll sip the wine too, slower though, not as interested in it as he is in Kaveh. For now, he's quite comfortable in Kaveh's company, at least. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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He even picked up photography and while most of his photos with a human subject were just... photos of Kaveh, he did take to it well. A bit like a duck to water. So, he practiced his photography, spent time with Kaveh, was generally patient and good and waited for Kaveh's approval. It didn't stop him from trying to give Kaveh gifts though. Coffees here and there, art supplies when he noticed he was running low, that sort of thing. He couldn't really rub his scent on much of that but he hoped it still made his omega feel good.
Because, yeah, even though he was respecting boundaries — in his head, he still considered Kaveh his omega.
Tonight was interesting. A bit before the end of the fall semester, leading up to finals. It was too cold out to go to dinner together and Alhaitham didn't really want to take the trek back to his dorm room from Kaveh's office so Kaveh had... suggested they go back to his place. This was a first of Alhaitham, he didn't expect to be let into Kaveh's place anytime soon but here they were. So, he followed Kaveh home and when he was let into his professor's apartment, he took in every detail he could.
It smelled like him. Like omega. Like mate. And if Alhaitham had a tail — it'd be wagging. As it is, he just stood there at the entrance, feeling a little nervous to do anything until Kaveh invited him in. He hung up his coat, took off his shoes and followed Kaveh into the apartment carefully. He didn't even know where to sit, where to stand. He spotted the scarf he'd given Kaveh ages ago lying on one of the pieces of furniture and that was... really nice.
But now what? Would Kaveh cook? Would they eat? Was he allowed to scent the apartment? Probably not on that last one. But... what else? ]
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This is why Alhaitham has been allowed into Kaveh’s apartment, where he would never have allowed another alpha. Because instead of an alpha, Alhaitham has become just Alhaitham, and Kaveh… enjoys his company. He doesn’t even mind the gifts. Maybe, secretly, he has started enjoying them.
Not that that means he has changed his mind! He knows nothing can happen between them… but maybe he’s been thinking about it a little more often. Thoughts are just thoughts; they can’t harm anything.
Kaveh’s home is clean and colorful, but not overly so. He motions to the sofa. ]
Make yourself comfortable. Are you thirsty? I can make tea or coffee.
[ It has been a long time since he’s had anyone over. It feels sort of nice. ]
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So, Alhaitham does take a seat on the couch and considers the offer. ]
Tea would be nice. Herbal, if you have it.
[ He's not much of a coffee guy, even if he's always buying coffees for Kaveh. But he wants Kaveh to feel warm and sated and content with the coffees. And maybe associate coffee with Alhaitham for when he wakes up and makes himself the drink. That's fine, that's toooootally fine.
But back to the reason why they're here in the first place. Alhaitham shifts a little on the couch, feeling antsy. ]
Professor, do you want to order food or should we cook together?
[ Alhaitham isn't much of a cook, honestly, but it feels a little rude to assume Kaveh is going to cook for him. ]
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I don’t mind cooking, but you’re a guest.
[ Obviously, Kaveh would do the cooking himself. He prides himself on being a good host, and… maybe he likes the idea of Alhaitham eating his cooking. For no particular reason, mind you. ]
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Are you okay with me not helping you cook?
[ He doesn't mind sitting here enjoying the ambiance of Kaveh's apartment (the scent, the omega scent, the scent of his omega) while Kaveh cooks but he'd rather not get in trouble for it. ]
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I don’t mind at all, but if you’d rather order out, at least let me pay for it.
[ Kaveh can’t make his student buy him dinner. ]
How is the tea? Do you need anything?
[ Maybe he’s fussing a bit. He doesn’t often have guests over. Particularly not alpha guests. ]
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But... still... nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? ]
The tea is great, thanks. It's really warming me up.
[ He was feeling pretty cold from the trip over. It's chilly out.
He takes another sip before finally just making the decision. ]
You can cook. I'll eat whatever you make, I'd be happy to eat your cooking.
[ There we go. ]
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What sort of food do you like? Savory, spicy?
[ There’s a similar enthusiasm that Kaveh has for his projects, or things he’s passionate about. Odd, because he isn’t particularly passionate about cooking, no more than most people. ]
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Savory. Spicy in moderation. I like things with a good divide between meat and vegetables.
[ Idly, he can't help but imagine what it'd be like to eat Kaveh's cooking. Maybe he can convince Kaveh to sit in his lap and feed him... probably not, but a man can dream, no? ]
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He likes learning more about Alhaitham, too.
The kitchen opens to the living space, so they can still talk; Kaveh decides some kind of spicy stir fry might do well — quick and with a good balance, like Alhaitham says. It won’t take him long to prepare. ]
Do you enjoy cooking?
[ Smalltalk, but genuine. Kaveh likes to talk, as Alhaitham has no doubt come to understand very well. ]
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Mm, it's a bit utilitarian for me. I don't do it for pleasure, just to cook what I need to eat. When I move out of the dorms, I might feel differently.
[ Idly, he thinks when I move in with you and decides then to get a place with a nice big kitchen for Kaveh to cook all he wants in. It's probably a little presumptuous but Kaveh doesn't police his thoughts. ]
What about you?
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If I’m going to cook a meal, it will be something interesting. Although, I suppose I enjoy eating more than cooking.
[ But in order to eat the foods he likes, he has to cook them… when he feels up to it. A lot of the time, it’s takeout or snacks, when he’s focused on a project and can’t drag himself away from it.
Oddly enough, he finds that he prefers Alhaitham being closer, rather than sitting far away. ]
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Then I hope to eat even more of your meals, professor.
[ He imagines it now — Kaveh will cook the meals and Alhaitham will wash the dishes. A healthy division of labor when they're living together. He thinks it'll be nice. Some alphas definitely prefer their omegas to do all the house chores but Alhaitham doesn't think that's very fair and it's definitely not his preference, so. ]
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You say that, but I could be a terrible cook, for all you know.
[ But the politeness, and the confidence, is cute. Somehow, Kaveh has come to find Alhaitham endearing, not that he's dwelled on that fact in the slightest. Ah... maybe a few nights when he's had a bit too much to drink, spilling his guts to his favorite bartender. But nothing sober.
The scent of cooking food quickly fills the apartment, and Kaveh is quite liberal with the way he spices things. How long has it been since he cooked for someone else? He's shared several meals with Alhaitham, but those had all been at restaurants. This... this is his own space. He won't think too much about the implications that might come from that. ]
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He likes the biological separations though. The scent of an omega. The heat they experience. The taste of their slick. He can't wait to be able to have Kaveh in all those different ways instead. In fact, the thought alone makes his scent a little warmer though he tries to get his mind off the more illicit thoughts. ]
You won't be. You put too much care in the things that you do for cooking to be something you're terrible at.
[ Said matter of factly, like it's a simple truth. Because for Alhaitham, it is. Kaveh is just good at the things he does, because he cares. It should be obvious to anyone with a brain, but unfortunately those are in short supply around here. ]
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…although… it seems Alhaitham might suit him well, as much as Kaveh remains willfully oblivious to the fact. Kaveh raises a brow at Alhaitham’s words, but he is very visibly pleased at the comment. He has begun to not bother hiding his scent as much around Alhaitham lately. ]
Reserve your praise — though it is deserved — for after you try it.
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Bah. He's really getting tired of holding back. ]
Then I will make sure it is effusive.
[ He takes a sip of his tea again, realizing he's finished the mug and moves around Kaveh to put the mug in the sink. As he moves around Kaveh, his hand settles on the small of Kaveh's back, set there for the moment as Alhaitham places the mug down. Then he pulls back and hovers behind Kaveh, hand moving from his back to his waist as he sniffs the air over his shoulder both for his food and his scent. ]
Smells good.
[ Which part? Both. Both, of course. ]
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Kaveh can smell Alhaitham. He could before, but up close like this, it is more apparent than ever. It’s a scent he’s grown used to — fond of, even, if he lets himself admit it — and even the fragrant spices don’t diminish Alhaitham’s scent.
He suspects the alpha is not only talking about the food. ]
If you want to help, you can get plates.
[ Kaveh angles his head towards a cabinet door, figuring that’s likely a safe way to maintain space between them when everything in Kaveh is telling him to allow it. ]
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Plates it is.
[ He'll move in the small space then to reach the cabinet with the plates, pulling them out with practiced ease even if he's never been in the space before. It just feels familiar to him, like this is his mate's den and he's just making himself comfortable in it. Which, to be fair, it kind of is and he kind of is too. ]
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He fits so comfortably in Kaveh's apartment, too. Like he belongs there. He doesn't, Kaveh reminds himself, but... ]
Here.
[ He serves Alhaitham a generous portion, and a strange anxiousness settles on him. Like he's concerned with how Alhaitham will enjoy the food. Kaveh brushes that off, too. ]
Would you like anything to drink? I generally have wine with dinner.
[ A bit too much wine. He can make more tea, too. ]
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Should I take these to the couch for us to eat or is there somewhere else you'd prefer to eat?
[ He notices the little dining table, but it wouldn't be as cozy as eating next to each other on the couch. In his heart of hearts, he wants to see if he can figure out a way he can convince Kaveh to feed him himself. ]
And wine is good with me, thanks.
[ Maybe if he gets a bit of wine in Kaveh, he'll be easier to convince into it. ]
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[ With that, he gives Alhaitham a pointed look. No stains on the couch or the rug. He paid a lot for that rug. It doesn't cross Kaveh's mind to examine how the couch seems preferable to him, where he'd normally select the dining table with anyone else.
In the meantime, he pours two glasses of wine. He will try very hard not to overindulge, not with a guest over, but Kaveh does enjoy a bit of wine. ]
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It's only when they're both settled on the couch that Alhaitham finally tries the food. He's sitting next to Kaveh, close enough that their shoulders are pressed against each other. Just happenstance, truly. But then he's picking up the fork and taking a bite of the stir fry and, huh, this is really good.
He takes a few more bites, making a pleased noise before looking at Kaveh. ]
It's good, I like it.
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They're sitting awfully close, which Kaveh tries to ignore; he tells himself it's only because... because the couch isn't all that big, and he doesn't like it. But also, he doesn't hate it either.
He watches Alhaitham closely, and then beams when his cooking is given approval. ]
I don't cook often, so I'm glad I've still got it.
[ It's only then that he takes a bite of his own food. And then a sip of wine. ]
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You do.
[ Alhaitham doesn't know how to subtly get Kaveh to feed him. He wants it to happen, can't stop picturing it in his head, but he also knows that Kaveh is still on guard around him a little bit. So, he eats his food and his eyes flicker over Kaveh, taking him in, considering.
He'll sip the wine too, slower though, not as interested in it as he is in Kaveh. For now, he's quite comfortable in Kaveh's company, at least. ]