Work Text:
** 𝙃𝙤𝙩 𝘼𝙡𝙥𝙝𝙖, 𝙊𝙢𝙚𝙜𝙖, 𝙤𝙧 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙖!!! **
Just opening the app already has Kaveh wanting to throw his phone across the room.
This entire situation is honestly comparable to a terrible romcom.
His latest architectural job involved someone practically akin to royalty, which meant that he's been invited to the first masquerade being held in the lofty space.
Of course, Kaveh's ex was also going to be there. They'd ended on messy terms in the middle of the project. Kaveh's surprised that he even managed to not completely lose it during the last few months, but spite is a great motivator.
But...because his ex would also be attending, that meant Kaveh couldn't very well go to the masquerade alone .
Not when his ex had already started hooking up with everyone under the sun once they split. It felt like an additional mockery if Kaveh went stag, not to mention it'd be a huge hit to his already wavering self-esteem.
Childe, one of his best friends and well...kind of a slut, had recommended that he use this dating app that he kept raving about.
Apparently he'd managed to have quite a few amazing hook-ups on it. Not that Kaveh was really going to go that far, he just wanted someone hot and maybe slightly intimidating enough to make his ex regret his loss.
Kaveh was 100% over him, basically knew it would end at some point anyways, especially because he kept making excuses on spending his free time elsewhere even while they were working together.
"Holy crap..." As Kaveh finally takes the plunge after setting up his profile, he starts to scroll through the different prospects.
There's so many. Honestly he'd been off-the-market so long he forgot what it felt like to actually be able to look at someone based on appearance.
Not to say that he couldn't appreciate an Alpha male's handsomeness; it's just...much different when he's able to admit that there's another layer of curiosity to it.
Unfortunately half the profiles he stumbles across are most definitely Alphas only interested in quick one-offs. Maybe later on down the line he would pursue that option, right now though he needs something a little more lowkey.
He's swiped right on a few hopefuls, not wanting to send out a message to anyone specifically just yet. As many of the faces start to blur together, he finds himself abruptly stopping on one.
Silver hair...teal eyes...a reserved yet confident demeanor...
Kaveh's definitely seen this person before.
He momentarily swaps over to his photos, scrolling waaaay back several years ago when he was still in college.
His search slows just a bit as he finally manages to find the specific series of pictures he'd been thinking of.
There was a specific guy in college that Kaveh crushed on basically three out of four years. They'd met in a philosophy class and often had heated debates. Come to find out that Cyno was a mutual friend to both of them.
So naturally they would all hang out at times, mostly when they would go out to local parties or the occasional bar hopping.
Despite neither of them ever making a move, Kaveh had felt a strong connection, one that was strong enough for Kaveh to still keep Alhaitham's jacket years after the fact.
Kaveh and Tighnari got caught in the rain on the way back from the bar one night, and Kaveh's shirt was completely soaked through. They had to stop by one more bar to pick up the rest of their friends, and it was there that Alhaitham could tell how uncomfortable Kaveh was at that moment.
His white t-shirt had soaked enough to leave him very indecent looking, especially to drunk Alphas with ulterior motives.
"Here, take this." He hadn't hesitated in shedding his black jacket, sliding it over Kaveh's shoulders to warm him back up.
"Thanks, I'll make sure you get it back."
Kaveh said this back then, but of course that never happened. At the time he kept telling himself it was just because exams happened shortly after that, so he kept forgetting. Really though, he hadn't wanted to give it back.
Even with suppressants, Kaveh managed to dodge his heat for most of the year, but there were still several months where it was too intense and would break through. Those times...Kaveh relied on that jacket, and what was left of Alhaitham's scent would help him through it.
While he wasn't single though, it remained folded in a bin, shoved in the back of his closet so he would forget about it. The temptation of it would be out of sight out of mind after all.
But now he's searching his closet to grab the bin, carefully opening it to pull the jacket out of storage.
Alhaitham's scent is still there, barely clinging on to the fabric.
Kaveh pauses while trying to find his sanity once more. He looks over the profile on the app several more times, finding that the name on it is just 'A.' . Kaveh's intuition leads him to finally swiping right.
Before Kaveh can finish his long-winded text to Childe about the whole ordeal, the app pings with a message notification.
It's a message from A.
Kaveh holds his breath while opening it.
A:
Long time no talk.
Did you mean to swipe right?
Kaveh:
It's been a while
And yeah I did, I have a strange request if you're interested
Several minutes pass with no reply. He's wondering if maybe Alhaitham decided not to bother since this didn't seem to lead to an outright hook-up. What if that's all that he's after?
Kaveh's inner-voice is panicking more, but before he can completely go off the deep-end and start sending follow-up messages of explanation, he sees a new message appear on the message chain.
A:
I'm interested.
The two of them managed to meet up for coffee the following morning.
"So, to recap, you want me to pretend to be your boyfriend at this masquerade to make your ex jealous." Alhaitham says as Kaveh nervously shifts in his seat.
"Yes."
"Well, let me ask you this."
Kaveh nods, listening to Alhaitham's continued questions.
"...What are the limits to this faux relationship?"
"Limits...o-oh!" It takes Kaveh a moment to recognize exactly what Alhaitham is referring to. "Well I mean, I want it to be believable so...I guess whatever would make it seem that way?"
"Hmm well for starters, you should borrow more of my clothes, that way my scent naturally stays with you. I can take some of yours too."
Such an implication has Kaveh gripping at the top of his thighs beneath the table. He can't overthink that concept right now, because if he does he'll end up with slick between his thighs and...
"Yeah that makes sense!" Kaveh speaks up in an attempt to distract himself. "But I know the event is still a week away, so if you're wanting to date someone else or um whatever-- since this is just a one time thing you're helping me with."
Kaveh stumbles over his attempt at making sure Alhaitham knows this is nothing more than a favor, and he isn't obligated to Kaveh in any romantic or sexual way outside of the pretend factor.
Alhaitham can't help but to chuckle at Kaveh's flailing.
"I can see you haven't changed at all," He eventually says.
The response is oddly cryptic, but Kaveh finds himself left mildly flustered all the same.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing. All I'll say is don't overthink things."
Kaveh's brows furrow as he takes a sip of his coffee. What the hell is Alhaitham implying? Telling him not to overthink but how can he not when he isn't even sure if Alhaitham is attracted to him or if he's just doing this because they know each other--
"You're doing it right now," Alhaitham interrupts Kaveh's racing thoughts.
Simply feeling Alhaitham’s steady gaze on him causes Kaveh’s cheeks to darken again for the umpteenth time.
"Well I have to head to the office in a bit so we can talk more later but...should I just stop by your place to exchange clothes?" Kaveh asks, quickly sipping more of his coffee to will away the last of his embarrassment.
"Yeah, I'll be working at home today," Since they got each other’s phone number, Alhaitham sends a quick text to Kaveh with his address. "Just message me when you're on the way."
They part ways shortly after that, and Kaveh replays every bit of the conversation during his train ride to the office.
Kaveh idly goes through their initial messages on the app too.
A:
I'm interested.
Was Alhaitham only interested in catching up with Kaveh as a friend? Or was there more to it?
He agreed to the fake relationship so…it must just be to help him, right?
Since Kaveh hadn’t been single for so long, it’s difficult for him to accept that someone might be attracted to him, especially an Alpha like Alhaitham.
Kaveh was never even sure if his interest had been reciprocated all those years ago.
He scrolls back to Alhaitham’s main profile picture, staring for a prolonged time as he tries not to overthink everything.
It’s so fucking hard not to though.
When Kaveh manages to make it to Alhaitham’s apartment, he pauses outside the door. Before he can bring himself to knock, he hears muffled chatter inside. He’d texted Alhaitham when he was on the way but hadn’t gotten a response…it must’ve been because of this person.
“You did a great job editing as always. I’d like to give you something extra if you’re up for it.”
The voice Kaveh hears isn’t Alhaitham’s and the subtle insinuation in those words immediately has Kaveh reeling back as if he’s intruding on a private conversation.
“…That won’t be necessary Rin,” Alhaitham bluntly replies.
“Always turning me down. It’s not like you’re tied to anyone,” The young man insists as shuffling and then footsteps can be heard afterward.
“Since my work with you is completed I’ll show you out. I’ve got other things to take care of,” Alhaitham’s voice becomes more distinct as the footsteps grow louder.
Kaveh has a slightly panicked expression on his face as he quickly side-steps from the doorway, pulling out his phone to appear nonchalant.
When Alhaitham opens the door, he stares at Kaveh for a long moment.
The young man is about to start into one last ditch effort when Alhaitham speaks up.
“Actually, it looks like my next appointment has arrived early. If you don’t mind,” Alhaitham moves aside while waiting expectantly for the man to leave.
As the man makes a displeased sound, his gaze falls on Kaveh, and he glares at him on the way out.
“Um…was I interrupting something?” Kaveh asks as Alhaitham shakes his head.
“No, come in.”
Kaveh enters the apartment and quietly follows Alhaitham to his bedroom. Despite Alhaitham saying so, Kaveh still feels like he shouldn’t have heard what he did.
He tries not to appear awkward while Alhaitham grabs several items of clothing to put into a duffle bag.
“This should be enough,” Alhaitham exchanges his bag with Kaveh’s own.
“I didn’t put anything too crazy in there, in fact you don’t even have to wear it, probably wouldn’t fit but if you want to keep it nearby I’m sure that would be fine,” Kaveh nervously rambles as Alhaitham steps forward, gently grabbing Kaveh’s chin to force their eyes to meet.
“It’s fine. I’ll make it work.”
Kaveh inhales sharply as he stares at Alhaitham, staying completely still as if to obey the Alpha touching him.
“Alhaitham…?”
“While you’re here, you should tell me exactly what you're comfortable with,” Alhaitham relaxes his grip, if only to trace his fingertips along the side of Kaveh’s neck.
Distinctly it’s the side of his neck that doesn’t hide his scent gland.
“Well like I said before…whatever we need to do to make it look convincing…” Kaveh replies, his heartbeat skipping from the Alpha nearly touching such a sensitive spot.
“Hm, then you should get used to me touching you,” Alhaitham’s thumb caresses over Kaveh’s collarbone. “Not that we haven’t in the past, but this is a little different.”
It’s certainly more intimate.
There were times when they were both a little drunk that Kaveh wondered if things would go further. Distinctly that night when Alhaitham loaned Kaveh his jacket, he’d hovered so close to his neck, almost similar to this very moment.
Yet Alhaitham would never make that final move.
“Y-Yeah…” Kaveh swallows thickly, trying to keep himself in line. “...I trust you so whatever you want to do is okay with me.”
Alhaitham pauses as if debating something. His hand rests at the side of Kaveh’s neck.
“Then we should spend more time together before this event. I think that would help make it more believable, don’t you agree?”
Alhaitham’s hand then completely falls away. The loss of the touch has the Omega inwardly longing for it to return.
“It wouldn’t hurt to go out a few times and catch up anyways," Kaveh agrees, the flush on his cheeks dying down as Alhaitham steps away to give Kaveh his personal space.
“I have to jump on a call soon so, I’ll text you when I’m free the remainder of the week.”
“Sounds good…!”
Kaveh manages to gather his wits enough to leave without embarrassing himself further.
Once Alhaitham is left alone, he unzips the bag Kaveh left for him, and instantly the velvety softness of his scent overpowers him.
It’s even more alluring than Alhaitham remembers.
For years he’s tried to place the exact scent, finding himself missing it greatly.
Alhaitham lifts one of Kaveh’s shirts, inhaling deeply to feel soothed and yet it ignites a primal desire too. Despite trying for years to forget Kaveh, he’s never been able to.
There’s no doubt that there’s something deeper between them, and Alhaitham can’t move on until he finds out what it is. If it’s merely a close friendship then fine.
The way Kaveh unconsciously emitted pheromones, as if to beg for more, is quite telling though.
Kaveh:
Am I crazy?
Childe:
Not sure, did you fuck yet?
Kaveh:
No!!! Not everyone is as slutty as you
Childe:
I would like to label it as ‘easy going’
Kaveh:
Whatever
Do you have time out of your busy hook-up schedule
Childe:
I always have time for you 🌹
Kaveh rolls his eyes before starting to type out the next part of the fake dating saga which included that unexpected tension?
Childe:
Shit -- he is down bad
Kaveh:
WHAT? You don’t know that
Childe:
Kaveh listen to your slutty elder
You don’t exchange clothes like that with just anyone
Your average hook-up, even just fwb isn’t going to do that kind of thing
That’s…serious, the kind of serious I would never do
Kaveh has to pause to really think about it. Truthfully even with exes, he maybe had a few articles in passing but…it never felt this intense. Almost as if Kaveh could come just thinking about Alhaitham’s scent intermingling with his own.
Childe:
I know you’re freaking out right now!!
Stop freaking out and just let him knot you!!!
Kaveh:
Ohmygod
You’re the worst
Stop lecturing me about fucking!!!
Childe:
Whatever someone has to ❤️
Two days later their schedules finally align so they can meet up again. This time it’s at a local farmer’s market that is set up every weekend.
Kaveh can’t contain his excitement as they peruse the latest finds. He’s eagerly leading the way, heading to several of his favorite vendors for some fresh fruits and a new sketchbook.
They particularly end up with a mutual interest in the coffee stand, spending nearly twenty minutes smelling the various options and even sampling a few for a taste.
“Ohhh I can’t decide…I really shouldn’t be spending this much money today…” Kaveh mumbles to himself, doing his best to sort out his favorite among many.
“Well, pick whichever one you think you’d like to drink almost every day?” Alhaitham says, watching as Kaveh has to debate with himself for several minutes between two specific flavors before he relents and makes his choice.
Although Kaveh’s blushing in shock the moment Alhaitham hands both coffee bags to the merchant.
“We’ll take these. I’ll also have a bag of the Moroccan roast please.”
“You didn’t have to do that,” Kaveh insists, his blush remaining even as Alhaitham hands him his own bag with the coffees he liked.
“Well this is a date isn’t it? Albeit, a fake one, but I still think it’s acceptable to spoil you a little.”
Of course Kaveh can’t really argue with that, especially when Alhaitham smiles at him in such a disarming manner too.
“If you’re sure. I’ll find a way to repay you later on then.”
Inwardly Kaveh wishes he could do less-than-innocent things as ‘repayment’. He does his best to reign in his thoughts as they continue to look at the numerous offerings.
Anything from plants to fruits to clothing are on display for them to browse. At one point Kaveh ends up straying over to a vendor that has some eye-catching accessories, and Alhaitham goes to toss out their used coffee cups.
Just as Alhaitham manages to finish his task, he hears a familiar voice behind him.
“Alhaitham, it’s been a while.”
Instantly he knows who it is, and he’s reluctantly turning to see his ex friends-with-benefits standing there.
It’d been someone he kept an arrangement with for several months, mostly as a means of dealing with frustrations from work. This was well before he downloaded the hook-up app, which really wasn’t even something he seriously looked at anyways. Half the time the notifications on it went ignored, at least until he saw Kaveh’s face pop up on his feed.
“Hm, never expected to see you here,” Alhaitham replies, truly not interested in continuing a conversation.
Of course his ‘ex’ becomes insistent on it. The evidence is clear based on how he tries to lure Alhaitham in with the subtle release of his pheromones, all while attempting to sway him with a sweet tone.
Meanwhile a few stalls away, Kaveh finishes purchasing the scarf he instantly adored on sight After thanking the merchant, he heads through the small crowd to see Alhaitham talking with someone. Even though he can’t see Alhaitham’s expression, he can sense the way this young man is attempting to exude his interest, one which seems to have the Alpha irritated. It immediately leaves Kaveh unsettled too, perhaps even a bit jealous.
They’re supposed to be appearing as a couple so it wouldn’t hurt to do this right?
He boldly walks forward, using his free hand to reach for Alhaitham’s hand to intertwine their fingers.
“There you are. This crowd is crazy right now,” Kaveh feigns surprise as he smiles at Alhaitham before looking at the young man in front of them. “Who’s this?”
“Oh this is a past acquaintance,” Alhaitham reaffirms his grip on Kaveh’s hand while caressing his thumb on the back of it.
The touch elicits a shudder through Kaveh as he keeps up the pleasantries.
“From college?” Kaveh inquires as the young man interjects.
“No, we sort of dated for a while,” He visibly looks Kaveh over which only causes Alhaitham to chuckle.
“Sort of being the key indicator,” Alhaitham purposefully makes his stance known as Kaveh seems to catch on.
“Well I hope you had a nice conversation. We need to get going though if we’re going to make that lunch reservation.” Kaveh offers an out, one which Alhaitham acts on quite swiftly.
“See ya,” Alhaitham continues holding Kaveh’s hand even as they walk towards the other end of the market.
Once they’re a safe enough distance away, Kaveh finally breaks character.
“Was that okay?” He asks as a smile tugs on Alhaitham’s lips.
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
“Well I mean, I made an assumption. I could sense you were getting annoyed…I hope I wasn’t wrong?”
Alhaitham stops once they’re safely out of the way of others.
“You didn’t do anything wrong. In fact I should thank you for helping me.”
“I’m happy I could help,” Kaveh says, obviously relieved.
His cheeks flush though at the realization that they’re still holding hands. Alhaitham doesn’t seem in any rush to let go of Kaveh’s hand either.
“Let's go get that lunch you were talking about.”
“Here I was talking about repaying you and you’re buying me more things…” Kaveh tries to argue, although he doesn’t for very long.
Not with how Alhaitham is caressing his thumb over the back of his hand once more.
Kaveh:
I have a question
Did you really mean what you said before
Childe:
I’ve offered much wisdom
Please elaborate
Kaveh:
About Alhaitham liking me
Childe:
You still haven’t fucked???
Kaveh:
There are more important things happening!!!
Childe:
UGHHHH
This is like college all over again
You two were down bad for each other then
I don’t know how you didn’t fuck then either????
Kaveh:
Don’t remind me
Just
Answer my question
Childe:
YES HE LIKES YOU
Kaveh:
You think so?
We’ve been doing the ‘fake dating’ thing but it feels like…real dates lol
Childe:
I wish you could see how hard I’m face-palming right now
Actually
(Picture Attached)
Kaveh sighs loudly while opening the picture to see it’s of Childe giving the illusion of face-palming but actually flicking him off.
Kaveh:
Classy as ever
Childe:
Just for you
But please Kaveh, at least kiss the guy
DO IT FOR BOTH OF OUR SANITY
Kaveh:
I’ll think about it
Childe:
😩😩😩
Stressed me out so bad now I need to get high asap
Kaveh’s schedule becomes a little chaotic in the days leading up to the masquerade.
It’s the middle of the next week by the time they’re able to meet up again. They first had to go to a costume shop to rent matching outfits, which actually ended up being a lot more amusing than either of them imagined it would be.
Initially they only planned to do the rentals and then maybe grab a quick meal, but Kaveh realized as they were about to leave the restaurant that he didn’t want their time together to end yet.
Between the stress from work and potentially seeing his ex in mere days, Kaveh found that he felt so much better and at ease in Alhaitham’s presence. Well…if he didn’t think too hard about the fact that his feelings from years ago were most definitely returning, not that they ever really faded to begin with.
With their knees occasionally bumping together beneath the table, Kaveh could quietly admit to himself that he missed Alhaitham.
“I don’t know if you have plans after this, but do you want to come over and watch a movie or something?” Kaveh manages to stop himself from going into over-explaining and making assumptions as he normally would.
“I made sure my evening was free for you.”
Even though Kaveh invited Alhaitham over to his place, it’s not until they’re heading there that he realizes how he hasn’t had an Alpha in his new apartment yet.
He moved elsewhere after his last relationship ended, so this would be…different.
Kaveh gives Alhaitham a brief apartment tour, and several times they end up in close proximity, close enough for Kaveh to catch how his scent subtly clings to Alhaitham’s clothing.
Something about it has Kaveh eager for more of it.
Soon they’re seated in the living room with a random murder mystery on. Truthfully Kaveh’s too distracted by Alhaitham’s presence to pay much attention to the plot or characters to even know if it’s a decent movie.
The detectives must be making some progress in their case because there’s dramatic music ramping up. Kaveh keeps glancing at Alhaitham from the corner of his eye, occasionally fully turning to offer commentary.
Eventually though his nerves win out and he asks.
“How do you feel about kissing?”
Ever since the hand holding incident, he’d dissolved into a new layer of hell with overthinking.
He can’t stop finding excuses to be closer to Alhaitham, which really is dangerous since this isn’t meant to be more than him doing Kaveh a favor, right?
It still made sense to ask this though, especially if it’s in relation to the end goal. That’s how Kaveh rationalized it to himself at least.
“Kissing in general or kissing you?” Alhaitham looks away from the TV to see the slight panic in carmine eyes.
“About kissing me.” Kaveh quickly replies before he can lose his nerve.
Alhaitham turns to face Kaveh properly. “I’d be okay with it.”
“I think we should practice at least once. Not that I think you’d be a bad kisser, just if we need to while at the masquerade–”
As if to replay what happened days ago, Kaveh starts to over-explain himself and Alhaitham takes it upon himself to wordlessly grab Kaveh’s chin and lean in close enough to kiss his lips.
It’s such a brief kiss, yet it overwhelms Kaveh to the point that he needs just a little more.
He leans back in to initiate another kiss, running his hands over Alhaitham’s chest to grip at the front of his shirt. The lone touch causes Alhaitham to shift his hand down Kaveh’s side, practically tugging Kaveh onto his lap, and the faintest hint of a growl reverberates from the back of his throat.
Kaveh gasps into the next kiss because of it, easily lured in by the Alpha’s dominating presence. His lips part in unquestioned obedience as Alhaitham runs his tongue into his mouth, intent on tasting Kaveh in a way that has the Omega desperate for it.
How Kaveh slots his hips against Alhaitham’s own feels too right.
“I-I think…I mean…you’re a good kisser…” Kaveh isn’t even sure what he’s saying as he mumbles this, a slight whine interlaced in his words.
“So are you,” As Alhaitham offers this compliment in a low murmur, Kaveh’s inwardly preening at the praise.
Just as Kaveh feels Alhaitham’s hand daring to slide down to his ass, one of their phones starts blaring quite loudly.
It’s disruptive enough that Alhaitham actually gives pause before leaning over to grab his ringing phone from his jacket pocket.
“Sorry. Someone from work is calling my emergency line,” Alhaitham explains as he answers the call. “Hello?”
Kaveh isn’t sure what to do. He supposes he could just stay on Alhaitham’s lap, but if he’s getting an emergency work call then it must be important?
He decides to shift back off Alhaitham’s lap and turn the volume down on the TV. Whatever is being said on the call must not be something Alhaitham wants to hear because he’s running a hand through his hair with a heavy sigh.
As Kaveh quietly waits for Alhaitham to finish his call, he starts scrolling on his own phone, although he tenses up when he hears Alhaitham speak a familiar name.
“Rin, are you sure this can’t wait?”
It only takes a second for Kaveh to recall who that might be. The day he first went to Alhaitham’s apartment, he’d overheard the rather implicating conversation involving this ‘Rin’.
Clearly something might’ve happened between Alhaitham and Rin in the past, but it’s not like Kaveh has proof.
And he also can’t be bothered by it since he and Alhaitham aren’t actually dating. Alhaitham is very much still single outside of this make believe scenario.
But Kaveh is bothered by it.
Alhaitham finally manages to end his call, and he’s sighing once more.
“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting this to happen.”
“It’s okay,” Kaveh forces a quick smile while shaking his head. “If you need to go it’s fine. We weren’t doing anything too important.”
For a second Alhaitham doesn’t move, as if he’s assessing things. Finally though he rises from the couch and grabs his jacket.
“I’ve got to meet up with this client so, we’ll talk later about the event this weekend?” Alhaitham offers as Kaveh nods, still forcing that same smile.
He gets up to escort Alhaitham out. It takes what little will he has left to keep up the facade, but once the door is closed, Kaveh rests his head against it.
Despite continuing to repeat the notion that Alhaitham is single and can do what he wants, that all of what’s been happening the past week and a half…and even several years ago…that none of it amounts to anything…
Kaveh hates how much his heart hurts.
The next 48 hours leading up to the day of the masquerade are not kind to Kaveh.
No amount of texting with Childe about the fucked up situation soothed him.
It wasn’t even until the morning after he last saw Alhaitham that he got a message from him. The message was just about reconfirming their plan for Saturday.
Not even a week ago Kaveh felt strangely good that their costumes matched since it gave off the impression of completing each other, further cementing to the outside world that they were a ‘couple’.
Now Kaveh isn’t even sure he wants to go through with this anymore.
The uncertainty with his feelings and attraction to Alhaitham, if Alhaitham even feels the same way, and his awful ex — all of it is enough to make Kaveh want to say he’s sick and be done with it.
He doesn’t though, simply because the desire to see Alhaitham again outweighs the hurt.
Alhaitham has already gone through so much effort for him too, so it feels like a disservice to not follow through on the entire arrangement.
When he meets up with Alhaitham, it’s a block away from the building.
“I saw some other attendees on the way here…we’re way more tame.” Kaveh comments as Alhaitham chuckles.
After donning their masks, he holds out his arm for Kaveh to take as they walk down the street to where the event is being held.
As they head up the steps to the entrance, Kaveh’s already being recognized by various colleagues or friends. He quickly says his hellos and waves to a few of them, although he can tell some of them look at Alhaitham in a curious manner as well.
Some knew of his breakup with his ex, but no one knew of Alhaitham being in the picture.
In the main lobby, they show their invitations to the attendants standing outside the doors of where the masquerade is being held, and it’s then the general nervousness tends to override the anxiety with Alhaitham.
Although Kaveh can feel how Alhaitham’s phone keeps vibrating in his coat pocket. On the walk over it was negligible enough that Kaveh overlooked it, but it’s been incessantly vibrating every other minute.
“Do you have another emergency call or something…?” Kaveh finally asks as they head into the banquet hall that’s connected to a ballroom.
Alhaitham grits his teeth, having to let go of Kaveh’s arm to pull out his phone.
Teal eyes stare intently at the amount of calls and messages on the screen.
“Is it Rin again?” Kaveh asks, doing his best to remain neutral.
“Yes,” Alhaitham says, gripping his phone a little tighter. “I need to step away for a moment.”
“Sure, that’s okay,” Kaveh tries to sound reassuring, but he wouldn’t be surprised if the Alpha can sense his unease. “I’ll go mingle with some people I know.”
As Alhaitham removes his mask and disappears down a nearby hallway leading to another lounge area, Kaveh starts to slowly walk around the vast space. He passes one of the bars set up on the side of the room, glancing around to see any familiar colleagues that he can quickly catch up with.
He potentially sees someone and intends to start walking over to them, that is until someone addresses him.
“Kaveh? I didn’t expect you’d be here tonight.”
That voice…Kaveh knows that voice very well.
He turns to see his ex standing there.
Cerulean blue eyes stare at Kaveh rather intensely. Despite Kaveh’s mask managing to shield some of his reaction, Araki’s gaze is commanding as ever and pierces him all the same.
“Why not? I got an invitation just like anyone else,” Kaveh explains, trying not to let Araki get under his skin.
“Perhaps...” Araki steps forward, the golden fixture on his mask gleaming beneath the light and the chandelier. He tilts his head a little closer, as if to test Kaveh. “…If you wanted to see me though, all you had to do was ask.”
There’s no doubt that Araki is relying on old habits to inhibit Kaveh. It’s faint, but Kaveh picks up on Araki’s pheromones.
“Do you have selective memory or something? You’re the one who immediately moved on, and I don’t even want to know what else might’ve happened beyond that,” Kaveh huffs as Araki merely shrugs, his pheromones becoming stronger as if to command Kaveh into submission.
Although when Araki attempts to get even closer to Kaveh, he picks up on something unexpected.
“Hah, messing around with another Alpha are you?”
“What business is it of yours?”
“Just curious. He doesn’t seem to be with you though, so if you’re lonely I’d be happy to provide you some company.”
Kaveh is torn on what to do.
He can’t say no because Araki would call his bluff given Alhaitham is still not here. Maybe he really did decide to just ditch Kaveh in favor of Rin.
Maybe Alhaitham’s going back to his apartment right now to fuck him.
“I’m sure you have your own fun lined up based on what I’ve heard. Don’t let me get in the way of that.”
“Come now, catching up with you is far more appealing…” Araki insinuates in a way that has Kaveh steadily losing his nerve.
“You…” Kaveh tries to get something, anything out. The words die in his throat.
Araki appears ready to say something even worse, but he stops short rather abruptly.
“Sorry about that.”
Alhaitham’s voice is a saving grace, coupled with the way he leans in close to Kaveh’s neck to nuzzle right over his scent gland. Something about the lone touch dissuades any of Kaveh’s initial worry about Alhaitham ditching him.
Those words caress over Kaveh’s skin as those teal eyes stare at Araki, an unrivaled intensity now present.
Kaveh can tell Alhaitham is purposefully soothing him as their scents mingle together again, and soon his arm also wraps around Kaveh’s waist to pull him in, furthering that feeling of security.
“That’s all right,” Kaveh replies, easing more against Alhaitham’s side.
“Is this a friend of yours?”
“We were once more than friends,” Araki says, almost biting with his words. “How did you two meet?”
It’s at that moment that Kaveh realizes they never actually rehearsed a ‘how we got together’ story.
Alhaitham doesn’t hesitate to respond though.
“It’s funny because we actually first met in college. Nothing quite happened then, but I could never get Kaveh off my mind. For years he was just a constant, memories always coming back and filling me with regret. So when we bumped into each other at a coffee shop a few months ago, I was actually quite astounded at how strong our connection still was years later. Because of that I told myself, I wouldn’t be left with any regrets this time.”
“That’s…” Kaveh unknowingly speaks to his surprise, left in disbelief at how sweet Alhaitham’s words were. Although he quickly realizes his potential misstep and corrects it with a blush and a kiss along Alhaitham’s jawline. “Every time I hear that story it makes me feel so lucky to have found you again.”
Honestly Kaveh completely forgot that his ex was standing in front of them listening and watching their openly affectionate display.
“How…charming,” Araki forces out as civilly as possible, most of his initial smugness now non-existent.
Alhaitham reaffirms his grip on Kaveh’s waist as his free hand.
It’s then that Kaveh can detect how Alhaitham is significantly…warmer than when they arrived.
“Yes, well, if you’ll excuse us. I’d very much like to dance with Kaveh. It is a masquerade after all,” The Alpha is certain to level one last look at Araki, asserting his claim.
Kaveh can sense that as well and it sends a fierce shiver through him, one that’s unlike anything he’s ever felt before.
With the ex quickly forgotten, Alhaitham slips on his mask again, and the two of them end up heading over to the dance floor.
“Did your call go okay?” Kaveh manages to gather his wits enough to ask.
“I took care of it. I promise you have my full attention.”
Another waltz starts shortly after they arrive so Alhaitham shifts back enough to offer his hand for Kaveh.
Once they’re falling in line with the rhythm, Kaveh realizes how his cheeks are still flushed even minutes after the events involving his ex.
“Was what I did too much?” Alhaitham asks lowly.
“No, not at all. I just wasn’t expecting you to say what you did,” Kaveh admits, his heart beating that much harder at the prospect of where this conversation might be headed.
He wants to press for more, but he’s not sure he has the courage to do it.
“I meant every word,” Alhaitham replies, seeming to carefully continue. “But if you’re not interested–”
“I’m interested.” Kaveh immediately responds, realizing then how those same words started all of this.
Alhaitham picks up on it too because he chuckles, his hand shifting along his lower back.
The placement of that hand suddenly becomes more meaningful - more purposeful - and the faintest bit of slick can be felt dripping from his ass.
“You’re wet aren’t you?”
Kaveh emits a shuddering breath, unable to deny it.
“Yes.” He quietly admits, his heart thrumming harder in anticipation.
Alhaitham’s grip tightens, pulling Kaveh directly against him, decorum completely forgotten in the midst of such an elegant dance. His words are hot as they’re spoken into Kaveh’s ear.
“Do you want my knot?”
It’s then that it dawns on Kaveh what’s happening.
Not only is he unconsciously emitting a whorish sound, but it’s becoming very apparent that he’s triggered Alhaitham’s rut.
“I don’t just want it, I need it.”
Alhaitham’s instincts are heightened, his lips tracing down Kaveh’s neck as he hovers directly over his scent gland. The alluring hints of amber mingle with the sweetness of flowers and he knows there’s no holding back.
Not when Kaveh starts begging under his breath.
“Please…” Kaveh’s hand that once rested comfortably on Alhaitham’s chest now fists tightly into the cape draped over his front. He shivers as Alhaitham kisses on his scent gland, breaking him further to the point of shamelessness.
“You’re coming home with me. Now,” Alhaitham says, a subtle growl etched in his command.
Kaveh is more than happy to obey, caught up in that haze of desperation for everything Alhaitham has to give him.
They make a hasty exit, flagging down a cab to which Alhaitham threw a ridiculous amount of money to the driver and told him to ‘mind your fucking business’.
To which he meant, ignore how Kaveh ended up on Alhaitham’s lap the entire ride across town.
Kaveh whines into those messy kisses, his pants soaked with slick as Alhaitham continues to knead and grab his ass. He pulls Kaveh down against his hips, letting him feel the fullness of his hard cock.
By the time they make it to Alhaitham’s apartment, Kaveh’s too far gone from having been edged so much and has to be carried inside. Alhaitham has no qualms in doing so, possessively gripping Kaveh’s ass even as they walk through the main lobby and head to the elevator.
Once the doors slide closed, he presses Kaveh against the side of the elevator to resume those hot kisses, licking into Kaveh’s mouth while grinding his cock right against his ass, able to feel trails of slick seeping through the fabric.
“I can’t wait to fuck you while you moan just for me…” Alhaitham mutters between kisses, finding Kaveh’s gaze. “...my pretty Omega.”
It’s then the elevator reaches their floor, and Kaveh’s a needy mess even in the short walk down the hall to Alhaitham’s apartment. He’s pawing at Alhaitham’s chest, kissing over his jawline as Alhaitham can barely manage to focus long enough to use his key and open the door.
They hastily shuffle into the apartment, the door slamming shut as Alhaitham carries Kaveh to his bedroom with the sole purpose of claiming him.
As he sets Kaveh on the edge of the bed, Alhaitham quickly realizes how their masquerade outfits are going to be collateral damage. He can’t bring himself to be gentle in how he practically claws the cape and top off Kaveh’s body, revealing fair skin that he immediately wants to mark as his.
“Alhaitham…I can’t believe this is happening…” Kaveh’s slightly overwhelmed by that filthy haze, especially as Alhaitham’s much larger hands run over the top of his thighs and divest him of his remaining clothes.
He’s left fully exposed with his thighs spread and slick glistening down his ass and thighs. Alhaitham’s gaze is intent on him, pupils blown wide as Kaveh spreads his thighs just a little more for his hole to be presented for him.
“You should believe it because I’ve wanted this to happen for years,” Alhaitham admits as Kaveh reaches out to hastily unclasp Alhaitham’s cape and then the buttons on the front of his shirt.
As more clothes fall in a pile on the floor, Kaveh’s fingers trace down Alhaitham’s chest appreciatively, and simply feeling how defined they are has more slick gushing down Kaveh’s thighs.
Alhaitham growls lowly in the back of his throat at the sweet scent that Kaveh emits, and Kaveh’s rapidly becoming more desperate by the minute.
“I’ve wanted you too, especially since that night at the bar…” Kaveh trails off, the memory a shared one that Alhaitham continues speaking on.
“That night when it rained and you showed up there, it took every bit of decency I had left not to kiss you…” Alhaitham grazes his fingertips up Kaveh’s inner thigh, listening to the way his breath hitches. “...and taste you…to know every part of you until you felt every part of me.”
Alhaitham’s entire hand is covered with slick by the time he starts to slide two fingers inside Kaveh’s hole, feeling how it’s just as eager to be filled from how easily he rubs along those inner walls. He presses his forehead to Kaveh’s own, never breaking his stare as needy whines are all Kaveh is capable of the longer Alhaitham fingers him open, slipping in a third and fourth finger to have him spread obscenely wide.
“I wonder how slutty you’ll become for me,” Alhaitham says, curling his fingers with such precision that Kaveh’s coming all over himself.
White ribbons of cum paint Kaveh’s chest and thighs, making him all the more tempting for the Alpha to mark with his own cum.
Kaveh barely manages to catch his breath, peering at him through his bangs that are matted on his forehead. How Alhaitham stares at him as if he intends to devour him easily has Kaveh emitting a whine, one that’s utterly submissive.
Completely submitting is something he’s never done for anyone else.
“You know I kept your jacket because your scent is the only thing that ever made me this wet…”
This confession merely renews Alhaitham’s intent to have Kaveh addicted to him. He shoves off the remainder of his clothes to reveal his cock before grabbing Kaveh’s slim frame, effortlessly lifting him further up the bed to leave behind a trail of slick and cum on the sheets beneath him.
Kaveh lets out an indiscernible sound at the sight of Alhaitham’s cock, slick shamelessly leaking out of his gaping hole just at the sheer knowledge of having his knot soon.
“I want to look at you this time,” Alhaitham runs his fingers over the side of Kaveh’s neck, caressing his scent gland as they then map out a path to his thigh. “...but next time I want you on your hands and knees so I can see how greedy you are for my knot.”
As Kaveh whimpers out a ‘yes’, he feels Alhaitham grip beneath his waist as he aligns his cock, rubbing the thick head over his puffy rim. The pitiful sounds Kaveh makes while pawing over Alhaitham’s chest are truly addicting, and finally Alhaitham gives into his baser instincts by pushing inside that soaked heat.
“Ahh…A-Alhaitham…” Kaveh’s broken moans are stolen by a rough, heated kiss Alhaitham gives him, merely causing Kaveh to drag his nails down Alhaitham’s firm chest as his cock settles deeper.
Those initial thrusts are enough to have Kaveh shivering, and the obscene squelching becomes louder as Alhaitham grows more unrestrained in how he fucks him open. Soon Kaveh’s gasping and panting over Alhaitham’s lips, his moans continuously lost in those open-mouthed kisses as Alhaitham demands every part of him.
“Everything about you leaves me insatiable,” Those kisses are broken as Alhaitham says this, voice raw with a vicious desire, and Kaveh can’t contain his cries at how much harder Alhaitham fucks him after that.
Lips trail down Kaveh’s cheek and over his neck, teeth scraping on his skin as Alhaitham groans from how soaked Kaveh’s hole is for him.
Kaveh’s trapped cock merely adds to the mess as pre-cum drips down his body, the friction from Alhaitham against him and rubbing along his inner walls makes that overwhelming heat coil within until he’s incessantly begging for the obscene.
“Knot me, I want it please, a-ahh Haitham…”
Listening to Kaveh’s desperate cries become louder as Alhaitham teases so close to his scent gland causes him to grind his cock over Kaveh’s sweet spot that much harder. That baser instinct drives him to ruin Kaveh for anyone else, and the Alpha mutters his demand in a hot whisper over Kaveh’s neck as his knot begins to swell.
Just the sensation of Alhaitham’s knot catching on his rim in those last, desperate thrusts causes Kaveh to arch up from the sheets, cum splattering on his chest as he whines so brokenly.
Those beautiful sounds cause Alhaitham to groan Kaveh’s name as his cock buries deeply inside of him the moment his knot pops.
The rush of hot cum filling Kaveh’s hole is too much, especially after having craved it for so long, and it has Kaveh emitting a pitiful moan from how his stomach is left with a noticeable bulge forming.
Alhaitham pulls back enough to see how his marks bloom perfectly on the Omega’s skin even as more of his cum marks him on the inside too.
Teal eyes hone in on how he’d found enough restraint to merely marr near Kaveh’s scent gland, yet that urge to fully claim him still echoes in his mind.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to let you leave my bed after this,” Alhaitham says as his knot dies down enough to withdraw from Kaveh.
“Then don’t let me,” Kaveh replies, his words edged with an inherent submissiveness.
A filthy shiver rakes through him as he acts on Alhaitham’s previous demand as well, shifting up to turn onto his hands and knees to have thick lines of cum leaking down his ass and thighs.
Alhaitham surveys how Kaveh fully presents himself once more just for him before running his hands over Kaveh’s hips and leaning in close enough to speak near his ear.
“You want to be my Omega whore forever then?”
There seems to be an unspoken implication in those words since it didn’t go unnoticed that Alhaitham hadn’t even attempted a mating bite.
Thinking about how much more intense all of this would be if he were mated to Alhaitham has Kaveh dizzy with want.
“I-I’d never be this way for anyone else.”
And Kaveh wouldn’t. None of his previous partners made him feel so desperate to be claimed, which is why he never took it further, never fully giving himself in that way.
Alhaitham disarms him though, making him crave to be lost in every part of him.
The fact that the Omega in his hold is Kaveh seems to ensure that Alhaitham’s rut has fully taken over, rendering him incapable of focusing on anything but incessantly claiming him.
“Good…I’ll make sure your body never forgets how it feels to have my knot then.”
Alhaitham thrusts back into Kaveh’s sloppy hole, forcing more of his cum to cover Kaveh’s trembling body.
“Yes, fuck I need it…” Kaveh whimpers, drool falling down his chin as Alhaitham effortlessly slides inside his soaked heat again.
The possessive part of Alhaitham’s desires causes him to grip Kaveh’s waist hard enough to bruise, practically pulling him back over his cock as if he’s nothing but a sleeve.
It’s evident Kaveh loves that too, his shameless cries barely muffled into the sheets, and they become louder to simply encourage the Alpha in taking what he wants.
Kaveh’s inherently desperate to please Alhaitham, and what was once a faraway thought in the back of his mind is now unmistakably clear.
He wants Alhaitham to breed him.
Alhaitham runs a hand into blond locks, gripping them intently to force Kaveh up from the sheets for ease of access to his neck. This time he’s much less restrained in how he licks and bites over Kaveh’s neck, and the obscene slaps of their hips meeting is deafening with how quickly he fucks into Kaveh’s greedy hole.
Simply having Alhaitham grunt roughly against the back of his neck as he fucks him is enough to have Kaveh coming without warning, the streaks falling carelessly all over the sheets.
Alhaitham doesn’t stop though, instead he groans in dark approval near his ear, loosening his grip in Kaveh’s hair to instead run a hand down to feel over the bulge on his stomach.
“You want it don’t you? For me to breed you so you never stop being full of my cum…?” Despite the Alpha asking, he knows the answer.
Kaveh blinks back tears as he admits to it with a broken whine, his oversensitive body too worked up to stop craving Alhaitham’s cock inside of him. He needs to be knotted again, his instincts have ruined any and all sense until he gets what he needs.
“I do, I want it– n-need it, please bite me, mark me again–” Kaveh shamelessly begs, his words strung together with pitiful whimpers as Alhaitham hovers close to his scent gland again. “--knot me, please knot me and don’t fucking stop—!”
Kaveh’s insistence has Alhaitham’s knot swelling, those last thrusts erratic as he presses hot kisses near Kaveh’s scent gland before ultimately biting into it the moment he knots Kaveh for a second time.
The euphoric rush causes Kaveh to whine Alhaitham’s name, his body all-consumed with that feeling as he comes on Alhaitham’s cock and knot, feeling the way his hole is filled with even more cum than before.
Alhaitham emits a low groan as he licks over the fresh bite mark, kissing it afterward as his cock throbs and more cum paints Kaveh’s insides until the bulge on his stomach is noticeably bigger.
“I still think you can take more, what do you think?” He asks with a kiss beneath Kaveh’s ear.
Kaveh can’t bite back a whine at the implication of truly being bred.
“I think…we should find out,” Another wave of cum spills inside of him and he shivers.
The way Alhaitham smiles against the side of his neck is telling of how much he intends to take what’s now his.
A full week passes before either of them leave Alhaitham’s apartment.
Kaveh managed to send out a few texts to both his manager and Childe, just to call out ‘sick’ and say yes he’s alive.
He was just too busy getting his ass destroyed by his new boyfriend.
Of course, Childe sussed it out very quickly and hounded Kaveh about it with explicit messages and eggplant emojis until Kaveh finally confirmed it days later.
What was probably the most satisfying moment of all though (besides the amazing sex and making his ex regret being an asshole), was when Rin actually had the audacity to stop by Alhaitham’s apartment again.
After hearing the backstory on that, it was honestly surprising that Rin still kept insisting on trying to mix business with pleasure after being rejected so many times in the past.
When he dropped by, Kaveh had been lingering in the background wearing nothing but Alhaitham’s shirt that was much too big on him, and the numerous bite marks – including the most important one – could clearly be seen even then.
Alhaitham still made a point of telling Rin to stop bothering him, referring him to someone else entirely if he had any more business matters.
And he made a point of reassuring Kaveh with plenty of kisses and gropes after the fact anyways.
“So…I’m guessing we’re both uninstalling this app now right?” Kaveh asks as they’re cuddling together on the couch later on.
He’s draped sideways over Alhaitham’s lap while scrolling through his phone, hovering over the dating app that he’d initially installed earlier that month.
“I uninstalled the night we kissed for the first time.”
Kaveh lets out a shocked sound as Alhaitham chuckles.
“You…” As Kaveh tries to find his words, his cheeks darken, and he hits ‘uninstall’ on the app. “...You’re really cute.”
It’s then Kaveh notices how Alhaitham is smiling at him, and soon he’s dropping his phone on his lap as Alhaitham leans over to steal his lips in a loving kiss.
“Maybe so…but you’re the sweetest thing,” Alhaitham says, and he can feel how Kaveh smiles into the next kiss.