[ 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. ]
[ Alhaitham doesn't know about any of that, no. But he wants to know. He wants to know everything there is to know about Kaveh, wants to be a suitable alpha for him and to woo him in whatever fashion he can. He's committed and he knows himself, he knows his interest won't shift.
But he also knows he sounds kind of insane, doesn't he? It's not unheard of — an alpha getting fixated on an omega and that's it, that's all they want, forever. But it is pretty rare. Even rarer if Alhaitham is actually a lone wolf like he's been accused of being. Yet, Alhaitham feels so sure of this, of himself, of their potential as mates. ]
Then give me a trial run. A few weeks, we can learn about each other, and if it feels like a good match, we can make it official. I don't know about your vices or habits, you're right, but doesn't that mean I can learn about them?
[ A thought hits him then and for the first time, his confidence wavers. He didn't even conceive of this before but now he's worried. ]
Unless... you don't like my scent? Or me. You don't smell like you're dating anyone, so I thought it'd be fine to court you but if you are...
[ He could be dating a beta. Or another omega? But Kaveh doesn't seem the type. Still, it's not like Alhaitham would know. Shit. ]
[ A trial run? It's a bad idea, a terrible idea, and Kaveh knows it. Maybe it's the odd combination of determination and desperation that makes him waver from his usual hard stance of giving attention to alphas he doesn't know. Alhaitham could be awful- No, that's not even the issue! Kaveh is his professor! ]
It's not your scent- Your scent is fine.
[ Kaveh is quick to assure him; Alhaitham's scent is distracting if he doesn't keep himself in check. ]
And I'm not dating anyone. I haven't in... how long? Anyway, it's been a while, not that that's any of your concern. Look, I absolutely can't do anything with you while you're in my class. You get that, right? If it were to come out, people would think you're getting preferential treatment, and I am not jeopardizing my career for you. I need this job, and I'm not getting fired and blacklisted because you like the way I smell.
[ His scent is fine. Does that mean Kaveh likes it? He still can't figure it out, but he's hoping it does. He knows he likes Kaveh's scent. Rather desperately too. He aches with the urge to pull Kaveh's hand close, to press his nose to his wrist and take in his scent. He wants it so bad.
But Kaveh is speaking rationally. He shouldn't jeopardize his career for Alhaitham. Alhaitham wouldn't want him to. It drives him insane, the idea of not being able to be with Kaveh now but — ]
I can wait.
[ He lifts a hand to drag it over his face and sits back in his seat, trying to shake off the desperation that was building in him at Kaveh's continued refusal. ]
I'll wait until I'm finished your class. In the meantime, can't we get to know each other as mentor and mentee? No one would look twice at us having lunch or dinner together in that case.
[ He knows one thing though: he can't just go cold turkey on Kaveh while he waits to finish his class. To see him just during classes and that's it, Alhaitham would shrivel up and die. ]
[ Kaveh hasn't let himself relax around Alhaitham's scent enough to know if he likes it, but he does know he doesn't hate it. It doesn't repulse him or anything like that, but he is also very aware of how much he's letting himself focus on it.
When Alhaitham says I can wait, Kaveh is slightly surprised. There is no bullheaded insistence of now, and the fact that he wants to get to know Kaveh better as mentor and mentee in the meantime settles Kaveh's concern, and shows him away out. Because if Alhaitham were to get to know him better, surely he would change his mind. A handsome young alpha like him? He doesn't need to tie himself to a mess like Kaveh.
So, he finds himself nodding. ]
I'll accept getting to know you as mentor and mentee. But in exchange, I want you to choose one artistic hobby to pursue while we get to know each other. If it's photography, fine. It can be whatever you like.
[ And Kaveh feels a bit satisfied with the idea that, even when Alhaitham realizes Kaveh is not worth the trouble, he'll have turned another student to appreciate the arts. ]
[ There's relief in Alhaitham at Kaveh's agreement because he doesn't see an ending to this where Alhaitham's feelings don't grow even stronger. In fact, at Kaveh's words, Alhaitham can't help the small smile that breaks out across his face as he looks back at Kaveh. ]
I wasn't pretending when I considered photography earlier. Though part of it was inspired by wanting to photograph you, if you'd let me.
[ But okay. Yeah. This is good. This is progress. He can live with this. ]
[ Wasn't pretending? Sure, they'll see about that. Kaveh has had plenty of guys suddenly take an interest in art and drop it entirely when he didn't agree to go out with them. Kaveh is not impressed with that kind of behavior. But... he's a little taken with Alhaitham's smile, admittedly. Looks aren't everything, but he certainly has that going for him. ]
You want to photograph me? Clothes on, I assume.
[ Kaveh pulls out his phone, though; he can't believe he's about to give a student his personal number. ]
[ Alhaitham wasn't even thinking about nude photography, so when Kaveh says that, there's a moment where Alhaitham's mind pictures Kaveh nude and his face goes carefully blank as he thinks about it.
That's.
That.
Hm.
If Kaveh is paying attention, he's notice the slight pinkness of Alhaitham's face and the way his scent turns a little warm and aroused at the thought. This is not his fault, alright? He was thinking perfectly innocent thoughts before Kaveh made the suggestion.
He clears his throat then. ]
Whatever you're most comfortable with.
[ Look, he's not going to turn down nude photography if it's on the table. But for now, he'll pull out his phone as well, taking the moment to exchange numbers with Kaveh. Kaveh will get a text then, a simple: ]
Hi. It's Alhaitham.
[ And Alhaitham looks back up, having got himself a bit more in control. ]
That photography book you mentioned, I can still borrow it, right?
[ It was an offhand remark; surely Alhaitham will not get any ideas from it. Kaveh's clothes will remain firmly on, though he's definitely done nude modeling for money before. ...ah. Alhaitham is thinking about it, Kaveh can tell. He scents it, and his own face grows slightly warm. Just an effect of noticing, of course! ]
Well, you're the photographer, so you'll have to decide the kind of shots that you want to take. Within reason.
[ Kaveh looks down as his phone buzzes. It feels like something he shouldn't be doing, but- It's purely platonic, is what he tells himself. Academic. He has no interest in tying himself to an alpha, especially not one who is his student. ]
Ah- Sure, I can bring it to class tomorrow, if you'd like.
[ Something about the way Alhaitham texts - proper grammar and punctuation - is endearing. ]
[ They can remain on. He won't press the issue. But it doesn't mean he isn't thinking about it, it doesn't mean he doesn't want it. Nude photographs, just for himself, just for his pleasure. Ugh, he has to stop thinking about it. ]
Within reason, of course.
[ He's not going to push!!!
Instead, he looks a little relieved at the answer to his question and nods. ]
Okay. [ . . . ] Are you free after class tomorrow? I'd like to take you for lunch.
[ Look, Kaveh can't police Alhaitham's thoughts... but he certainly will try, if given the slightest hint that is what he's thinking about.
The relief in the air is palpable, though, so Kaveh relaxes just the slightest bit. Maybe Alhaitham really will get the hint; maybe this is just a passing fancy, which wouldn't be the first time Kaveh has been in this position. It's just... usually less intense. He's never been given gifts over a period of time, and then confronted, and-
Well, Alhaitham is attractive. You can't fault a guy for looking. ]
It wouldn't be a date. You know that, right?
[ But yeah... he could make time. Kaveh is never really free; he's always doing something, whether it's teaching or working on his own art. ]
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no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
...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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
But he also knows he sounds kind of insane, doesn't he? It's not unheard of — an alpha getting fixated on an omega and that's it, that's all they want, forever. But it is pretty rare. Even rarer if Alhaitham is actually a lone wolf like he's been accused of being. Yet, Alhaitham feels so sure of this, of himself, of their potential as mates. ]
Then give me a trial run. A few weeks, we can learn about each other, and if it feels like a good match, we can make it official. I don't know about your vices or habits, you're right, but doesn't that mean I can learn about them?
[ A thought hits him then and for the first time, his confidence wavers. He didn't even conceive of this before but now he's worried. ]
Unless... you don't like my scent? Or me. You don't smell like you're dating anyone, so I thought it'd be fine to court you but if you are...
[ He could be dating a beta. Or another omega? But Kaveh doesn't seem the type. Still, it's not like Alhaitham would know. Shit. ]
no subject
It's not your scent- Your scent is fine.
[ Kaveh is quick to assure him; Alhaitham's scent is distracting if he doesn't keep himself in check. ]
And I'm not dating anyone. I haven't in... how long? Anyway, it's been a while, not that that's any of your concern. Look, I absolutely can't do anything with you while you're in my class. You get that, right? If it were to come out, people would think you're getting preferential treatment, and I am not jeopardizing my career for you. I need this job, and I'm not getting fired and blacklisted because you like the way I smell.
[ But... he's not... saying no. ]
no subject
But Kaveh is speaking rationally. He shouldn't jeopardize his career for Alhaitham. Alhaitham wouldn't want him to. It drives him insane, the idea of not being able to be with Kaveh now but — ]
I can wait.
[ He lifts a hand to drag it over his face and sits back in his seat, trying to shake off the desperation that was building in him at Kaveh's continued refusal. ]
I'll wait until I'm finished your class. In the meantime, can't we get to know each other as mentor and mentee? No one would look twice at us having lunch or dinner together in that case.
[ He knows one thing though: he can't just go cold turkey on Kaveh while he waits to finish his class. To see him just during classes and that's it, Alhaitham would shrivel up and die. ]
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When Alhaitham says I can wait, Kaveh is slightly surprised. There is no bullheaded insistence of now, and the fact that he wants to get to know Kaveh better as mentor and mentee in the meantime settles Kaveh's concern, and shows him away out. Because if Alhaitham were to get to know him better, surely he would change his mind. A handsome young alpha like him? He doesn't need to tie himself to a mess like Kaveh.
So, he finds himself nodding. ]
I'll accept getting to know you as mentor and mentee. But in exchange, I want you to choose one artistic hobby to pursue while we get to know each other. If it's photography, fine. It can be whatever you like.
[ And Kaveh feels a bit satisfied with the idea that, even when Alhaitham realizes Kaveh is not worth the trouble, he'll have turned another student to appreciate the arts. ]
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I wasn't pretending when I considered photography earlier. Though part of it was inspired by wanting to photograph you, if you'd let me.
[ But okay. Yeah. This is good. This is progress. He can live with this. ]
Do you want to exchange phone numbers?
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You want to photograph me? Clothes on, I assume.
[ Kaveh pulls out his phone, though; he can't believe he's about to give a student his personal number. ]
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That's.
That.
Hm.
If Kaveh is paying attention, he's notice the slight pinkness of Alhaitham's face and the way his scent turns a little warm and aroused at the thought. This is not his fault, alright? He was thinking perfectly innocent thoughts before Kaveh made the suggestion.
He clears his throat then. ]
Whatever you're most comfortable with.
[ Look, he's not going to turn down nude photography if it's on the table. But for now, he'll pull out his phone as well, taking the moment to exchange numbers with Kaveh. Kaveh will get a text then, a simple: ]
Hi. It's Alhaitham.
[ And Alhaitham looks back up, having got himself a bit more in control. ]
That photography book you mentioned, I can still borrow it, right?
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Well, you're the photographer, so you'll have to decide the kind of shots that you want to take. Within reason.
[ Kaveh looks down as his phone buzzes. It feels like something he shouldn't be doing, but- It's purely platonic, is what he tells himself. Academic. He has no interest in tying himself to an alpha, especially not one who is his student. ]
Ah- Sure, I can bring it to class tomorrow, if you'd like.
[ Something about the way Alhaitham texts - proper grammar and punctuation - is endearing. ]
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Within reason, of course.
[ He's not going to push!!!
Instead, he looks a little relieved at the answer to his question and nods. ]
Okay. [ . . . ] Are you free after class tomorrow? I'd like to take you for lunch.
[ Purely as a mentor/mentee, right!! ]
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The relief in the air is palpable, though, so Kaveh relaxes just the slightest bit. Maybe Alhaitham really will get the hint; maybe this is just a passing fancy, which wouldn't be the first time Kaveh has been in this position. It's just... usually less intense. He's never been given gifts over a period of time, and then confronted, and-
Well, Alhaitham is attractive. You can't fault a guy for looking. ]
It wouldn't be a date. You know that, right?
[ But yeah... he could make time. Kaveh is never really free; he's always doing something, whether it's teaching or working on his own art. ]
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