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opticfile · 10 months

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𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝

✧ super long wait i know :( i ended up rewriting the entire think 2k words in </3 i hope its worth it i didn't expect to get 500 votes in that poll!!

—✦ 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬 // you were childhood friends with Alhaitham, but what went wrong along the way? after you having a falling out and move away, you reunite in adulthood and conflicting feelings envelop your life

—✦ 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 // Alhaitham

—✦ 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 // use of she/her pronouns, parental issues, divorce, unrequited love, weak attempt at angst, jealousy, alcohol, alhaitham being a jerk

5.9k words

You were seven when you met Alhaitham.

You stuck out your hand to him with a wide grin, bandages over your knees and bruises littering your shins from playing a little too rough. You were bright-eyed and excited to meet a new friend.

Alhaitham was different.

You didn’t know what to think of him. Perhaps the word for it is reserved, but in your little seven-year-old mind you just thought he was plain weird. He tilted his head at you and analyzed you before returning the handshake, and maybe he didn't know what to think of you either. You were only befriending him because he looked lonely reading that silly-looking book of his, you were doing him a favor.

“I’m Y/n!”

“I’m Alhaitham.” He furrowed his brows, “You’re a bit loud.”

You huffed, “I’m just me.”

He seemed to like your answer, and little eight-year-old Alhaitham smiled just the slightest bit.

“Well, then I guess that’s good.”

“Yup! So do you wanna play?” You rocked on your feet.

“I’m busy.” He gestured to his book.

“But books are boring,” You scrunched your nose, “we can play hide and seek instead.”

“...Okay, sure.”

You were hooked. Your interest was piqued and all of a sudden this weird boy was fascinating to you, you wanted to know everything about him. You trailed behind him and giggled at the things he said when he sounded funny and asked him stacks of questions that made him sigh. You were irreversibly obsessed with the boy.

You followed him around when he was on walks and dragged him along with you when he wasn’t. Alhaitham let you, too, he tolerated your noisiness and enjoyed your silliness, and was happy with it. You were thick as thieves, you wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’m taller than you, ya know.” You snickered, using your hand to measure your height but maybe your hand was a little unstable and made you think you were 4 inches taller than you were.

“What? No way, I’m definitely taller.” Alhaitham did his best to look down on you, or at least as far down as someone can look on a person the same height as them.

“Nuh-uh!” You said, “I bet I’m faster too!”

You raced Alhaitham and you don't remember who won. But you do remember the way you laid down in the grass and your chest heaved, and the way that sweat beaded at Alhaitham’s hairline as he grinned at you. Maybe another silly argument ensued about who won, a childish one that had no right or wrong, just the contrary nature of two kids being kids.

You remember poking around in rivers and little caves—the ones you were always too scared to go into but would shout into and listen for the echo—with him by your side. Perhaps he wasn’t the same as you, or maybe your interests didn't quite align, but that kind of thing doesn’t stop kids from being kids together. So while he read his books and pondered the biggest question a child can comprehend, you played in the mud and made bracelets out of flowers.

That year, you brought Alhaitham to your home for dinner one night. You had made this mud pie in the river and it was getting late, you asked him if he wanted to come eat at your house, and he nodded without hesitation. You ran up the path to your father who was sitting on the steps outside your house and handed him your mud pie with a smile, and he beamed down at you.

“Aren’t you quite the baker?” Your father kissed your hairline.

“Yup!”

“Who’s this little boy?” Your mother asked warmly, leaning the broom she was using against the house.

“He’s my friend! His name is Alhaitham.” You sat on the stairs by your father.

“Hello.” Alhaitham smiled shyly, “It’s nice to meet you.”

You remember that day and perhaps it's the memory that’s most sunbathed and joy-covered and dear to your heart.

You were ten when playing in the mud turned into something else.

It’s turned into making little cups out of the wild clay you found in the rivers near your home. You were an artist, and you know how Sumeru sees artists. Your mother supported you, she enjoyed you bringing her your little sun-dried pots and plates and she thought it was the cutest thing.

To your father, your little hobby seemed to be losing its charm. Were you really serious about this? Why were you spending your time doing something like this? Maybe he tried to hide it but maybe he also failed, because even if his words are kind, his face is not. Even if it’s past your bedtime that doesn’t always mean you’re asleep. Even if your door is closed doesn’t mean words don’t echo.

“Why can't she be more like Alhaitham? So naturally intelligent and he barely has to study…” He sighed, “We should’ve been harder on her from the start.”

Your mother pleaded with him, that you’re just ten. But your father only retorted cruelly.

“I will not have my daughter be a failure.”

You sniffled into your little nightgown while you hid in your closet and tears rolled down your eyes and you wondered if you could be more like him, you could gain your father’s praise and love. But in your little brain, you hated Alhaitham for stealing away the love your father would extend when you were little, but such conflicting feelings of affection and resentment are hard for a child to process, and you didn’t know what to make of it.

In the morning when you woke up your eyes were puffy and dry, your stuffed animal had fallen into the crack between your bed and the wall and you wondered if your father was still home. You peeked out of your door and were greeted by a quiet house and your mother drinking tea at the dinner table. Had she always looked this tired?

You were ten and a half when you started to copy him.

Everything he did, you imitated. Everything he said, you questioned him on. You just wanted to know and understand because you wanted to make your parents proud, what little kid wouldn't? But maybe your questions weren't as intelligent as you thought they sounded and maybe common sense and rational thinking could've answered your questions.

But you saw the world in color and art and not numbers and letters, how do you understand a world you do not see?

Yet you tried—and Alhaitham could tell.

He wasn’t sure if he was proud of you for advancing into intellectual spaces, or if he was tired of being your guide. Sometimes you’d peek over his shoulder at his book and he wondered if you could read the pages—you could, your father taught you how—and when he realized you could he waited a little longer to turn the pages. But slowing himself down to accommodate you was unpleasant. Alhaitham firmly believes in the pursuit of knowledge, yet he also believes in worrying about himself before he worries about others. And yet Alhaitham could not simply focus on himself when he was worrying about you.

He tried to push down the disdain because you were his friend. Three years strong, why should he let this dampen it?

(but his feelings and irritation only built and it was only a matter of time before you would notice it in the way he acted)

“Hey, ‘Haitham.” You chirped, “Can I borrow some of your books?”

“Maybe, which ones?” He looked over at you.

“I dunno, good ones. Maybe some that will make me smarter!”

He smiled, “Sure, but only if you promise you’ll take care of them.”

You tried to, really.

You had held them with care the first day you got them and turned the pages slowly so you wouldn't rip them. You made sure that no liquids would be around when you were reading so you didn’t spill anything on the pages. Your eyes traced the loops of the letters and you burned the facts into your head.

But on day two you accidentally ripped the corner of pg 54 and splashed some of your drink on pg 67. No amount of patting dry or rubbing clean would lift the stain, you only managed to lift the top layer of paper and make this uneven circle of damp, pink, peeling paper. You were afraid of the fact you broke your promise and afraid of how Alhaitham may react.

When you returned the books which now each had their own imperfections due to your clumsiness, you felt that sting in your nose that you feel when you’re about to cry. The look in Alhaithams eyes—that disappointment he didn’t know what to do with—was hurting your heart.

“It’s… It’s fine.”

You wonder if he was trying to be kind at that moment.

You were thirteen when your father smashed your dreams.

You made a vase for your mother, you painted it and put flowers in it and she put it in the dining table. But your father was a hard man, inside and out, and the vase wasn’t. The hardened clay proved to be softer than your father’s anger. Your heart wailed and you sobbed into your mother's shoulder as she soothed you, rubbing circles into your back.

“I think you should work towards academics like Alhaitham.” She whispered, “I will help you study.”

What could you do when your only talent was of no use to anyone around you?

Perhaps not even your closest friend is able to be charmed by your talents, maybe that's why he was looking at you with such disinterest. It seemed that your childishness was no longer something he can smile at, maybe it's because he’s fourteen and he thinks he’s too cool to play hide and seek with you now, but you couldn’t help but think no, something else is going on.

Yet every time you were with him, you noticed the way Alhaithams hair framed his face and the way his brows knit together when he was focused. You watched his hands as he flipped the pages. You brushed your pencil over your paper in the shape of his face and you tucked it away because it's your little secret and your crush will die out soon enough.

But every time you were with him you also realized how much smarter he was than you and how much you hated it. You saw the way he had changed and you wondered if you were changing too and if this was going to be good for your friendship or bad for your feelings.

You still resented him because your father liked him more. But then you looked in his eyes and you saw why.

Maybe you liked him more too.

You remember sneaking out of your room a few nights later, after another one of your parent’s fights, and wobbling over to Alhaitham’s. You tapped on his window relentlessly until his drapes were pulled back and he was left scowling down at you. You smiled in return.

Alhaitham opened his window, “What are you doing here at this hour?”

“I can’t- I can’t sleep.” You pouted, “You know how that is.”

“I might end up knowing if you keep me awake like this.” He rubbed his eyes.

“Can you come out?”

“Y/n-”

“Just for a bit, I need to tire out I guess.”

He looked at you with a severely irritated facial expression, taking a deep breath before admitting defeat. He turned from the window and threw on a shirt—you only realized he was shirtless when he stepped back, and perhaps it was more embarrassment than respect that made you turn your eyes away. Alhaitham climbed out of his bedroom window and shot you a glare, you were troubling him so and for no good reason.

Still, he entertained you. Maybe he did like you more than he thought, or at least cared about you to an extent. He thought of you as this annoying distraction, and yet he was letting you distract him in the middle of the night because he just felt kind of bad. It's unnatural, really.

“Do you think that-” You looked up—up—at him, “-we move or the sky moves?”

“What?” He looked down—down—at you, “Are you a philosopher now?”

“I’m just bored and you’re not talking.” You pouted.

“Sorry,” He looked away, “I just don't have much to say at this hour.”

Do you not have much to say at this hour? Or do you not have much to say to me?

“It’s fine.”

And you sat in silence. And the contrast between then and just a few years before made you cringe.

You were fifteen when you and Alhaitham stopped hanging out as much.

The decline between you and Alhaitham was a slow, painful one. It matched the decline of your and your father’s relationship, and his and your mother’s too. It seemed like every happy relationship in your life was fading into something sad and lonely.

He snapped at you for the first time, you think he was a bit harsh, really. But you only blamed yourself because he’s right, you’ve probably been clingy and annoying. You latched onto him for comfort and ignored the way he scowled at you and groaned. You didn't want to accept the fact he doesn’t like you anymore because you still really liked him, you admired him in every way.

“Y/n- Y/n, can you stop following me around like a lost puppy?”

“What? I’m just-”

“You’re just being annoying.”

“...How could you say that to me?” You frowned.

“Because you won't listen to anything else.”

The last time you saw him, you were sixteen.

Your parents separated and you moved away with your mother, you never really saw Alhaitham again after that. Maybe it was a good thing since after that day it was just awkward and uncomfortable. Part of you wonders if Alhaitham ever felt bad or thought of you. You imagined one of those classic rom-com moments. He found out you were moving away and had so much regret and guilt in his heart that he ran through the rain and mud to catch you before you left. Running up and waving his arms to get your attention before you left for good, and you would run to him and hug him and he’d apologize and-

And none of that happened.

So you tried to focus on yourself and your life and doing what you wanted to do with it. You pretended to be over him and never even mentioned his name out loud, and after a year or two you found new friends and people to hang out with. People who were like you, who enjoyed you, and who you matured with.

But your forever-teenage heart was still broken, and your sniffles echoed through the house to your mother, and she had to come into your room gently and hold you in her arms. Your mother ran her fingers through your hair, comforting you in the only way she knew how.

“I know that I shouldn’t be hung up on him-” You hiccupped, “-he was a complete dick to me but I just… I still love him, Mom, it hurts.”

She let you stain her shirt with your tears and snot.

“It’s okay, I know…” She hushed you, “It’s normal to feel this way, it’ll get better though, I promise.”

“But what if it doesn't? What if it doesn’t go away?”

“It’ll be okay. Just trust me.”

You hated having to move away from her, she was your rock and she stabilized you. But you left and ended up in Sumeru City, and that’s when you met Kaveh.

You giggled at his jokes and you enjoyed long talks with him, ones that didn't turn into arguments. The two of you would go out to lunch occasionally—and you paid since he was a bit… lacking in that area—with him. You learned about his job as an architect and you told him about your little pottery hobbies. Kaveh was the one to encourage you to pursue it as a career, you could sell your work or- or maybe teach it to others even! You were moved by his enthusiasm, maybe you would get into it.

You had invited Kaveh to your home a few times that year, but you had never been to his. Maybe it was a good thing, anyway, he always said he had a roommate that he argued with quite a bit. If this roommate disagreed with Kaveh, they’d also probably disagree with you. And you weren’t fond of intellectual arguments, just discussions. Arguments made you want to cry, really.

You often popped open a bottle of wine with Kaveh when he came over after a long day. You poured two glasses—and many refills—and sat at your countertop with him.

“You know,” Kaveh was tipsy already, “Tomorrow you ought to come over to my place.”

“Are you sure? You keep telling me about that roommate of yours.”

“He should be busy,” Kaveh smiled, “We’d have the place to ourselves.”

“Maybe then, why the sudden change of heart?” You tilted your head, Kaveh usually voted against you coming over.

“Maybe its the wine,” He groaned, “Maybe I just feel bad that I’m always coming over and eating your food and drinking your wine.”

“Oh, no, it's fine.” You reassured him, “You’ve done so much for me already, without you I would’ve never started teaching classes. I don’t mind you drinking my wine, I poured it after all.”

“I insist!”

The man who opened the door was not Kaveh, it was not even a stranger.

“...Y/n?” Alhaitham furrowed his brows at you, “What are you doing here?”

“Alhaitham-!” You said, startled, “I um-”

“I’m sorry but right now I don’t really feel like talking.”

“No, Alhaitham, I’m-”

“I’m sorry to disappoint after you’ve come all this way but-”

“I’m not here for you.” You glared. Come all this way? You walked for maybe ten minutes! Did he really think he was worth coming all the way to Sumeru city if you didn’t live here? The nerve of him…

“She’s here for me.” Kaveh grumbled behind him, “And you’re not supposed to be.”

“Kaveh, hey!” You smiled past Alhaitham.

“Sorry, Y/n, I tried to send a message that my roommate was still home but I suppose it didn’t make it in time…”

“Oh, no, that’s fine.”

“Come in, come in!”

Alhaitham simply stood in his place at the door staring at you, and there was this look in his eyes you couldn't decipher. You pushed past him gently and hugged Kaveh in greeting. How does it feel now, Alhaitham?

✧ A SCHOLAR’S MONOLOGUE

Alhaitham was twenty-five when he ran into you again.

He didn’t know what to think at first. You show up on his door—how you got his address he’s unsure—and look just as shocked as he does. The last time you two spoke must have been when he was sixteen, no, seventeen? An eight-year gap left much of your life unknown. Just looking at you now you were far more intriguing. Though perhaps you were always cute to him in a way, if only you were as cute once you opened your mouth.

But when you did open your mouth and he heard your voice his ears tingled at this familiarly unfamiliar sound, and then you said you were there for Kaveh and it clicked for him. Kaveh always did remind Alhaitham of you, that might be why he found himself so irritated by him. You pushed past Alhaitham and headed into Kaveh’s arms and that left Alhaitham wondering the extent of your relationship with him. It’s odd, really, his thought process right now.

Then he listened in on your conversation with Kaveh and as each question he had was answered he came up with three more. When did you start giving lectures? When did you move to Sumeru City? When did you meet Kaveh?

“My classes went so well today, I really can’t thank you enough for encouraging me to start.” You chirped at Kaveh with this smile that was so much softer than your goofy grin when you were kids.

(maybe you were only mentioning this because you want Alhaitham to hear how good you're doing)

“You always had it in you, I don’t deserve that much credit!”

So Kaveh is the one who encouraged you to start. Encouraging you is something Alhaitham rarely did now that he thinks about it. Maybe Kaveh’s friendship is a much better fit for you, then. But why does he long to get to know you as if he hasn’t known you from the age of eight?

You were so far from the sixteen-year-old neighbor he once had. You were mature, physically and mentally, you spoke with grace and confidence and your conversations with Kaveh were undeniably intellectual. This is different from the person who asked him “How come you’re taller than me?” at the age of eleven. He was captivated, enamored even, despite not wanting to admit it to himself.

So he kept eavesdropping, he kept learning about your life indirectly. Suddenly this memory of you—the one tainted by irritation and annoyance of having you follow him around for eight years—was replaced by this new longing to get to know you as if you were a stranger.

It’s odd, he thinks, this feeling.

✧ END OF A SCHOLAR’S MONOLOGUE

It’s really awkward to hang out with your new friend in front of your childhood ex-friend.

You were laughing at inside jokes with Kaveh and talking about your lives with Alhaitham just across the room holding a book in his lap. You knew he was listening, you noticed. You would glance at him, then away, but your eyes always wondered over again in curiosity.

Alhaitham was so different, yet exactly the same. He was taller, you noticed that when you walked in. His face was mature with this feeling that he’s been through a thousand challenges and overcome every one. He seemed just as intelligent as ever, obviously, and just as bland.

(that was just you being mean, though, you didn't really think of him like that)

Every time you looked over Kaveh noticed, and there was this knowing smile lingering on his lips. Maybe he thought you found Alhaitham cute, or maybe he had overheard everything that Alhaitham said and he was being nosey about your past.

Either way, he asked.

“So, are you going to explain what’s going on here?” Kaveh whispered a certain glint in his eyes.

“Kaveh! He’s right there,” You whispered through clenched teeth, “It’s not even that big of a deal.”

“Let’s take a walk then,” Kaveh announces aloud, Alhaithams head tilting towards the sound. “Come, Y/n.”

You stood with Kaveh, shooting him this playfully irritated glance and took his outstretched hand in yours.

“See you, Alhaitham.” Kaveh bid farewell.

“Bye.” Alhaitham spoke without looking back at you this time.

You only were allowed fifteen minutes of peace before Kaveh jumped on you again.

“How do you know him? Did you guys date?”

“What? No, archons no, we were neighbors as kids.” You scrunched your face.

(but your heart sped up and those feeling you buried were scratching at the lid of their coffin)

“Oh? Then why did you look at him like that? You almost started drooling~.” Kaveh teased, nudging you.

“Oh quit it.” You nudged him back, “I haven’t seen him in almost a decade. That’s all.”

“It sounds like you ended on bad terms,” He mused, “Ahem ‘I don't feel like talking right now’ and all.”

You giggled at his imitation, “Well, he called me annoying and told me to leave him alone before I moved away. I’d say those terms are pretty bad.”

“Wow, what a dick move.” Kaveh laughed lightly, “And you’re still looking at him with hearts in your eyes?”

“I am not, and you know it!”

“Aww, are you embarrassed?” Kaveh grinned, throwing an arm around your shoulder, “Hmm, perhaps you should look at me like that instead next time.”

You rolled your eyes.

You saw Alhaitham everywhere after that.

You learned from Kaveh that Alhaitham was the current Acting Grand Sage—a fact that blew your mind completely because wow, he’s really made it far hasn't he? You could almost imagine your father comparing you to him again, it made you laugh a little bit. Maybe that’s why you kept seeing him around, in the streets, in the corner of your eye when you were at the tavern, and (obviously) in Kaveh’s home.

It was like you were strangers who knew too much about each other to be comfortable in the same room. If Kaveh excused himself for a single moment you and Alhaitham would just sit in silence, glancing at one another and away when you get caught. For months, not a single word was shared between the two of you, and if it weren’t so awkward you might have enjoyed the silence.

The silence was broken on a cold morning when you were meeting Kaveh at his place to go out to lunch. Once again, it was not Kaveh who opened the door, it was Alhaitham.

“Hello.”

“Hi,” You mustered a smile, “Is Kaveh ready?”

From afar, you heard Kaveh shout, “I’ll be ready soon!”

Alhaitham stood in the doorway and you stood outside of it. Your arms were getting goosebumps from the unusually cold air and Alhaitham took notice.

“Come in while you wait.” Alhaitham stepped to the side and closed the door behind you when you entered.

You awkwardly thanked him and sat down on the couch, him sitting on the one across from you.

…

“So…” You murmured.

“Hm?” Alhaitham glanced up.

“How has the position of Acting Grand Sage been treating you?”

“I intend to resign as soon as possible.” He stated.

“Oh! Um…” You didn’t know what to say, such an odd response that you probably would never get from anyone but Alhaitham.

(it hurt to remember that you really do know this man, and at the same time you know nothing about him anymore either)

“I heard you’re teaching art classes now,” Alhaitham said, “How has that been?”

“It’s great! I love my students, really, they’re all so creative. They’re like little sponges, too, they soak up anything I tell them.” You giggled, and Alhaitham's lips twitched up.

“Y/n, I-”

“I’m ready now!” Kaveh chirped, walking out of his room, “Aplogies, I had some hair troubles.”

“Ah, no problem!” You stood from your spot, “Let’s head out then.”

You glanced at Alhaitham, and he met your eyes for a moment.

“Um, see you, Alhaitham.”

“See you.”

✧ TWO ROOMMATES DISPUTE

“I don’t understand why you’re acting like this.” Kaveh sighed.

“I’m not sure what you mean.” Alhaitham flipped the page in his book.

“Don’t give me that.” Kaveh glared at Alhaitham, “You know very well what I mean. I know we have our disagreements but ever since Y/n has been around more you’ve been-”

Alhaitham abruptly closed his book with a loud clap.

“I am not concerned with Y/n.”

“Oh really? Because you seem to be.”

“What of it.” Alhaitham glared.

“You act as if it's wrong for me to be friends with her just because you used to be friends,” Kaveh spoke irritatedly, “Like it or not me and Y/n are close friends.”

“What would you know about our friendship?” Alhaitham crossed his arms.

“I know what she tells me, that’s what.” Kaveh huffed, “Just because you ruined your own relationship with her does not mean that I have to end mine because you’re jealous.”

Alhaitham was silent.

“You have made no attempt to reconcile or get to know her and that is not my fault. I cannot argue with you over something so stupid!” Kaveh was nearly yelling about this.

He was sick of Alhaitham being cold to him after he hung out with you or when you were around, Kaveh could see the jealousy brewing in Alhaitham’s eyes and he was not going to stand for being glared at over it. Alhaitham’s inability to fix things with you was not Kaveh’s problem. Just because now you were more appealing of a person doesn't mean he gets to act like some overprotective, jealous boyfriend.

For Alhaitham, he was torn. His emotions toward you were all over the place, did he like you? Did he find you irritating? Did he more-than-like you? How does he get these feelings in order, and then how does he get his attitude toward Kaveh in order too? Alhaitham isn’t oblivious to the fact he’s been colder than usual to his roommate, or even outright passive-aggressive, but facing the reason behind it is harder than it seems.

Maybe Kaveh is right. He has to talk to you.

✧ END OF TWO ROOMMATES DISPUTE

You stared blankly at Kaveh.

“What?”

“Alhaitham and I got in a fight about you…” Kaveh explained.

“About me?” You frowned, “What? Why would you two ever do such a thing?”

“Other than the fact he’s a complete jerk,” Kaveh sighed, “I think he has some issues regarding you.”

“Oh, so he just hates me so much that he can’t stand me being around then?” You roll your eyes, “We’re adults now, why can’t he just get over it?”

(but your heart ached at the thought that he truly cant stand you, even now)

“I don't think its hatred, Y/n.” Kaveh sighed, “I think it’s rather the opposite, and I don’t think he knows how to handle it.”

“So, what, he likes me? And that’s why he’s being a dick every time I’m around?” You snorted, “Classy.”

“Yeah,” Kaved rubbed the bridge of his nose, “You know what, forget about Alhaitham. I’d like you to come over for my birthday celebration.”

A warm smile wiggled up your face.

“Of course.”

You were twenty-five when you attended Kaveh’s birthday party.

You brought him a gift all wrapped up—and a bottle of wine, as if there wasn’t going to be enough alcohol already—and hugged him tightly at the door. You were positively beaming, smile stretched from ear to ear.

“Happy birthday!” You cheered.

“Thank you, thank you.” Kaveh laughed, pulling you in and pressing a friendly kiss to your temple, “I’m so happy to have you here.”

“I’m honored to be here.”

You cracked into the alcohol with a jolly smile on your face and downed glass after glass until you were just tipsy enough to not have a filter but not drunk enough to fall over. This is where you’d stop for the night, where you were content staying and giggly. You celebrated Kaveh with all of the other attendees.

But the air was becoming suffocating and there were a few too many people near you right now, maybe you needed some fresh air or maybe you needed to go home but you were only willing to do one of those (and it was not the latter). You stepped out of the party quietly.

And Alhaitham was there.

You were there, and Alhaitham was there, and the night sky above you was the same as it was when you were thirteen and sneaking out of your room to see him.

“Alhaitham…” Perhaps there was a bit of bittersweet longing in your voice, perhaps it was just the waver of the alcohol.

“Y/n.” But the emotion in Alhaitham’s voice could not be mistaken for anything but what it was: emotion.

“How are you?” You asked quietly.

“I’m fine.”

“Just fine?” You let a smile play at your lips, and one tugged at Alhaitham’s too.

“I can’t sleep.” He whispered, “You know how that is.”

(and for a moment you were thirteen again and knocking on Alhaitham’s window)

“I do.” Waves of emotion ran over you, was it grief? Longing? Love?

If there was one thing you could say confidently, it was that unrequited love lasts the longest. The crush that never gets returned and ends up lasting for years. You knew this firsthand. You felt this kind of affection for Alhaitham from the age of, what, eleven? Twelve maybe? And now at twenty-five, you felt like the lovesick teenage girl you were ten years ago because that affection never left you and you wondered if you could make it leave.

“I’ve missed you.” You wanted to slap yourself for saying that, but in your tipsy state, the words forming in your brain were coming out of your mouth faster than you could shut it.

“Oh?” Alhaitham smiled teasingly, “How much?”

You furrowed your brows, “Oh, come on, Alhaitham. You can’t act like that after everything.”

“...” Alhaitham glanced away, “You’re right.”

“I really loved you, you know. And- And the way you treated me was hurtful. I was just a kid, you were cruel.”

“I know.” Alhaitham swallowed hard, his voice coarse, “You loved me?”

“Yeah like it wasn’t obvious?” You snorted, “Of course I did, you were my childhood best friend, the neighbor boy, I looked up to you.”

…

“Well say something.” You frowned.

“What do you want me to say?” He turned to you.

“I want you to be honest.”

Say sorry, say you loved me too, say something.

“I did not love you.”

You cringed, heartbreak trickling over your skin like acid rain- no, stinging you like a thousand needles.

“I didn’t.”

You felt your entire inner body cave in on itself as your heart cried because yes, Al Haitham has always been matter of fact as long as you have known him, but damn if it didn't hurt. You knew there was little chance of him returning those feelings, the unrequited ones you’d held onto for so long. Still, hearing him reject you over and over was like the final nail in the coffin, the coffin you laid in alive and well and clawed at to get out of.

“You were irritating, a bit airheaded, and you always distracted me no matter what I was doing.” Al Haitham continued, “So I didn't love you, I hardly tolerated you.”

You felt your face betray you, twisting into something hurt and honest as warm tears slid down your cheeks and your chest shook with rapid sniffles.

“But now… You’re brilliant, you’re witty and kind, and despite everything you’re here. So no, I did not love you, but now I do.”

“You’re such a dick.” You sobbed.

“I just told you I love you, that’s not exactly the best way to respond.” Alhaitham spoke as if he was amused, but the way his hand found your back and rubbed circles into it told you he doesn't want you to cry.

“But you said all that mean stuff,” You wiped your tears, “That was cruel.”

“Well that’s how I used to feel, you wanted to know how I used to feel, didn’t you?” He wiped your hair from your face and tucked it behind your ears.

“I can’t believe you.”

“I’m sorry,” Alhaitham muttered, turning you to face him. “You’re beautiful.”

“You’re a jerk.” You frowned, and he laughed airily and it sounded like music to your ears.

“Y/n, I love you. I mean it.” He rubbed your cheek gently, “If you’ll allow it, I’d like to get to know you much better than I’ve ever known you before.”

“Maybe.” You whispered, staring into his eyes.

“I promise you I’ll never hurt you again.” He murmured, placing a kiss on your hairline.

(and maybe it was a coincidence, but he wiped the spot that Kaveh kissed and you giggled at the thought that he was jealous)

✧ navigation.

#opticfile ✧༺࿐#genshin #genshin imagines #genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #genshin x reader #alhaitham #alhaitham gi #alhaitham genshin #kaveh #kaveh gi #kaveh genshin #gi x reader #genshin x you #genshin angst #i hope its not a big fat disappointment guys

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phenylshark · 3 months

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🌱Happy Birthday Alhaitham!🌱 was too lazy to draw his coat thing and yet I still had to fight for my life to finish this on time 😭 might add it later.

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ringchime · 4 months

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KAVEH && ALHAITHAM rentry graphics !

req by : anon

—— like/rb && credit 2 use !

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duckymcdoorknob · 1 year

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GONNA PUT THESE IN BEFORE I GO TO THE DENTIST

There has been numerous occasions that Alhaitham literally (bluntly) teases Kaveh with the feather he usually has in his hair.

SENSITIVE👏AF👏HIPS👏

Man is SCREECHING over a small squeeze, and it's oh so close to a seagulls cry too lmfao

THIS IS ALL I CAN DO FOR NOW, ILY MUAH MUAH 💖

I’m totally fucking writing a fic off of this brb-

Bear with me, I’ve only met the roomies through their voice lines and the new event

Tickles below the cut in this household

“You’re lucky that I’m too young and pretty to go to prison.” The architect growled as he turned his back to his roommate for the nth time.

For some reason, that Kaveh could not seem to wrap his mind around, Al Haitham had been testing his last nerve all day.

“And yet you’re still older than me.” The scribe deadpanned, plucking the inky paintbrush out of the blonde’s hand.

“Hah! You didn’t deny that I was- wha- hey! Give that back” Kaveh whined, standing up and knocking his chair over.

Al Haitham held the utensil above his head, his expression not changing. “How precious… poor thing can’t keep his mind in order.”

“Will you just- Ugh!” Kaveh jumped and retrieved his paintbrush, glaring at the scribe. He scoffed and sat back down, unrolling the blueprint he was priorly working on.

Al Haitham waited for the architect to return to his work, then carefully removed the feather from the blonde head of hair in front of him.

Unbeknownst to Kaveh, his annoying roommate had gotten hold of something that was going to quickly ruin his plans. All seemed fine, and his focus was back in order, until he felt a foreign feeling brush along his left ear.

A squeak left his mouth as he recoiled and whipped his head around. “AL HAITHAM!” He roared, standing up from his chair once more. “Give me my feather back!”

As he had done earlier, the gray-haired male held the feather above his head, this time sporting a smug grin.

“Do you want my attention or something? You’ve got it right here!” The architect replied, using his roommate’s shoulder for balance and scaling him like a mountain.

The gray-haired male exhaled in amusement as he easily wrapped an arm around the older’s waist, and pulled him close to his face. “You’re so in love with me, it’s painful.”

“Y-You-!” Kaveh stuttered as his face flushed red. “J-Just give me my damn- hYAH!”

Both stopped dead in their tracks, the blonde’s face growing even an deeper shade of cherry red.

“Kaveh are you-” The scribe retracted his hand from his roommate’s waist immediately

“S-Shut up, just-“

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to hurt you, I was just messing around with you.”

Kaveh had never seen his roommate look so guilty in his life. He instantly went on the offense to help Al Haitham feel better. “No, no, I swear you didn’t hurt me. I’m sorry to make you worry. I’m just a bit sensitive around the area near my waist.”

A glint of malice shone like a star in the gray-haired male’s eyes. “Sensitive? What do you mean, Kaveh?”

Al Haitham was closing in fast, and Kaveh felt his embarrassment returning. “N-Nothing. Forget I had said anyt-hihihing. Wahahahait! Ahahahal Hahahaithahaham!” The architect whined.

“Aren’t you just so precious?” Al Haitham teased as his hands squeezed at the blonde’s sides in a calculated tempo.

“Dohohohont tehehease mehehehe!” The architect cried as he pushed against his roommate’s face.

Naturally, Al Haitham is built like a brick shithouse, so Kaveh didn’t do anything besides give the gray-haired male the upper hand. The scribe wasted no time grabbing both of the blonde’s wrists and holding them in one hand.

“Yohohohourehehe suhuhuhuch ahaha bahahastahahard! NGH-“ Kaveh squeezed his eyes shut as his nose scrunched; Al Haitham had just struck gold. “WAITWAITWAHAHAHAIT!”

“Wait for what? An invitation?” Al Haitham quipped in his usual monotone, drilling his right thumb into the architect’s left hip. “Seems like I found a sensitive spot, eh, roomie?”

“PLEHEHEHEHEASE!” Kaveh twisted in vain as he pushed his body against his “assailant”

“Please what?”

“BEHEHE CAHAHAREHEFUHUHUL!”

“Oh? Be careful? You aren’t begging me to stop? How cute…”

“STAHAHAP TEHEHEASIHIHING MEHEHE!”

“But why? Would you rather me focus on tickling you better instead?” With this comment, the gray-haired male released his roommate’s wrists and used both hands to knead circles into Kaveh’s hips.

The blonde squealed incoherently.

The scribe couldn’t help the slight smile that toyed at the edges of his lips. Kaveh was, in all reality, quite lovely when he was letting go and giggling freely.

Truth be told, Al Haitham could listen to the melodious sound all night, but he didn’t want to ruin the fun and turn the sweet action into something torturous. So, as soon as Kaveh started to reach his limit…

“OHOHOKAHAHAY! IHIHIHI GIHIHIVEHE! PLEHEHEHEHEASE! IHIHIM AHAHALL DOHOHONEHE! STAHAHAP!”

The second he heard “stop”, Al Haitham did so. Upon first look at his roommate’s goofy grin and flushed face, the gray-haired male’s stoic facade dropped for a moment. Replacing the ever-present scowl was a pleasant smile of amusement.

“Well,” Kaveh blustered. “I’m glad someone had fun, because I-“

“Don’t you lie to me. You only asked me to stop one time.” Al Haitham shot his roommate a wink, and I return received the gift of the most adorable a look of pure embarrassment.

With a whine, the blonde flopped down onto the couch in their living room. “You suck.”

The scribe exhaled fondly and knelt next to the couch. “Oh don’t be such a baby, it’s okay to enjoy things that make you laugh.” He rested his hand on the architect’s back. “I for one think that it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

Kaveh went still as he slowly turned his head to look at his roommate. “Y-You don’t think it’s-“

“Not in the least.” Al Haitham didn’t even give the blonde a chance to finish his hidden self-deprecating sentence. “If it makes you laugh, and makes you forget your troubles, then I’ll be happy to oblige in your request any time you need a pick-me-up.”

Kaveh huffed as he hid his head in the couch once more. “Can you do it again?”

Al Haitham smiled as he brought his hands back in position over the architect’s sides.

‘Cute’ he thought. The silence of his mind was interrupted by the precious giggles of the man he most definitely, absolutely, positively, no-way no how, did NOT have a crush on.

—————♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎—————

#Genshin #Genshin impact #Kaveh #Kaveh Genshin #gi #Genshin Kaveh #gi kaveh #alhaitham #Alhaitham Genshin #alhaitham gi #Kaveh gi #Genshin alhaitham #gi alhaitham #genshin tickle #genshin tickling #genshin impact tickle #genshin impact tickling #t content #babygirl kaveh

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softsinnamonart · 2 months

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kavetham mermaid au part 12

read left to right

bonus page + colour!

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calmbigdipper · 12 days

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Wedding attire real?!

#genshin impact #genshin #alhaitham #kaveh #kavetham #haikaveh #alhaitham gi #kaveh gi #alhaitham genshin #kaveh genshin #ness’ art #woah woah woah another kavetham art from me I know I have a problem #after seeing alhaitham’s suit from the recent hoyofair I immediately thought #oh man I have to draw them together. I HAVE TO #alhaitham’s design is by Donot_reupload on twt and kaveh’s design is from the gigo collab!

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originalgenshinscenarios · 6 months

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I am so sorry Miko for this assignment to Ayato 😔

Part 1 (Lisa, Kaeya, Diluc, Rosaria)

Part 2 (Zhongli, Kokomi, Hu Tao, Baizhu)

Alhaitham, Ayato, Nilou and Yelan monster scenarios with human reader

Reader here is gender neutral

Warning: for the sake of it being a romantic story rather than dark fiction the description of Jorogumo is in a few ways inacurate on purpose.

Warning 2: researching Naiads was hard asf since I kept getting different sources to different questions I had so apologies ahead if I accidentally wrote something in an inacurate way.

Alhaitham- stone golem

Have you ever seen a man as gorgeous as a statue? Well... he was a statue at first. You remember how often you used to sit nearby it whenever you had an idle moment. It was in a secluded place, sometimes you even wonder if anyone else knew about it.

Sometimes, when you were feeling a bit alone- you talked to him like he was your friend. You couldn't take out some frustrations in your everyday life, so why not just talk to a statue that has no way of responding or judging you?

One day however you noticed something. The statue had a hole on his chest (at least that's the time you actually paid attention to the hole), like something was supposed to be there- but it was nowhere to be found.

You started to look around it. You had no idea what you were even looking for, but you just got a bit too curious.

Luck had it that not long search later you found a gem behind one of the bushes. Without hesitation you put it in the hole which caused an interesting reaction...

The statue moved. It's voice was very pleasant unlike what he said "And what did you wake me for exactly?" Judging by his tone, he wasn't exactly happy about being awakened.

Of course you had no idea that he would wake up so you told him that. To which he called you ignorant for not recognizing something as "basic" as a cursed gemstone.

You decided not to argue with him. I mean it'd be like talking to a stone wall. Which you sort of were doing before...

It was getting awkward at this point, especially since he was indifferent to that. So he just left...

He knew exactly where he was going so he must've been "asleep" for not a long time. He didn't pay you much attention. Actually he acted as though you weren't there.

So you decided to just leave him alone. It was as simple as that. But a part of you continued to be curious about him.

Especially since it was hard not to pay attention to him. You saw him around quite often. Whenever he was reading something, he was still. Looking once again just like a statue.

A very handsome one. If only he wasn't such a stone hearted asshole. But it's not like you can expect much of a guy who literally has a heart made out of stone if he has one to begin with.

One day, you were feeling a little frustrated. So you went back to your usual spot. It was weird coming there knowing that the statue isn't there anymore but when you got there you were surprised to see him.

He didn't feel the need to explain himself. It was clear that he just wanted some peace and quiet. And that's exactly what this place was giving. With a little hesitation, you sat down next to him and just allowed yourself to relax.

You enjoyed each other's company in silence, until he asked what made you come here this time. To which you looked at him surprised.

It didn't take long to connect the dots, although earlier he was "asleep" he still was concious and aware of the things around him.

You didn't know what to do... But in the end you told him a short summary of your recent worries.

And as earlier the point of talking to a statue was the lack of judgement, this time you felt it more than ever.

Then again... Having an active conversation helped you more. And to be honest... You had fun. He was blunt, and while his words did sometimes hurt his lack of social understanding was... Cute in a way.

Ever since that moment, you found yourself getting closer to him. He didn't talk to people much, but he started to look for excuses to talk to you.

When he caught feelings and recognized them he also didn't see any point in pretending. He was blunt even in his confession, but you accepted his feelings.

Honestly you were freaking out yourself a bit before that when you started to fall for him. I mean what were the chances of him returning your feelings when he wasn't exactly the type to be interested in romance.

And yet here you were. With a man who's heart was a stone- and yet it was beating for you.

Ayato- Kitsune

Recently, you found yourself being the victim of some harmless pranks... although you could never tell who or what was pranking you or were you just unlucky.

Each time you went through that path between Konda village to Inazuma city some minor inconvenience happened to you. And nobody but a few foxes were there to witness it.

You started slowly suspecting that you were being harassed by Youkai, and you were pretty sure of that actually- there is no buts here.

And since it was always in company of foxes there was no mistaking it that at least one of them was a fully sentient Kitsune. It wasn't that hard to guess which one was it though.

So next time you were pranked by it's illusions you decided to check your theory. You walked up to the white fox, it had an incredible fluffy tail- or perhaps was it because it had more than one?

You asked what their deal was and they acted dumb for a moment, making you question your sanity. Eventually it got bored of pretending and changed forms. With how childish these pranks were, you were expecting some kid. Instead you saw quite a handsome guy...

You didn't recognize him from anywhere. But his clothes were rather fancy, so he could be some sort of big shot you had no way of recognizing. But how would he have so much free time to prank you like this?

"Ah and so you caught me, I was wondering how long it'd take" his voice was mischievous but at the same time oddly appealing.

You only wondered what did you do to gather such attention around yourself. But there wasn't any real reason for it actually.

It was just a coincidence, and your reactions just happened to entertain him enough to keep his interest.

He tried to leave once his cover was off, and you managed to stop him to ask for his name... And you were surprised to learn that he was actually someone important.

Ayato was never much of a public figure, even though his name is known by many nearly nobody had seen him.

There were a lot of rumors about him as it was... him being a Kitsune actually explained a few of them. But since it wasn't a common knowledge among the public, he sure was great at masking his Kitsune features.

In the end it didn't matter much. It wasn't very likely for the two of you to continue crossing paths.

He won't catch you off guard anymore, and he "interacted" with you for the sake of entertainment... Yet a part of you had fun as well.

He added something to those walks of yours and while sometimes you prayed to not run into him... At other times you were wondering what he'd do next.

You didn't see him on that path for about a week, so you were pretty sure he won't show up here ever again... But then you fell victim to his pranks once more.

Turns out that he was actually busy for once but the moment he had the time he went back hoping to see you again. Actually, his schedule is always tight. It's just that he found himself always being able to find an excuse to go to that spot.

He couldn't quite explain it, but he found himself falling for you at a first sight. Your first meeting was a coincidence, but everything after it wasn't.

And he was right to trust you. Because even though you knew what he was, you didn't pass that information onto anyone. Even if you didn't do it because you thought you wouldn't be believed... He appreciated such "loyalty".

Eventually he stopped entertaining himself with your reactions, instead whenever your paths crossed he indulged in a nice conversation with you.

He wasn't surprised to find out that he was right in having feelings for you... But he only silently adored you.

There was a lot of barriers that should be keeping his heart away from you. From social status to your mortality. And yet he allows himself to have those joyous moments with you.

Nilou- Water Nymph (Naiad)

Getting lost in the desert wasn't something on your to do list and yet here you were. Dehydrated and desperate. Your Sumpter beast ran away as it got scared of something.

You were trying to follow it but it quickly lost you and so you could only rely on the traces it left... but the wind was slowly taking care of them so you needed to be quick.

From afar the beast's tracks conveniently were towards an oasis... so you started to wonder if it wasn't an illusion. But you had no other choice but to follow it.

You were really lucky as it turned out to be an actual oasis, and as you reunited with your beast you noticed that you weren't alone.

A pretty lady was dancing on the water. Standing on it like it was solid ground. And thus you wondered now if you weren't just dead or asleep so pinching yourself you react to it causing the lady to turn around and notice you.

Seeing you in such a dire state she immediately walked up to you and asked "Oh dear..! Are you okay? Do you need help?"

Once again you started to wonder if you didn't die and the pretty lady wasn't an angel. Her sweet voice, graceful moves and gorgeous face really were making you question your state of mind.

But your exhaustion was getting to you, so before you got to respond to her you passed out.

Nilou panicked at first but she quickly pulled herself together and tried to help you. She took care of both you and your beast and waited for you to regain consciousness.

She was patient and other nymphs teased her for worrying so much but she just couldn't help it.

Once you awakened she wanted to help you prepare to head back home... But first you needed to rest and she was very insistent on it.

As you rested you got to know her better and you very quickly got to get along. It was almost like you could knew each other for ages.

She was just so such a kind and gentle soul, talking to her was relaxing. It was maybe even a little bit too perfect.

But you weren't too surprised about it, after all Nymphs are supposed to be perfect... Right?

Your departure was sad for the both of you. But Nilou tried to mask her disappointment when seeing you leave.

She was only wondering if she'll ever see you again. While you were asking yourself if you really just fell in love at the first sight.

You soon found yourself reading more about Nymphs and there were maybe one or two romance stories between a Nymph and a human you stumbled across while researching...

There was one major problem though, you had no clue where to look for that oasis. But when there's a will, there's a way.

You felt it was a little bit insane to risk your life just to meet Nilou again... But you'd also go insane if you wouldn't be able to speak with her soon.

You prepared yourself for the expedition. Hoping for a little bit of dumb luck to guide you.

And guide you it did. Just as you were about to give up you saw it in the distance. Now you only hoped that it was the right one. But you had your suspicions since it wasn't on your map.

Upon seeing you she was really surprised... But also extremely happy. Just like last time the two of you decided to rest together and talk the night away.

This time however you didn't let your interaction end on "what if"s you asked if she wanted to come back with you. You didn't ask her for anything big. Just for her to be your roommate and if she's okay with it girlfriend.

Although it would make her mortal she didn't hesitate to agree. It was spontaneous, but she definitely wasn't going to pass an opportunity to see you every day.

Yelan- Jorogumo

There has been a lot of odd cases lately. The milileth would be suddenly summoned for arrest of various criminals, just for them to be found in something that looked like spider web.

At first you didn't really pay mind to that odd occurrence. Until a pretty lady showed up in your life. Coincidentally, around the time where you were being threatened.

You accidentally happened to hear a bunch of idiots talking about their "perfect plan" on causing some mayhem in the harbor. And ever since you were told to keep your mouth shut or everything will be pinned on you.

So it was hard to trust anyone. They could've been sent as a distraction or maybe the pretty lady was sent to plant some evidence while you weren't looking to make you look guilty.

And although you couldn't deny how... Charming... She was. You weren't some idiot that would do anything for a gorgeous woman.

Then suddenly she leaned into your ear and said "We're being watched. Follow me and I'll explain everything" her tone was serious. But it wasn't said in a way to further threaten you.

With some hesitation, you decided to temporarily trust her. So once the two of you were alone she explained that she knew what was going on.

She introduced herself and said she'll help you. But you needed to cooperate with her. Before you agreed to it blindly you asked her what her plan was.

She just needed you to act as a bait. And while you didn't like the sound of that... She was rather convincing.

It was just before they started setting everything up. They had all the evidence they could have on them and the moment couldn't be more perfect.

You waited for those bandits and as you looked around, you didn't see Yelan anywhere. You started to think that she was setting you up but you had no time to further think about your doubts as the group was there.

You started to act as though you wanted to join their scheme. After all, you're already involved.

You didn't talk much, you were just buying time that's when you noticed for a split moment that Yelan was here. Dashing between the trees. You had no idea how or why for that matter.

When she was done doing... Whatever that was she interrupted your conversation. When the bandits tried to attack, her incredible speed impressed you once again.

And those who she didn't catch in her spiderweb in that run, got caught by the web that was set on the trees.

As the two of you were leaving the scene, you heard the milileth in the back. Everything happened so fast you honestly had no idea what to think. Especially since you witnessed the person (?) behind all these odd occurrences.

When all of it was a done deal the two of you were walking back to the harbor in silence for the first few minutes.

You had so many questions... And yet you said nothing. She was the one who eventually spoke up, she asked if you were okay.

Somehow, from that question the conversation started moving in it's own direction.

It was rather enjoyable, you soon found yourself really enjoying her company. It was hard not to.

So your interactions didn't end with that situation. You ended seeing each other quite frequently- and you'd be lying if after some time your intentions weren't purely platonic.

She was just so interesting and awesome in every way. Even her creepy spider quirks were just something you couldn't help but admire.

You hoped that you weren't delusional and you're right in suspecting that she likes you too...

Without wasting much time, you told her how you feel. She wasn't very surprised by this but she didn't mask that it made her happy to hear you say so.

You were glad the "trap" you had fallen into was love and not her web.

~Mod Lisa

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