[ 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. ]
[ Alhaitham's hand drops from his face as he heaves a sigh, his elbows braced on his lap and he leans forward a little, head dropping forward and eyes fixed on the ground between his feet. He looks a little defeated. A lot defeated. This is the first time he's been able to speak to anyone about his feelings since they struck him and it's a little mortifying for that person to be the object of his affections in the first place. ]
Is that what you want me to do?
[ He doesn't like the idea of it. Pursuing other omegas, kissing them, having sex with them. It makes him feel vaguely ill. But if that's what Kaveh wants of him, he would do it. For him. ]
I apologize if my lack of experience is offputting. I can find another omega, if that's what you want. [ He finally looks up at Kaveh again then, the look in his eyes a little frazzled. ] I'll gain the experience I need and return when you deem me fit.
[ Is that too much to say? It feels like too much to say but he's out of his depth here. His previous attempts at courting failed but Kaveh hasn't fully kicked him out yet so maybe he just... needs to do something to be suitable for Kaveh. ]
[ Return when Kaveh deems him fit? What is this vaguely kicked-puppy-like atmosphere? Kaveh falters, because while he is used to unwanted attention, he's never had anyone pursue him like this before. Why does he actually want to give this guy a chance? It's not like Kaveh wants to be alone forever; he's just not interested in someone who only wants him as arm candy or a fulfillment of the status quo. ]
It's- It's not a matter of your experience. This is honestly one of the nicest ways anyone has tried to hit on me before. But you can't go pursuing your professors!
[ Kaveh's totally not saying this would be a chance he'd take - for a first date, at least, or spending some time together - if Alhaitham weren't a student. ]
There are so many other options. I don't know what it is about me that you've been particularly drawn to, but look at you; you must have had tons of interest from your peers.
[ Give him a chance. Alhaitham doesn't know what's going on in Kaveh's mind, doesn't know how close he is to not being rejected. But he still feels the desperate need to convince Kaveh, to show him that they'd be good together. Of course, he doesn't know why he's convinced of that other than his instincts telling him that Kaveh is his perfect mate. He really wants to learn more about him, so he can point out why they'd be a good match beyond just the wolf in his head going crazy over him.
At the last bit, Alhaitham's mouth draws into a thin line because sure, he has had some interest from others. Omegas in particular fall for him easy and because he's so distant from others, some people see it as a challenge to get him to fall for them. It never works. ]
I can be discreet, professor. I can wear scent blockers. I can contact you only off campus. The fact that you're my professor is irrelevant to me, I would have wanted you regardless.
[ A sigh. ]
I'm not interested in others. I've never been. Please stop asking me to pursue someone else. I'll only do it if it's necessary to be with you. I know myself extremely well and I know that my attention isn't going to shift. A year from now. Five years from now. Fifty years from now. All I'm going to want is you.
[ It's absolutely wild that Kaveh is not turning him down immediately. He's a bit flustered at hearing the conviction in Alhaitham's voice, but surely this must just be... youthful foolishness? Kaveh falters, unsure of how to handle someone this stubborn. ]
Why is it you think I am the only one you could possibly be attracted to? You have no idea about my vices, or whether or not my habits would annoy you.
[ For instance, Kaveh likes wine a bit too much. He's overly critical of his own work and that of others, and he gets stuck in his own head far too often. None of these things come through in his lectures, which he keeps purely professional... but he is naturally as passionate about teaching as he is about other aspects of his life.
And then there's the debt. No, Alhaitham absolutely would turn tail and run if he knew all about the skeletons in Kaveh's closet. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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. ]
no subject
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?
no subject
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?
no subject
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?
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
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?
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
Is that what you want me to do?
[ He doesn't like the idea of it. Pursuing other omegas, kissing them, having sex with them. It makes him feel vaguely ill. But if that's what Kaveh wants of him, he would do it. For him. ]
I apologize if my lack of experience is offputting. I can find another omega, if that's what you want. [ He finally looks up at Kaveh again then, the look in his eyes a little frazzled. ] I'll gain the experience I need and return when you deem me fit.
[ Is that too much to say? It feels like too much to say but he's out of his depth here. His previous attempts at courting failed but Kaveh hasn't fully kicked him out yet so maybe he just... needs to do something to be suitable for Kaveh. ]
no subject
It's- It's not a matter of your experience. This is honestly one of the nicest ways anyone has tried to hit on me before. But you can't go pursuing your professors!
[ Kaveh's totally not saying this would be a chance he'd take - for a first date, at least, or spending some time together - if Alhaitham weren't a student. ]
There are so many other options. I don't know what it is about me that you've been particularly drawn to, but look at you; you must have had tons of interest from your peers.
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At the last bit, Alhaitham's mouth draws into a thin line because sure, he has had some interest from others. Omegas in particular fall for him easy and because he's so distant from others, some people see it as a challenge to get him to fall for them. It never works. ]
I can be discreet, professor. I can wear scent blockers. I can contact you only off campus. The fact that you're my professor is irrelevant to me, I would have wanted you regardless.
[ A sigh. ]
I'm not interested in others. I've never been. Please stop asking me to pursue someone else. I'll only do it if it's necessary to be with you. I know myself extremely well and I know that my attention isn't going to shift. A year from now. Five years from now. Fifty years from now. All I'm going to want is you.
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Why is it you think I am the only one you could possibly be attracted to? You have no idea about my vices, or whether or not my habits would annoy you.
[ For instance, Kaveh likes wine a bit too much. He's overly critical of his own work and that of others, and he gets stuck in his own head far too often. None of these things come through in his lectures, which he keeps purely professional... but he is naturally as passionate about teaching as he is about other aspects of his life.
And then there's the debt. No, Alhaitham absolutely would turn tail and run if he knew all about the skeletons in Kaveh's closet. ]
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