[ Kaveh is a little too flighty and a little too headstrong to be considered a 'good' omega. Which he is more than fine with; he hates the idea of being under the thumb of anyone, though deep down, there is still a desire to find... someone. He ignores it, for the most part, and is content with his life, his job, his research; this is what he has always wanted to do. Kaveh doesn't need anyone, especially not if they're going to try and tell him how he should be. He is content.
Except for this one thing. Someone has been stubbornly pursuing him. That's what Kaveh thinks it is, and while it isn't the first time some alpha has tried to win his favor, it certainly is the first time anyone has been this persistent. The gifts, the scent. The first few times, Kaveh had rolled his eyes, and shoved the gifts in some forgotten corner. He had aired out his office. And yet, after the continued attention, he has to admit to a slight curiosity. Not because he is interested! He just wanted to put a stop to it, to tell the perpetrator that he was not falling for this. Sure, the scent was enticing, but Kaveh has plenty of practice ignoring things like that. He's been doing it most of his life.
Worst of all, though? It's been distracting him. Kaveh has his independent research outside of teaching, but he hasn't been able to be productive at all. In fact, today, he is sitting in his office agonizing over a blank sheet of paper that is meant to have writing scrawled on it, when someone knocks on the door.
He only vaguely recognizes the voice. Kaveh has a lot of students. A sigh, and he closes the notebook in front of him. ]
[ Alhaitham enters the room and hopes his scent doesn't immediately give him away. He's kept it mild all day but it's hard now when he's in Kaveh's vicinity, getting his scent in turn, to not have his own blossom with interest at being near the omega he wants. He's trying very hard to keep himself in check.
So, he enters the office, closing the door behind him first, and sets Kaveh's coffee in front of him. Then he's making himself comfortable by taking a seat at his desk, the one meant for students. ]
I brought you a coffee, professor. It should be to your tastes.
[ He doesn't know how sensitive Kaveh's nose is. Can he already tell that this is the alpha who has been courting him? Or does Alhaitham need to do something? For now, he waits, just watching Kaveh calmly. ]
[ At first, Kaveh doesn't notice the scent. There is the smell of coffee, and he's distracted enough that he doesn't think anything of the faintly familiar feeling at the back of his mind. Surprised that he's been brought coffee by a student, Kaveh looks up, and recognizes who it is: a fresh face in his class, tall and serious-looking. Alhaitham.
Of course Kaveh knows who he is. Perhaps that is why it's so surprising that he has sought Kaveh out outside of class. Incredibly high marks when he's interested in something, but inclined to ignore things that don't capture said interest. ]
Thank you, but be aware that gifting me things will not earn you higher grades.
[ Because that must be what Alhaitham is after, right? And Kaveh isn't biting; he grades purely on understanding of the material. On the other hand, if Alhaitham is coming to him for help outside of class, then he is more than happy to spend some additional time with a student.
[ Completely professional, right. Alhaitham doesn't get bad grades in Kaveh's class. In fact, his research papers and his exams — top marks, every time. If there's any struggle with his grades it's from the work that Kaveh assigns where the students need to do an analysis of art. Alhaitham's papers always end up dry and lacking passion. They get the job done but it's clear the writer has no interest in the topic. There's nothing Alhaitham can really do about that, he just doesn't care about art.
So, no, he's not here for his grades. His grades are fine. He'll pass the class, get his elective credits, make his advisor happy. It's all good. ]
I'm not interested in higher grades.
[ But he is interested in something. Which is Kaveh. He leans back in his seat, arms crossed over his chest and gaze fixed on Kaveh. He's waiting to see if he'll drink the coffee, wants to see his omega happy from what he's brought him. Not that Kaveh is his omega, yet. ]
I was curious about you, professor, and wanted to talk. I'm looking for another mentor outside of my major.
[ Alhaitham is a linguistics major. The social sciences in general interest him but he still doesn't have a knack for art. He doesn't really care to pursue it even more either but it's a good enough excuse to start building a relationship with Kaveh. ]
[ His grades are more than fine, but Alhaitham is one of the stand-out students in Kaveh's class because of the difference between his performance when it comes to purely research-based papers as opposed to the art analysis. Somehow, that bothers Kaveh more than simply bad grades. He hates it when students take his class as a throw-away for a credit. Surely Alhaitham can't be one of those. (He probably is.)
Watching Alhaitham, Kaveh brings the coffee up to take a sip. If he's not interested in higher grades, then what could Alhaitham possibly need? Does he have a question about one of the pieces they'd looked at recently? Has something struck his interest, and he wants to further the stirrings of passion?
Kaveh has his mouth full with almost-hot coffee when Alhaitham explains why. He is curious about Kaveh. Which can mean one of two things: genuine curiosity and a desire to get to know Kaveh in an academic way, or because he is an omega. So, which will it be? Suddenly, Kaveh is dubious, but he deeply wishes to spread the love of arts, so he bites. ]
Well, I might be flattered, depending on what you'd like to talk about.
[ It would be wonderful to turn another student on to his artistic passion. ]
[ He doesn't see it as a throwaway but he does see it as something he's not entirely interested in. He just needs the credits. That's all. Not a big deal, right? (So yeah, he is.)
If it was up to Alhaitham, he'd be honest about his interest right from the start. He wants Kaveh. He wants to court Kaveh. He wants Kaveh to be his omega. But Alhaitham is fairly certain that approach won't work so he's going to have to go a little outside of his comfort zone here and feign an interest in the arts.
Damn.
Still, it's satisfying to watch Kaveh drink his coffee and that's enough to get Alhaitham through the rest of this. ]
How you became a professor. How you got into the arts. I don't think I see art the same way you do, but if I could understand a bit more about your perspective, it might help me.
[ He sniffs the air then, just a little. Catches Kaveh's scent. Lets it settle him a little. How he wants to bury his nose in his throat and bite, it's like an ache. ]
[ That approach would do the opposite of work, quite honestly. They'd get Alhaitham kicked out of Kaveh's office, and given the cold shoulder the rest of their class together. If Kaveh had even an inkling of Alhaitham's intentions, he would not only be offended, but defensive.
But Alhaitham offers genuine subjects of interest, seeming to truly want to talk to Kaveh as a person, rather than an omega. It makes Kaveh relax slightly, and he takes another sip of coffee. Quite practiced at ignoring the pull of an alpha's scent, Kaveh puts it to the back of his mind. The less he thinks about it, the less he needs to worry, and perhaps that is why nothing registers just yet. ]
Sure, I don't mind discussing such things, particularly not if it might pique your interest in art. My father was an artist, so I have been around it for as long as I can remember. It was natural for me to want to further my education regarding this topic.
[ Kaveh was the top of his class, simply because of how passionate he is about the subject. ]
[ That's his plan. Learn about Kaveh as a person first. See where they might be similar, or if their personalities mesh. Get him to think of Alhaitham as someone special to him. Continue courting him. He can do this. It will... take some time, which is a little aggravating, but he can be patient.
So, he listens to Kaveh's description of his love of art and how he got into it and he... does like it. He finds it charming, the idea of a young Kaveh taking after his father like this. It's cute. ]
Do you make art yourself or just study it? I haven't seen any of your pieces, so I was wondering.
[ Kaveh likes to think he’s not completely easy to read, but asking him about his interests — particularly art — is a surefire way to get him to open up. The small bit of his scent Alhaitham might be able to pick up hints at Kaveh being pleased. ]
I make art too. I’ve done various different mediums — oil paint, sculptures. They capture ideas in vastly different ways.
[ Kaveh likes to encourage his students to pick up some sort of artistic hobby as well, even just for fun. He leans in a little. ]
[ Alhaitham is caught off guard. Not by the question but with the way Kaveh leans in, the happiness on his scent. Alhaitham got a little too distracted by it, breathing in the air around him and taking it in. It means he's a little dizzy with it when Kaveh asks his interest. ]
I —
[ He pauses. Does he want to create art? He would usually say no, dismiss the idea entirely. But maybe this is a way to get closer to Kaveh. Still, he has no idea where to start. ]
I don't know. I've never tried. Is it... easy to do?
[ Kaveh smiles, and sits back. He still holds the coffee in his hand, but it is forgotten for the moment. ]
It depends. Some techniques take years to master, but anything can be art. It’s hard to tell from your papers, but is there any type that you feel drawn to? For example, a particular piece of art, or medium. Do you like paintings or or statues, modern or more classical?
[ This might be an overwhelming question for a student like Alhaitham, but surely there is something he’s drawn to. That’s why he sought out Kaveh, right? ]
Art can really be anything, if there is an intention behind it.
[ For Alhaitham, the answer comes easy. What art does he like? Kaveh. Kaveh is art and has all of Alhaitham's admiration. But he can't say that, he knows that's a ridiculous answer, even if the way the light cuts through the office window makes Kaveh look incredible in Alhaitham's eyes. So, he has to think.
How can he transfer his passion for Kaveh into art? ]
I think... if I were to pursue art in any regard, I would likely want to make art of people. [ . . . ] Photography is art, right?
[ Kaveh has absolutely no idea the reasoning behind this choice. He is still wary, of course, but it’s so easy for him to get swept up in the things he cares about. ]
I think it’s a good choice. I haven’t dabbled in it myself, but if you want, I can pass along some resources. I’m certain I have a book about it somewhere.
[ Well, this is exciting! It seems Alhaitham truly is interested in opening his eyes to the world of art, and… maybe it will improve his understanding of the vast ways to appreciate and interpret art, too. ]
[ He can do this. If he makes Kaveh his muse, he could certainly produce art that would make the older man endeared to him. At least, that's his plan. He has no talent for drawing or painting or anything like that. But photography... that's something he can try.
So, he nods in response to Kaveh's offer and despite himself, his scent blooms a little with happiness. ]
If you have a book, I'd be happy to borrow it. I can look into getting a camera as well. As long as you're open to giving me feedback on my work, I'd be happy to pursue this.
[ For a moment, Kaveh catches that scent. He pauses; beneath the feeling of happiness is something familiar, and he remembers the gifts left for him. ]
I would be more than happy to offer my feedback. I do have a question, though.
[ The coffee, too. Is there an angle to this? Kaveh feels slightly guilty at the suspicion that suddenly comes over him, because Alhaitham seems like a genuinely curious student.
[ Alhaitham has to weigh his options here. On one hand, he could lie and it'd be so easy and probably be a good thing in the short term because then Kaveh won't potentially reject him. But on the other hand, he wants Kaveh for life and if he starts off by blatantly lying unlike his little white lie from earlier, there's a chance Kaveh won't ever trust him.
So, he frowns but he does look Kaveh in the eye and nods. ]
Yes, I have.
[ He doesn't say anything else, just waits to see Kaveh's reaction. ]
[ At least he's admitting to it. And it could be innocent; not managing to catch Kaveh in the office, or something insignificant like that. But the gifts... ]
I have not been here any of those times, have I?
[ Kaveh doesn't want to be suspicious. The truth is, this is the first time in a while any of his students have come to him outside of class to open themselves to an artistic hobby. Despite his outgoing, friendly personality, Kaveh does not really have many friends - not that he would expect a student to be something like that, but it's nice having someone to talk to.
He can only hope this is not what he suspects it might be. ]
[ Alhaitham gives a shake of his head. Should he admit to it? The same logic applies. Kaveh might get mad at him in the short term but Alhaitham is in this for the long haul. It's a little upsetting to know he's going to be rejected though and the happiness that was on his scent initially dissipates into something a bit more melancholy.
Of course, Alhaitham remains as stoic as ever regardless. ]
No, you weren't. And yes, I left gifts for you.
[ So, now he waits for Kaveh to get upset. He didn't know his courting would be received so poorly and he has to wonder what it is. Is it because he's a student? Or because he's trying to court Kaveh in general? Alhaitham has never done this before, doesn't have anyone to ask over what's the right way to go about trying to get an omega to find interest in you. So, he went with his instincts but those have seemed to fail him. ]
[ Kaveh's expression turns into something far more steely. He ignores the obvious shift in Alhaitham's scent, much as Kaveh has practiced ignoring the scent of every other alpha who tries to come onto him. No, he does not take well to courting; it is somewhat of a sensitive subject, to have some stranger think they can win him over with gifts they don't even know you will like, simply on the basis of his being an omega. ]
I thought you to have more academic integrity. I have heard nothing but praise from the other professors when it comes to you, but to think you are trying to bribe me with gifts- Do you have any interest in art at all, or was this just an attempt to win me over?
[ It's hard for Kaveh to tell whether this is something romantic - in which case, that is highly inappropriate and against the academic code of honor - or to try and butter Kaveh up as a professor and use him to further Alhaitham's academic career.
...which would not make much sense, considering they're in different fields of study, and Alhaitham's grade in his class is generally quite good. ]
[ He feels like a dog being scolded, the urge to whine in his throat and his eyes averting from Kaveh, unable to look at him. He braced himself for the upset but to still receive it hurts, makes him feel ill, and he really wishes for a moment that there was some sort of guide here on how to do this properly. He's never wanted before, never, but now he can't get Kaveh out of his mind, out of his heart, and he's so desperate for him it's unbelievable.
For a moment, he can't help but worry if this is it — if he'll ever get Kaveh's attention again. But no, he can't give up. He can't let this be the end. ]
... It wasn't bribery. This is completely unrelated to my being your student and my grades in your class. I do have an interest in art, because I have an interest in you. I want to know what makes you happy.
[ How is he supposed to explain to him that life felt colorless and uninteresting before he met Kaveh and now it's like nothing else matters as much as gaining Kaveh's favor?
... But then again, would that even matter to Kaveh? Just because Alhaitham is interested in him, just because this is the first time Alhaitham has ever wanted anyone, doesn't mean Kaveh needs to humor him. Maybe he shouldn't have done this in the first place. ]
[ This is far more involved than most attempts to court him, which is something Kaveh slowly realizes when he scents the change in how Alhaitham smells. Kaveh feels the urge to soothe and placate, but he ignores it, pushing it down under the annoyance he'd been feeling.
It would be incredibly inappropriate to even entertain something like this, and he knows it. Even if Kaveh were interested, which he isn't.
A heavy sigh; Kaveh sits back in his chair. He remembers the coffee in his hand. ]
You have an interest in me? As what? A mentor, like you said? A friend, or colleague, or something else?
[ Alhaitham mentioning his angle - to know what makes Kaveh happy - is slightly flattering, he has to admit. ]
[ There's no point in lying now, though he already decided not to lie when the initial question was posed to him. So, as Kaveh asks what type of interest he has in him, Alhaitham can only reply with the truth. ]
I want you as a mate, but I'd settle for a friend if you're not interested in me. I don't know if I'd be able to handle it if you found a mate who wasn't me though, even if we did decide to just be friends.
[ The idea of it makes him want to bite something, to rip, to tear. He doesn't want to give Kaveh up to another alpha, doesn't even want to entertain the idea. He still isn't looking at Kaveh, head ducked slightly out of shame and his scent still carries a sour tinge of melancholy on it. But he's not lying, he's being as honest as he can be in this moment about his feelings for Kaveh. ]
[ Ah, and there it is. A possessive, hardheaded alpha thinking Kaveh will want to be his mate just because they want him. A huff, and Kaveh has half a mind to dump the coffee out right there, but he would stain his floor.
...it is rather hard to just shut him down, though. Kaveh feels oddly drawn to Alhaitham in a way he never has with other alphas, which is the only thing keeping him from kicking Alhaitham out right there. ]
Why? You only know me through this one class I've taught you. You have no idea if we would be compatible, and on top of that, it simply isn't appropriate.
[ Kaveh takes his job very seriously. There is no way he's going to tarnish his reputation for something like this. ]
[ Why? Why does he want Kaveh? He honestly doesn't know how to put it into words, it would be easier if it was just a crush on a teacher or something simple like that. He could talk up his lectures, his beauty, whatever. But it's not. It's his instincts, telling him that Kaveh is all he wants, that they're made to be together, that he's mate material. It goes against everything Alhaitham usually stands for — reason and evidence and cold, hard logic.
Part of him truly hates it. ]
I can't... explain it. [ Alhaitham lifts a hand, pressing it to his face and closes his eyes. He looks pained as he mumbles through his fingers. ] Ever since we met, I haven't wanted anything but you. Your scent, your voice, the way you move, it's all consumed me. I ache to be the perfect alpha for you, but I don't know how. I've never felt like this before.
[ Archons, this is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to him. He doesn't even know how he'll deal with reliving this moment again and again, especially after being rejected. He might genuinely take up drinking. ]
[ Kaveh's expression softens a little. Alhaitham seems genuine, like he really doesn't know what to do. Kaveh wants to tell him he'll get over it, that Alhaitham will forget about him once he's finished with Kaveh's class, even as warmth touches his cheeks and he resists the urge to fan himself. ]
That's... flattering. But wouldn't you do better to pursue a peer? Surely there must be someone you've been interested in. Besides, college is about having fun and experimenting, isn't it?
[ ...he can't believe he's encouraging a student to get up to mischief. He also can't believe he's not simply kicking Alhaitham out, but there is something about the sight of him like this that tugs at Kaveh's chest. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Except for this one thing. Someone has been stubbornly pursuing him. That's what Kaveh thinks it is, and while it isn't the first time some alpha has tried to win his favor, it certainly is the first time anyone has been this persistent. The gifts, the scent. The first few times, Kaveh had rolled his eyes, and shoved the gifts in some forgotten corner. He had aired out his office. And yet, after the continued attention, he has to admit to a slight curiosity. Not because he is interested! He just wanted to put a stop to it, to tell the perpetrator that he was not falling for this. Sure, the scent was enticing, but Kaveh has plenty of practice ignoring things like that. He's been doing it most of his life.
Worst of all, though? It's been distracting him. Kaveh has his independent research outside of teaching, but he hasn't been able to be productive at all. In fact, today, he is sitting in his office agonizing over a blank sheet of paper that is meant to have writing scrawled on it, when someone knocks on the door.
He only vaguely recognizes the voice. Kaveh has a lot of students. A sigh, and he closes the notebook in front of him. ]
The door is open.
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So, he enters the office, closing the door behind him first, and sets Kaveh's coffee in front of him. Then he's making himself comfortable by taking a seat at his desk, the one meant for students. ]
I brought you a coffee, professor. It should be to your tastes.
[ He doesn't know how sensitive Kaveh's nose is. Can he already tell that this is the alpha who has been courting him? Or does Alhaitham need to do something? For now, he waits, just watching Kaveh calmly. ]
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Of course Kaveh knows who he is. Perhaps that is why it's so surprising that he has sought Kaveh out outside of class. Incredibly high marks when he's interested in something, but inclined to ignore things that don't capture said interest. ]
Thank you, but be aware that gifting me things will not earn you higher grades.
[ Because that must be what Alhaitham is after, right? And Kaveh isn't biting; he grades purely on understanding of the material. On the other hand, if Alhaitham is coming to him for help outside of class, then he is more than happy to spend some additional time with a student.
Completely professional, of course. ]
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So, no, he's not here for his grades. His grades are fine. He'll pass the class, get his elective credits, make his advisor happy. It's all good. ]
I'm not interested in higher grades.
[ But he is interested in something. Which is Kaveh. He leans back in his seat, arms crossed over his chest and gaze fixed on Kaveh. He's waiting to see if he'll drink the coffee, wants to see his omega happy from what he's brought him. Not that Kaveh is his omega, yet. ]
I was curious about you, professor, and wanted to talk. I'm looking for another mentor outside of my major.
[ Alhaitham is a linguistics major. The social sciences in general interest him but he still doesn't have a knack for art. He doesn't really care to pursue it even more either but it's a good enough excuse to start building a relationship with Kaveh. ]
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Watching Alhaitham, Kaveh brings the coffee up to take a sip. If he's not interested in higher grades, then what could Alhaitham possibly need? Does he have a question about one of the pieces they'd looked at recently? Has something struck his interest, and he wants to further the stirrings of passion?
Kaveh has his mouth full with almost-hot coffee when Alhaitham explains why. He is curious about Kaveh. Which can mean one of two things: genuine curiosity and a desire to get to know Kaveh in an academic way, or because he is an omega. So, which will it be? Suddenly, Kaveh is dubious, but he deeply wishes to spread the love of arts, so he bites. ]
Well, I might be flattered, depending on what you'd like to talk about.
[ It would be wonderful to turn another student on to his artistic passion. ]
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If it was up to Alhaitham, he'd be honest about his interest right from the start. He wants Kaveh. He wants to court Kaveh. He wants Kaveh to be his omega. But Alhaitham is fairly certain that approach won't work so he's going to have to go a little outside of his comfort zone here and feign an interest in the arts.
Damn.
Still, it's satisfying to watch Kaveh drink his coffee and that's enough to get Alhaitham through the rest of this. ]
How you became a professor. How you got into the arts. I don't think I see art the same way you do, but if I could understand a bit more about your perspective, it might help me.
[ He sniffs the air then, just a little. Catches Kaveh's scent. Lets it settle him a little. How he wants to bury his nose in his throat and bite, it's like an ache. ]
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But Alhaitham offers genuine subjects of interest, seeming to truly want to talk to Kaveh as a person, rather than an omega. It makes Kaveh relax slightly, and he takes another sip of coffee. Quite practiced at ignoring the pull of an alpha's scent, Kaveh puts it to the back of his mind. The less he thinks about it, the less he needs to worry, and perhaps that is why nothing registers just yet. ]
Sure, I don't mind discussing such things, particularly not if it might pique your interest in art. My father was an artist, so I have been around it for as long as I can remember. It was natural for me to want to further my education regarding this topic.
[ Kaveh was the top of his class, simply because of how passionate he is about the subject. ]
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So, he listens to Kaveh's description of his love of art and how he got into it and he... does like it. He finds it charming, the idea of a young Kaveh taking after his father like this. It's cute. ]
Do you make art yourself or just study it? I haven't seen any of your pieces, so I was wondering.
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I make art too. I’ve done various different mediums — oil paint, sculptures. They capture ideas in vastly different ways.
[ Kaveh likes to encourage his students to pick up some sort of artistic hobby as well, even just for fun. He leans in a little. ]
Are you interested at all?
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I —
[ He pauses. Does he want to create art? He would usually say no, dismiss the idea entirely. But maybe this is a way to get closer to Kaveh. Still, he has no idea where to start. ]
I don't know. I've never tried. Is it... easy to do?
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It depends. Some techniques take years to master, but anything can be art. It’s hard to tell from your papers, but is there any type that you feel drawn to? For example, a particular piece of art, or medium. Do you like paintings or or statues, modern or more classical?
[ This might be an overwhelming question for a student like Alhaitham, but surely there is something he’s drawn to. That’s why he sought out Kaveh, right? ]
Art can really be anything, if there is an intention behind it.
no subject
How can he transfer his passion for Kaveh into art? ]
I think... if I were to pursue art in any regard, I would likely want to make art of people. [ . . . ] Photography is art, right?
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[ Kaveh has absolutely no idea the reasoning behind this choice. He is still wary, of course, but it’s so easy for him to get swept up in the things he cares about. ]
I think it’s a good choice. I haven’t dabbled in it myself, but if you want, I can pass along some resources. I’m certain I have a book about it somewhere.
[ Well, this is exciting! It seems Alhaitham truly is interested in opening his eyes to the world of art, and… maybe it will improve his understanding of the vast ways to appreciate and interpret art, too. ]
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So, he nods in response to Kaveh's offer and despite himself, his scent blooms a little with happiness. ]
If you have a book, I'd be happy to borrow it. I can look into getting a camera as well. As long as you're open to giving me feedback on my work, I'd be happy to pursue this.
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I would be more than happy to offer my feedback. I do have a question, though.
[ The coffee, too. Is there an angle to this? Kaveh feels slightly guilty at the suspicion that suddenly comes over him, because Alhaitham seems like a genuinely curious student.
It won’t hurt to ask. ]
Have you been by my office before?
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So, he frowns but he does look Kaveh in the eye and nods. ]
Yes, I have.
[ He doesn't say anything else, just waits to see Kaveh's reaction. ]
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I have not been here any of those times, have I?
[ Kaveh doesn't want to be suspicious. The truth is, this is the first time in a while any of his students have come to him outside of class to open themselves to an artistic hobby. Despite his outgoing, friendly personality, Kaveh does not really have many friends - not that he would expect a student to be something like that, but it's nice having someone to talk to.
He can only hope this is not what he suspects it might be. ]
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Of course, Alhaitham remains as stoic as ever regardless. ]
No, you weren't. And yes, I left gifts for you.
[ So, now he waits for Kaveh to get upset. He didn't know his courting would be received so poorly and he has to wonder what it is. Is it because he's a student? Or because he's trying to court Kaveh in general? Alhaitham has never done this before, doesn't have anyone to ask over what's the right way to go about trying to get an omega to find interest in you. So, he went with his instincts but those have seemed to fail him. ]
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I thought you to have more academic integrity. I have heard nothing but praise from the other professors when it comes to you, but to think you are trying to bribe me with gifts- Do you have any interest in art at all, or was this just an attempt to win me over?
[ It's hard for Kaveh to tell whether this is something romantic - in which case, that is highly inappropriate and against the academic code of honor - or to try and butter Kaveh up as a professor and use him to further Alhaitham's academic career.
...which would not make much sense, considering they're in different fields of study, and Alhaitham's grade in his class is generally quite good. ]
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For a moment, he can't help but worry if this is it — if he'll ever get Kaveh's attention again. But no, he can't give up. He can't let this be the end. ]
... It wasn't bribery. This is completely unrelated to my being your student and my grades in your class. I do have an interest in art, because I have an interest in you. I want to know what makes you happy.
[ How is he supposed to explain to him that life felt colorless and uninteresting before he met Kaveh and now it's like nothing else matters as much as gaining Kaveh's favor?
... But then again, would that even matter to Kaveh? Just because Alhaitham is interested in him, just because this is the first time Alhaitham has ever wanted anyone, doesn't mean Kaveh needs to humor him. Maybe he shouldn't have done this in the first place. ]
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It would be incredibly inappropriate to even entertain something like this, and he knows it. Even if Kaveh were interested, which he isn't.
A heavy sigh; Kaveh sits back in his chair. He remembers the coffee in his hand. ]
You have an interest in me? As what? A mentor, like you said? A friend, or colleague, or something else?
[ Alhaitham mentioning his angle - to know what makes Kaveh happy - is slightly flattering, he has to admit. ]
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I want you as a mate, but I'd settle for a friend if you're not interested in me. I don't know if I'd be able to handle it if you found a mate who wasn't me though, even if we did decide to just be friends.
[ The idea of it makes him want to bite something, to rip, to tear. He doesn't want to give Kaveh up to another alpha, doesn't even want to entertain the idea. He still isn't looking at Kaveh, head ducked slightly out of shame and his scent still carries a sour tinge of melancholy on it. But he's not lying, he's being as honest as he can be in this moment about his feelings for Kaveh. ]
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...it is rather hard to just shut him down, though. Kaveh feels oddly drawn to Alhaitham in a way he never has with other alphas, which is the only thing keeping him from kicking Alhaitham out right there. ]
Why? You only know me through this one class I've taught you. You have no idea if we would be compatible, and on top of that, it simply isn't appropriate.
[ Kaveh takes his job very seriously. There is no way he's going to tarnish his reputation for something like this. ]
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Part of him truly hates it. ]
I can't... explain it. [ Alhaitham lifts a hand, pressing it to his face and closes his eyes. He looks pained as he mumbles through his fingers. ] Ever since we met, I haven't wanted anything but you. Your scent, your voice, the way you move, it's all consumed me. I ache to be the perfect alpha for you, but I don't know how. I've never felt like this before.
[ Archons, this is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to him. He doesn't even know how he'll deal with reliving this moment again and again, especially after being rejected. He might genuinely take up drinking. ]
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That's... flattering. But wouldn't you do better to pursue a peer? Surely there must be someone you've been interested in. Besides, college is about having fun and experimenting, isn't it?
[ ...he can't believe he's encouraging a student to get up to mischief. He also can't believe he's not simply kicking Alhaitham out, but there is something about the sight of him like this that tugs at Kaveh's chest. ]
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