Chapter Text
The sun had set not too long ago. The dishes had been washed and put away. Leftovers had been put in the cupboards. Collei had turned in for the night after Tighnari assured her he and Cyno would clean up.
After everything was in order, Tighnari got out the wine and glasses while Cyno grabbed playing cards. They sat back at the table, sighing as the weight of the day melts off of their shoulders with the first serving of wine.
Cyno shuffles the cards to keep his hands busy while Tighnari looks over his notepad.
“Tighnari.” Cyno continues shuffling. Tighnari hums into his wine glass. “Have you noticed how Kaveh is like a lot like a housewife?”
Tighnari chokes on a laugh (and wine). “What?” He manages to cough up a response. The amusement is strong in his tone.
Cyno puts his cards down. “He cooks, cleans, washes the dishes, does the laundry, and so on!” He gestures like it’s obvious then grabs his wine to take a sip. “And you’ve heard he and Alhaitham bicker. It’s as if they’ve been married for years.”
Tighnari giggles. “I suppose you’re right.” He takes a sip of his own wine. “They do seem like they’re on the brink of divorce every waking moment.” He states.
Cyno nods enthusiastically. “Exactly!”
“Perhaps he just likes a clean living space?” Tighnari offers. “Celestia knows that if he doesn’t clean, Alhaitham won’t.”
“I’m pretty sure Alhaitham’s been refusing Kaveh’s rent because he, quote, “wants Kaveh to pay off his debts before worrying about his housing”.”
Tighnari raises his eyebrows. “Oh?”
Cyno nods. They both take a drink. “So, either Alhaitham’s fine with Kaveh being a freeloader-”
“-Or Kaveh’s keeping house while he’s at work.” Tighnari finishes. “That would be good payment, in a way.”
“Precisely.” Cyno nods and crosses his arms.
Tighnari giggles. A realization dawns upon him as he puts his glass to his lips.“Are they officially together?” He asks.
Cyno opens his mouth to answer, but pauses before any words are produced. Pronounced silence fills the air.
“...I.” Cyno pauses again. “Don’t know, actually.”
Tighnari put his glass back on the table, his eyebrows furrowing. He brought a hand to his chin. “They have to be.” He mumbles. “They have to be. Right?”
Cyno nodded, bringing his hand to his face.“That’s what I’m thinking;” He pauses for another moment. “But they’ve never so much as held hands in our presence.”
Tighnari gestures at that, like it was a good point. “Yes… but, maybe they’re just not into public displays of affection?”
“No, Kaveh is very open with his feelings.” Cyno says, shaking his head.
“But Alhaitham isn’t.”
Cyno gives his boyfriend a pointed look. “You think Kaveh would give a damn?”
“Good point…” Tighnari looks at the table. “Would they have told us if they were together?”
Cyno shrugs. “No idea.”
They sit in silence for a few long seconds before they make eye contact. They both fall into bouts of laughter.
“That’s hysterical. ” Tighnari gasps through laughs, wiping a tear from his eye.
Cyno, shoulders still quivering with amusement, snorts. “So this is funny, but my jokes aren’t?”
Tighnari rolls his eyes. “Perhaps.” He smiles. “But I’m genuinely curious. Are they together?”
“As I said;” Cyno brushes his hair to the side. “No idea. We’ll have to ask.”
“ That; ” Tighnari says, “Will be one hell of a conversation.” He snickers.
“It sure will.” Cyno grins.