Chapter Text
Late Summers were always nostalgic for Kaveh in a bittersweet sense. His parents used to take him to their town's annual end of the summer carnival where they would go on rides and play games together. The day never failed to end with Kaveh holding a plush toy while his parents held hands and walked beside him.
It was a sweet memory, one he cherished deeply after his Father had passed, and his Mother moved on. It was perhaps, the last remaining memory he had of the two of them so happy together and that’s why he found himself unable to set foot onto the carnival grounds until today.
He’d received a text from a former classmate a few days ago. It was completely random and Kaveh could only vaguely remember this classmate’s face but he enjoyed texting him all the same. They spoke about their hobbies and interests until the other invited him out to the carnival.
Kaveh, of course, had his reservations due to his past, but when his classmate confessed their feelings to him, he couldn’t turn the offer down.
I’ve actually been interested in you for a long time, Kaveh. That’s why I reached out. I hope you’ll join me and my friends for the carnival!
The confession may have been through a text message, but it lit up Kaveh’s mood instantly. How could he possibly reject such a request?
That’s what brought Kaveh to his full-length mirror. Twirling as he made sure his red shirt was nicely tucked into his pants. He had opted for a more baggy, relaxed look due to the heat and the fact that he’d be doing a lot of walking that day. He paired the red and black ensemble with some white vans before heading out the door.
The carnival grounds were surprisingly busy, even though it was late in the afternoon. Kids holding large toy bunnies and frogs scurried around, chasing each other with plastic swords and lightsabers. Kaveh chuckled at their shenanigans, reminded of how he used to reenact sword fights with his Father.
He looked around for his classmates but didn’t see any sign of them. Perhaps they went ahead without him? He strolled over to the ticket booth and to his surprise, the Haunted Mansion attraction was quite costly.
We’re going to the Haunted Mansion first! I know it's a cliche romantic move but I still want to do this with you…
The message left him flustered and anticipating the moment he could finally see his classmate. The guy certainly wasn’t bad-looking and had done pretty well in his studies from what Kaveh could remember. Truthfully, he was someone a lot of people wanted and the idea that this highly revered classmate had chosen him felt like a dream.
Ticket prices sure were something these days though. $60 was a lot just to go on a few rides and play games but Kaveh guessed it was money well spent. If it got him out of the house and facing his past to relieve the guilt even a little then, he figured the price didn’t matter much, and besides, he might get a boyfriend and even an entire friend group out of it! Still, the fact that several signs with “NO REFUNDS” painted on them did nothing to ease his nerves.
He thanked the attendant at the ticket booth before proceeding to the Haunted Mansion attraction, his nerves growing with each step. There was quite a long line in front of him but soon enough, he was able to spot a group of four people from the Akademiya. Two guys and two girls dressed casually and relaxed. Just what you’d expect to see at a carnival such as this. They all looked as if they were on some sort of double date. He strolled over to them, his hands sweating buckets from nerves.
He gave them a small smile as he introduced himself. “H-hi, I’m-”
“Oh my god, he actually came!” one of the girls squealed. “You were so right about him.” The group laughed as they glanced at Kaveh. He felt a void well up inside him.
He glanced at the classmate he’d been texting. This classmate was just as good-looking as he was in school, even better without a uniform, Kaveh was loathe to admit. “You didn’t honestly believe I was interested in you, did you?” he said. Kaveh could feel something inside himself shatter at the realization. They only invited him out here for a good laugh. No one was interested in being his friend let alone lover.
Not knowing what else to do as he felt his tears begin to spill, Kaveh took off. He kept running, meaning to exit the carnival grounds altogether. In the distance, he could hear the loud chortling of the group behind him.
The layout of the carnival must’ve changed since his childhood, much to Kaveh’s dismay, because he ended up at the Ferris wheel instead. The line outside was large but the timer posted outside only promised a 20-minute wait at most. That was better than the surrounding attractions he supposed and he had to get rid of the tickets somehow.
He wiped his face with some napkins as best as he could to look somewhat presentable and not at all like he had just been publicly humiliated by former classmates before getting in line. The sign posted outside was surprisingly accurate since Kaveh was already at the front in about 15 minutes.
With his focus on the ride, Kaveh didn’t even register his keys falling from his pocket. “Excuse me,” a deep voice said behind him. Kaveh peered up at the man, questioning. He was a tall figure with piercing eyes and enough muscle mass to probably bench-press him! The stranger made Kaveh forget about what had happened moments before instantly. “You dropped these,” the stranger said. He held out Kaveh’s keys.
“O-oh, thank you so much!” he said as he accepted the keys from the stranger. Their hands brushed slightly which only led Kaveh to feel even more embarrassed. First, it was falling for a stupid trap and now a stranger handing him the keys he’d dropped, what dumb thing would he do next?
“I’ve already been here for an hour but still have so many tickets to get through. At this point, I just really want to go home.” The stranger’s voice snapped Kaveh out of his thoughts.
He nodded as he held up his own batch of tickets. “Yeah, these were definitely a rip-off.”
“The No Refund signs should’ve been warning enough but I guess we’re both fools just looking for a good time.” To his own surprise, Kaveh smiled at the stranger’s words. “Are you here alone?” he asked. Kaveh bristled at the question but the guy seemed to catch on. “I’m only asking cause singles are paired.” he pointed to another sign.
Kaveh glanced over to see in black bold letters “SINGLES WILL BE PAIRED.” He flushed upon not realizing it sooner. Of course people would be paired together! It was a ride meant for couples after all.
“It looks like we’ll be spending some time together.”
“I-I’m sorry?” Kaveh replied.
“We’re up next.” True to his word, the attendant held his hand out for Kaveh and the stranger to step up onto the platform. Before he knew it, they were sharing a cabin together.
Kaveh felt himself blush at the thought of being alone with such a handsome stranger for the ride but when he looked up, the man had pulled out a book and began reading. Kaveh was completely baffled by this. Just what was the point of coming onto the ride in the first place?
“I told you, I just want to get my money’s worth out of the tickets.” Kaveh mentally facepalmed as he realized he’d said it out loud, but chose to argue back anyway.
“You’re hardly getting your money’s worth if you’re just sat reading the entire time.”
“Then what do you suppose I do instead?” The man tucked his pocket-sized book back into his pants as he looked at him.
Kaveh glanced out of the cabin as it slowly began to load more and more people. “Isn’t the view beautiful? You can see parents playing with their children and couples enjoying themselves.”
“You don’t look like you’re enjoying yourself.” The stranger crossed his arms as he stared at Kaveh.
“What makes you say that?”
The man tilted his head to the size, a gesture reminiscent of a cat studying something curiously. “Your eyes, they’re puffy and swollen. Did someone make you cry?”
Kaveh felt a lump in his throat. He couldn’t bring himself to get the words out and in all honesty, he just felt pathetic. Here he was ruining this stranger’s day by being unable to hold back his emotions. Immediately he was spouting apologies. For what exactly, he wasn’t quite sure.
“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make some stranger deal with m-my shit. This is just… ugh- I’m terrible.” He brought his hands to wipe away another stream of oncoming tears. They raced down his red cheeks. He harshly rubbed at his eyes to make them stop but then another hand was grasping both of his and pulling them away. Kaveh saw the stranger give him a sympathetic smile through his blurry vision.
“It’s okay,” he said. “I really don’t mind. Just calm down first.” Kaveh tried his best to control his crying between heaving breaths. Eventually, he was able to get a hold of himself. The stranger handed him a tissue which Kaveh hesitantly took. “What’s your name?” he asked.
“K-Kaveh…yours?”
“Alhaitham. Look outside.” Kaveh followed Alhaitham’s eyes to the scene out the window. The sun was beginning to set painting the sky a striking gradient of pink and orange. It was a breathtaking view that caused his breath to hitch. “Beautiful,” he remarked.
Kaveh turned back to Alhaitham to find the other man staring at him. “Y-yeah, the view is incredible.” Gathering the courage, he asked, “Better than that book, I bet.”
“Indeed.”
When they reached the top, the ride paused to pick up the last few passengers. Kaveh was smiling wide at the window, today’s troubles vanished from his mind as Alhaitham still clutched onto his hand.
“O-Oh sorry. “ Kaveh pulled away. “I-I didn’t mean to-”
“It’s okay.” The awkward tension in the cabin was thick but it was a far better feeling than the humiliation from before. Something about Alhaitham’s calm demeanor eased his mind and cleared his thoughts. “Are you a student?” he suddenly asked.
“Yeah, I’m a Senior studying Architecture and Design. You?”
“Linguistics, Junior year. What university do you attend? I go to Sumeru’s Akademiya.” Kaveh lit up upon hearing his words.
“Me too! I’m in Kshahrewar and if you’re doing linguistics then you must be in Haravatat?” He chuckled. “That explains the book.”
“Kshahrewar? That must be quite the challenge.” Alhaitham brought a hand to his chin in thought. “You wouldn’t happen to be Kaveh as in…the Light of the Kshahrewar, would you?” Kaveh blushed a deep red causing the other to smirk.
Alhaitham reached out a hand to Kaveh. “The functionality and aesthetics of your designs are treasured by many, but I feel your work can also be quite costly. Nevertheless, I appreciate your contributions.” Kaveh frowned but shook Alhaitham’s hand anyway.
“My designs may be costly but they’re meaningful and have brought people joy.” He sighed. “I-I know I still have certain areas to work on, but I’m willing to pour my own mora into my work if needed. Realizing my dreams, making them a reality. What else could life be about?”
Alhaitham seemed to give his question, although rhetorical, some deep thought as the wheel dipped back onto the platform. Alhaitham gave a wave to the awaiting crowd before returning his attention to Kaveh.
“Oh, are you with someone?” Kaveh asked. He didn’t know why, but he felt his heart sink in his chest. Of course, Alhaitham would have a partner he’d want to attend the carnival with. Haravatat students weren’t exactly known for participating in social events of their own free will.
“Just a couple of friends. They dragged me out here in the hopes I’d…socialize I guess you could say.” He frowned as he said it, his eyebrows furrowing adorably which had Kaveh smiling.
“Well, I-I’m glad they did.” Alhaitham peered at him inquisitively. It made him feel like he was on the hot seat, Alhaitham’s undivided attention entirely on him. With those eyes that just seemed to stare into his very soul, Kaveh thought that if he was standing in that moment, his knees would surely buckle.
“Finding a person or people to care for, spending time with them, and loving them for who they are. That’s what life is about.”
“Pardon?” Kaveh gasped.
“Your question from earlier,” Alhaitham clarified. “You asked what else life could be about and that’s my answer. I believe life is about finding the people or person that matters most to you and cherishing them in every aspect.”
Kaveh couldn’t help the rising heat pooling in his chest at such a bold declaration. Although a wondrous sentiment, Kaveh had to disagree. “I believe life is about finding yourself and sure, connecting with people can be helpful, but they can also hurt you too. Achieving your dreams, now that is something others can’t take away from you.”
As the words slipped past his lips, he wanted to suddenly backtrack. His words were not nearly as elegant as Alhaitham’s were. If anything, he sounded like a drunken idiot. Upon remembering how he spent a good majority of his nights, Kaveh supposed the thought wasn’t too far off.
Alhaitham glanced at the setting sun. They’d reached the top of the Ferris wheel again. The light from outside shined on his silver-grey hair, highlighting his features. “Perhaps you just haven’t found the right people,” he claimed.
Kaveh wanted to add more to the conversation but remained silent, not quite sure of how to proceed. They watched the setting sun for another rotation before the door to their cabin opened and it was time for them to part ways. Kaveh was last to leave, he glanced back at the window, wistful.
Alhaitham held his hand for Kaveh to take which the blonde did with a smile. They walked off the platform to allow others to enjoy the attraction. Kaveh abruptly let go of Alhaitham’s hand, realizing he had held on to it for too long. “Well, goodbye.” He smiled and turned away but a gentle grip around his wrist stopped him from proceeding further. “Haitham?”
“Help me hide from my friends.” That…was the last thing Kaveh expected him to say and being dragged into the hall of mirrors was also an unexpected circumstance but more than ideal.
“W-what’s going on? Why are you hiding from your friends?” Kaveh inquired after Alhaitham pushed him against the back of a mirror. There was barely any space between them. In fact, Kaveh was sure that if he turned his head slightly, their lips would brush. They stayed in that position for a few minutes until Alhaitham pulled away and peered outside.
He ran a hand through his hair as he chuckled. “Before going onto the Ferris wheel, I may have neglected to let them know so they had to ride without me.”
“Oh, so they were expecting you?”
“Yes, and I’m certain they want my head on a stake for bailing on them but, not to worry. I’m sure they’ll occupy themselves with each other and forget about this third wheel.”
“O-oh.” Kaveh held in his laughter at his words but the idea that Alhaitham was third-wheeling was absurd. “Is your partner not with you today?” he asked the other who was glancing at the entrance for his friends.
“Partner?” Alhaitham asked. “If you’re talking about my cat then no, she dislikes loud places much like me. If you’re suggesting that I have a romantic partner, however—he folded his arms—that is an entirely different matter and for the record, I don’t.”
Kaveh blurted out his thoughts before he could even process them. “H-how? What’s not to like?” Alhaitham smirked at him which made Kaveh want to just curl up and die right there. Around Alhaitham, his brain cells just seemed to defenestrate themselves. “I-I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Oh, then please tell me, Senior, what did you mean?” Kaveh flustered, but just shoved past the other, ignoring his teasing remark.
“A-anyways, we should get out of here. I’m not too fond of-” Kaveh jumped when he saw a tall cloaked figure in the mirror beside him. He realized too late it was just a simple decoration. Fortunately, Alhaitham managed to catch him before he fell. Unfortunately, this also meant Kaveh had put himself in an incredibly awkward situation.
His hand rested on Alhaitham’s chest with their face mere inches apart. Once Kaveh collected his bearings, he pushed himself away, cheeks as red as they could be from what just happened. “I-I’m so sorry. I’ve just…I’ve never liked this place.”
Alhaitham didn’t comment on Kaveh’s odd behavior. He simply grasped his hand, enclosing it in his own as if it was a perfectly natural thing to do, and guided him outside of the hall of mirrors.
Kaveh couldn’t be happier about it. The last thing he wanted was to be teased for such an irrational fear. It wasn’t that Kaveh was scared of mirrors, but being in such a tight space with dozens of them around him definitely caused a chill up his spine.
Once again, Kaveh tried to pull his hand out of Alhaitham’s grasp, not wanting to make the other uncomfortable. Kaveh wasn’t sure if his new…acquaintance was straight or otherwise but the last thing he wanted was to be bullied for his personal preferences.
Surprisingly, Alhaitham didn’t let go of his hand. He just continued walking to the booths nearby filled with games. Perhaps he was just trying to obtain a few prizes as an apology to his friends?
“Um, Haitham, I should be goin-”
“Let’s play a few games. We should make the most out of our money.” Kaveh glanced down at the entire roll of tickets he still had left. The other was technically right but he didn’t want to come between Alhaitham and his friends. He voiced as such but Alhaitham was quick to shake his head. “If anything, you’re doing me a favor. Third-wheeling my friends’ date is not my idea of fun. Now come on, I saw one of those shooting booths.”
Alhaitham led Kaveh to a toy gun range filled with prices that had yet to be shot down. The booth was so obviously made to scam people out of their money. “Haitham, I don’t think this booth is a good idea.” Alhaitham gave him what Kaveh had redefined as his signature smirk.
“Just trust me on this one. Which prize do you think would be best?” Kaveh didn’t really know anything about Alhaitham’s friend so he probably wasn’t the best person to choose, but you couldn’t go wrong with a cute kitty plush, right?
Kaveh pointed to the golden kitty plush toy with brown-tipped ears. “That one’s cute.”
“Alright.” Alhaitham bought a few rounds and loaded his toy shotgun before aiming it at the plush toy.
The owner of the stall slyly grinned at them. “If you can hit the cat within three shots, you’ll get a second one for free, but no one’s been able to-”
Clang
Kaveh stared in awe as the cat fell from the shelf. “Told ya, I know what I’m doing,” Alhaitham smirked as he collected his prize from the disgruntled owner. He handed the cat to Kaveh. “It matches your hair,” he commented before turning back to the owner with a frown. “You promised a second?”
The Owner shifted his eyes, left to right as if trying to ignore Alhaitham’s gaze. “It seems the other one has been…misplaced.”
Alhaitham narrowed his eyes at the Owner. “Well then you better go find it,” he replied cooly. Kaveh was certain that if he didn’t have the stall’s countertop to hold onto, he would be swooning from how Alhaitham’s voice sounded.
As they waited for the Owner to return, Kaveh admired the plush toy. It was rather cute, something he’d love to have in his own room as a keepsake. His parents hadn’t allowed him to play games at this booth in the past due to its scamming nature, but, being able to hold a prize from the very same booth somehow felt like a great accomplishment. It felt like a dream he didn’t know he had was finally realized.
“Ah, here it is!” The owner pulled out a grey cat with greenish highlights. He handed it to Kaveh who admired the tufts of fur sticking out. The greyish-white fur, the adorable teal eyes…it kinda looked like. He held the cat up to Alhaitham’s head who chuckled at him.
“Are you going to say it looks like me too?” Kaveh nodded before handing both cats to Alhaitham.
“I’m sure your friends will love these, they’re so cute!” Alhaitham frowned and rubbed his neck awkwardly. To Kaveh’s surprise, the tips of his ears began to redden. “Is something wrong?”
Alhaitham sighed as he pushed both of the toys back toward Kaveh. “They’re for you. I-I got them for you.” Kaveh felt stupid for not realizing it sooner.
“R-right.” He awkwardly took the plush toys into his arms. As if on instinct, he cuddled his face into them. The fur was soft and would fit perfectly into his room at home. He glanced up at Alhaitham once he’d had his fill of the plushies and was surprised to find the other’s face all red. “Oh no, Haitham, are you sick?”
Without thinking, Kaveh brought a hand up to feel Alhaitham’s cheek, caressing it slightly as he noticed his body temperature was definitely hotter than normal. Before Alhaitham could respond, he was leading him away from the stalls to sit down on a nearby bench.
“Kaveh, I’m fine,” but Kaveh made no effort to stop. He handed Alhaitham his cats to hold as he went to purchase some water. He came back to find Alhaitham in a much better state. The redness was gone and as Kaveh touched his forehead, the heat had dissipated.
Kaveh handed Alhaitham his water as he absentmindedly played with the other’s hair. “That must’ve been some weird hot flash. I’m glad you’re doing better now.” He smiled down at the other and jerked his hand away upon realizing just what he was doing. “S-sorry.”
“It’s okay, I liked it.” Alhaitham gazed at Kaveh, a bold expression on his face. Kaveh chuckled awkwardly as he turned his attention to another stall nearby. This one involved throwing bean sacks into a hole.
“Oh hey! I used to love this game as a kid!!” Once he made sure Alhaitham was truly okay, he pulled the other up and led him to the stall.
“I’ll take three please!” he politely said to the woman manning the stall. She handed him the bean bags and easily enough, Kaveh managed to get all three of them into the hole marked 100. A sound went off as the woman brought out their grand prize.
Alhaitham accepted the golden headband of lion ears on Kaveh’s behalf since his hands were full. “Allow me,” he said and Kaveh chuckled but leaned forward for Alhaitham to place them on his head. Perhaps it was just Kaveh’s imagination, but Alhaitham’s touch seemed to linger. He could feel his fingers take care to tuck his hair back and even rub the tips of his ear. The gesture certainly flustered the blonde a little but he didn’t dare comment. “Shall we?” Alhaitham lent his arm to Kaveh. He didn’t know whether he was teasing or being serious but took it anyway.
They walked to another stall, played the game, and won a prize. Alhaitham ended up being quite competitive, deciding he needed to win as many prizes as possible for Kaveh after the initial game.
They ended up needing a bag to fit all their prizes in. The majority of them were plushies, some were food, and others were little knick-knacks like keychains, pens, and other accessories. Even though the prizes were cheap, plasticy, and not at all worth the money he spent, Kaveh didn’t mind. The experience of spending time with Alhaitham was so meaningful to him. He was able to relive some of his childhood memories and this time, he wasn’t simply trailing behind his parents and watching them have all the fun of being completely enamored with someone.
The pattern of playing games and obtaining prizes persisted until their tickets dwindled down to just four. Kaveh stopped Alhaitham who wore a pair of snow leopard ears and some shades they’d won. “Haitham, we only have a few left so whatever we do next has to count.”
He nodded before gesturing to the Ferris wheel. “We can go for one last ride?” Kaveh couldn’t explain it but he felt that was the perfect way to finish off his day with Alhaitham. He nodded and they stood in line.
They talked and bickered about the most random topics. Kaveh felt free to share his own opinions when he couldn’t before. Alhaitham always took Kaveh’s thoughts into careful consideration and though his answers always opposed Kaveh’s own, it made Kaveh feel like he was heard, like his views were wanted.
“I believe personal finances come second to achieving what you desire,” was Kaveh’s current argument.
“How would you go about achieving your dreams if you do not have the finances to realize them?”
“You need to look at the bigger picture here rather than focus on the finer details. The beautiful thing about life is that there are always workarounds and loopholes you can take advantage of.”
Alhaitham shook his head. “I think it's foolish to leap head first into something without considering the minor details of it.” Kaveh huffed in annoyance but truthfully, he was glad to be able to engage in such a discussion with Alhaitham.
“I disagree,” Kaveh responded, “the one who waits to take action may come to find that someone beat him to it. You have to grasp opportunity as soon as it shows itself or you’ll miss your chance.”
Before Alhaitham could say anything, a shrill voice filled the air. Kaveh turned around to see one of the female classmates who had been laughing at him earlier. He felt as if an anchor had been tied to his leg, dragging him into the watery depths of the deep sea, but her attention wasn’t directed at him.
“Alhaitham! It's so good to see you again! Are you enjoying the carnival?” She stared up at Alhaitham with a wide smile, unaware Kaveh was even there.
“Yes,” Alhaitham answered meagerly. She twirled her hair with a finger and laid a hand on Alhaitham’s chest who visibly stiffened at the action.
“That’s great! Hey, I was wondering, since they’re pairing singles…if you’d be interested in riding together.” Kaveh felt his heart sink with those words. He’d been enjoying Alhaitham’s company throughout the carnival. In fact, the other man’s presence made today bearable for him.
Kaveh didn’t bother saying goodbye as he turned to leave but a hand grasped his wrist before he could. “Actually,” Alhaitham said as he dragged Kaveh closer. “I’m here with my boyfriend for a date so I’d appreciate it if you left.” Kaveh was awestruck at what he’d just heard. There was no way those words left Alhaitham’s mouth. The drink he had must’ve been spiked with something.
The classmate stared incredulously at Kaveh as if she couldn’t believe her ears but then her expression shifted into a wide smile. “You can’t be talking about him, surely? He was just here earlier to join us for the hall of mirrors…as part of a double date. In fact, he’s been texting a friend of mine for about a week now.” She glanced at Kaveh, a frown stretching over her face. “You’re not cheating on your boyfriend, are you?”
Kaveh didn’t know how to respond, he’d been caught in a trap that wasn’t even his own doing. He dared to gaze at Alhaitham whose gears were no doubt turning to figure out what actually happened earlier that day. He tried to pull away from the other but with little luck. Alhaitham’s muscles weren’t exactly for show.
“I’m sorry, Kaveh,” the ashen said. “I shouldn’t have upset you earlier. It was all my fault. I’m so sorry.”
“W-what?” Kaveh stupidly said. He glanced between Alhaitham and his classmate.
Alhaitham gave him a pointed look that said to play along. “I upset you this morning, that’s why you went seeking the company of others, isn’t that right? I’m so sorry, Kaveh, I hope you can forgive me.”
Kaveh’s classmate stood there, her eyes blown wide from what she was hearing. Kaveh decided it would be in his best interest to follow Alhaitham’s lead.
“I’m sorry for my actions, Haitham. I-I just…I was so upset because you haven’t had time for me lately. I felt so lonely at home, you know?” Alhaitham hugged Kaveh as a way of suppressing a smile.
“I know, I promise I’ll make more time for you, Babygirl.” They held each other for a few minutes and over Alhaitham’s shoulder, Kaveh could see his classmate’s face grow more and more horrified by their joint performance.
Alhaitham, ever the overachiever, decided to take things up a notch. He pulled away from Kaveh and began kneeling on the ground. “Actually Kaveh, I’ve been wanting to do this for some time.” He pulled out a small black box which Kaveh recognized as one of the prizes they’d won. Inside of it contained a ring pop but no one had to know that.
“Oh my god!” his classmate screeched before running off. Kaveh felt a little guilty about lying and forcing Alhaitham into this as he watched the girl’s retreating figure. He lent his hand to Alhaitham who used it to pull himself off the ground.
He stood up with a smirk on his face. “That was a perfect act, Senior. Thanks for playing along.”
Kaveh shook his head. “You saved my ass there so thank you, Haitham. Though, you didn’t have to play along. Sh-she looks so heartbroken I-” Alhaitham shook his head.
“She’s…persistent in her efforts and I doubt there was any other way to get through to her. I mean, I requested disciplinary action be taken and she tried to charm the Administrator.” They both took a moment to laugh about the entire ordeal until their turn came up.
This time, Alhaitham lent a hand to Kaveh and helped him into the cabin which Kaveh gladly took. They sat side by side, using the other seat to place their bags down. Kaveh spoke up first as he stared out into the night sky filled with stars and gleaming lights from the carnival below.
“You’re not going to ask?” He didn’t need to clarify. Alhatiham seemed to always be able to read Kaveh despite having only spent hardly a day together.
“I figured it would be best for you to explain on your own terms if you so choose.” Kaveh was grateful for his friend’s? consideration. He took a breath before speaking and he told Alhaitham the gist of what happened. Afterward, the other remained silent for a minute before responding. “I’m sorry that happened to you, Kaveh. Someone like you doesn’t deserve to be treated with such disrespect.”
Though he knew Alhaitham’s words were sincere, Kaveh still doubted. “Someone like me?” he questioned, finally facing Alhaitham.
“Mmn, someone who shines so brightly in the crowd. Someone who still considers others despite the wrongs they’ve committed and desires only the best for the people around him.”
No one had ever talked about him in such a manner, not his classmates and certainly not his Mother whose only words for him were “You look too much like your Father,” long after he’d left this world.
Kaveh didn’t realize he was crying again until Alhaitham was brushing away his tears. Without thinking, he leaned on Alhaitham’s shoulder and the other supported him, even going as far as to massage his hand and rub his side. For the first time since his Father had passed, Kaveh felt cared for by someone.
For several minutes, in comfortable silence, they watched the serene view of a sea of stars twinkling in the sky. “It’s beautiful…just like you,” Alhaitham remarked. Kaveh smiled into Alhaitham’s arm while the other stroked back strands of blonde hair.
The ride came to an end and just like before, they walked away from the attraction, Alhaitham with Kaveh’s hand in his and Kaveh with a fond gaze toward the cabin. He had new memories to cherish at this carnival, ones that weren’t wrought with bittersweet longing.
They made their way to the entrance of the carnival. More and more people had left so the grounds were much emptier than when they arrived. Away from the attractions and music that blared through speakers, the night was quiet and calm.
“I guess this is goodbye,” Kaveh said. He didn’t care to draw attention to the stinging pain in his chest at the thought of this being the last he’d see of Alhaitham. Rather, he focused on Alhaitham’s small smile, his unwavering gaze, and the gentle grasp he still had on Kaveh’s hand. They hadn’t let go of each other since retreating from the cabin.
“I suppose it is, but…could I trouble you for a small favor?” Alhaitham asked slyly. Kaveh knew that he was walking into a teasing trap but he did so with excitement.
“Of course, anything for my beloved Junior.” Alhaitham’s ears reddened and Kaveh wanted to tease him so badly for it but he held his tongue.
“If it’s okay with you—he held his arms out— I’d like a hug goodbye…of course, you don’t have-” Alhaitham winced when Kaveh suddenly embraced him, but he was quick to relax into the blonde’s hold.
The two of them must’ve looked ridiculous with fake ears, sunglasses, and plush toys spilling from their bags but all they could focus on was the warmth of the other.
Kaveh waved goodbye to Alhaitham, not really wanting to leave. He watched as the ashen joined a couple that was walking around the grounds and chuckled when one of them pretended to hit Alhaitham’s arms. The momentary anger vanished as Alhaitham was pulled into another hug and oh, how Kaveh wished it were him. How he wished he had friends to scold and tease him.
When Kaveh arrived at his front door, he realized he could’ve shared his phone number with Alhaitham. He groaned at himself for being so stupidly forgetful before entering the empty house. The lights were out so everything was dark, no life in sight.
He sighed as he set his things down on the counter, not really having the heart to put it all away. He made his way to his room and began undressing for bed. As he was taking his pants off, a slip of paper fell out.
XXX-XXX-XXXX
Call me sometime, Babygirl<3
Kaveh smiled brightly at the note, eager for what tomorrow could bring.