Alhaitham (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
justscribing) wrote2023-07-12 12:00 am
justscribing) wrote2023-07-12 12:00 am
The City | Inbox
USERNAME: Alhaitham
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[ Invited to do so, visiting Kaveh's workshop every so often has begun to become part of an ordinary routine here as well. Still, Yesod tends to hang back to avoid getting underfoot, content to catch new glimpses of projects in progress, or simply to observe the changes for the better that Netzach and Kaveh have accomplished together. If these aspects of this place could be preserved someday, too, that would be ideal.
Today, though the reasons for his visit haven't changed, Yesod admittedly has a number of other things on his mind. The main issue isn't new — he's contemplated it from time to time over the past few weeks — but recent conversations have pushed it into the foreground, despite other more pressing matters occupying that space.
An unfortunate byproduct of one exchange is this: when Yesod catches sight of Alhaitham nearby, he can't help but think of Reno's nickname for the man. Consequently, instead of looking up to make eye contact, he tries to discreetly pay closer attention to Alhaitham's arms for several seconds. They match the rest of Alhaitham's body, nothing out of proportion.
With that confirmed, Yesod lifts his gaze. ]
...Greetings, Alhaitham. Could I speak with you?
Today, though the reasons for his visit haven't changed, Yesod admittedly has a number of other things on his mind. The main issue isn't new — he's contemplated it from time to time over the past few weeks — but recent conversations have pushed it into the foreground, despite other more pressing matters occupying that space.
An unfortunate byproduct of one exchange is this: when Yesod catches sight of Alhaitham nearby, he can't help but think of Reno's nickname for the man. Consequently, instead of looking up to make eye contact, he tries to discreetly pay closer attention to Alhaitham's arms for several seconds. They match the rest of Alhaitham's body, nothing out of proportion.
With that confirmed, Yesod lifts his gaze. ]
...Greetings, Alhaitham. Could I speak with you?
[Conveniently, Kaveh has just stepped out to work on Daan's clinic on-site, leaving Alhaitham to read in the swinging seat that's perpendicular to the drafting bench. It's entirely too fancy for a workshop.
His gaze flickers up when Yesod arrives, but Alhaitham knows he tends to visit occasionally just to see what Netzach and Kaveh are up to. He's about to explain they're not here, though, when Yesod's question gets out first.]
What about?
His gaze flickers up when Yesod arrives, but Alhaitham knows he tends to visit occasionally just to see what Netzach and Kaveh are up to. He's about to explain they're not here, though, when Yesod's question gets out first.]
What about?
[ Yesod is loath to interrupt Alhaitham's reading, especially for something that isn't actually urgent. If it were him in Alhaitham's place, he would generally find that irritating himself... He pauses, glancing down at the other man's book. ]
Tell me if you would prefer to postpone it, as I don't want to waste your time. I would have liked to discuss recent plans further, but I doubt that there is much more just yet.
[ And it's also mildly irritating that the topic of Alhaitham's arms — evidently common knowledge — continues to occupy a corner of his mind, if only because he chose to ask Netzach for clarification, resulting in Netzach's detailed input, as well as a request for him to act as the judge overseeing an upcoming shirtless weighted push-up contest. Presumably some pairs would need additional weights to eliminate any advantage over others — Netzach, for example, is quite light. Carrying him only becomes difficult if he uses the proximity to his advantage, Yesod has discovered, which has nothing to do with Netzach's weight. ]
That said... I presume you are aware of that so-called "boyfriend chart" now underway?
[ It feels ridiculous to say it aloud. ]
Tell me if you would prefer to postpone it, as I don't want to waste your time. I would have liked to discuss recent plans further, but I doubt that there is much more just yet.
[ And it's also mildly irritating that the topic of Alhaitham's arms — evidently common knowledge — continues to occupy a corner of his mind, if only because he chose to ask Netzach for clarification, resulting in Netzach's detailed input, as well as a request for him to act as the judge overseeing an upcoming shirtless weighted push-up contest. Presumably some pairs would need additional weights to eliminate any advantage over others — Netzach, for example, is quite light. Carrying him only becomes difficult if he uses the proximity to his advantage, Yesod has discovered, which has nothing to do with Netzach's weight. ]
That said... I presume you are aware of that so-called "boyfriend chart" now underway?
[ It feels ridiculous to say it aloud. ]
[It's a book on (sort of) modern vehicles, all very generic information on what makes cars, planes, and subways operate. He closes it without marking his page to give Yesod his full attention. He's amicable enough that Alhaitham expects the conversation in question to be relevant and interesting to him, even if it's not about the currently building plans to disrupt the simulation.
What he follows up with, though, is absolutely not what Alhaitham expected.] The... boyfriend chart?
[The slow, perplexed furrow of his brow. He rests his cheek on his hand, the flexing of his arms really just making that bicep more prominent. He is not aware of the boyfriend chart, or Yesod's currently conflicting opinions about his physique.] I haven't heard anything about that.
What he follows up with, though, is absolutely not what Alhaitham expected.] The... boyfriend chart?
[The slow, perplexed furrow of his brow. He rests his cheek on his hand, the flexing of his arms really just making that bicep more prominent. He is not aware of the boyfriend chart, or Yesod's currently conflicting opinions about his physique.] I haven't heard anything about that.
text; un: mightiest SOMETIME WHEN EVERYTHING ISN'T STRESSFUL
fanstheflames
2024-01-14 02:51 am (UTC)(link)
Hey, Al!
Do you like dogs?
Do you like dogs?
I got one! I was wondering if you'd wanna meet him!
He needs socialization!
He needs socialization!
[Oh boy.]
I take it Netzach and Kaveh helped you with that.
Does he need socialization because he's aggressive or shy?
I take it Netzach and Kaveh helped you with that.
Does he need socialization because he's aggressive or shy?
[After the big meeting with everyone, tasks were doled out as everyone made preparations for what was to come. Fumikage has been doing his part as well, going around to various pharmacies and hospitals to take a few medical supplies here and there. He's also been training to get more use of his powers, strengthen them back up to what he was used to.]
[He decides to head to the gym in District 1 to get some training in with Dark Shadow. He's just entering the building when he see a familiar face doing a workout.]
Alhaitham-san? I didn't know you would be here.
[He decides to head to the gym in District 1 to get some training in with Dark Shadow. He's just entering the building when he see a familiar face doing a workout.]
Alhaitham-san? I didn't know you would be here.
[When he hears his name called, Alhaitham rests the barbell weight back on the rung before sitting up with the duck of his head. He's in much simpler workout wear, but still with his headphones and the walkman stuffed into his pocket. Ah, Fumikage.
He reaches to turn off the music through the fabric.] It's a convenient gym for working out. That's why you're here, isn't it?
He reaches to turn off the music through the fabric.] It's a convenient gym for working out. That's why you're here, isn't it?
Yes, that's right. I figured it would be good to get more physical training while we can.
[Before, you know, all hell breaks loose.]
Are you in need of a partner?
[Before, you know, all hell breaks loose.]
Are you in need of a partner?
[ during this apparently, ]
Alhaitham, my oldest and most vexatious headache, my untold terror of a Junior, why exactly are you giving Netzach unsolicited advice about his sex life? What did he do to offend you, and how could he have done it? He's been stabbed! Let him be! What's wrong with you?
Alhaitham, my oldest and most vexatious headache, my untold terror of a Junior, why exactly are you giving Netzach unsolicited advice about his sex life? What did he do to offend you, and how could he have done it? He's been stabbed! Let him be! What's wrong with you?
[They're definitely just in different rooms in the apartment, texting. Like they do.]
It's not just about his sex life.
It's not just about his sex life.
[ In the early morning of his birthday, as he leaves the apartment to do whatever it is he plans on doing, Alhaitham will find a beautifully wrapped package addressed to him sitting in front of the door. There is no sender (but everyone knows who this came from). The package is sizeable, big enough to fit at least four or five Mehraks in it. It's weighty at the bottom but light on the top.
Upon opening the package and removing the packing material that was securing the gift, it'll become apparent why it was so big. The top of the gift is a 3D paper model of a location that Alhaitham will instantly recognize to be his own home in Sumeru. It is intricately crafted, though not a hundred percent accurate—but it's close enough for it to be quite clear that the crafter is as familiar with Sumeran architecture as an ordinary inhabitant of Sumeru City ought to be. Just as impressive is the greenery surrounding the house. Karmaphala trees and Brightwood trees are dotted around the house, and the rest is filled with familiar bushes and foliage. Planters with Sumeru roses and padisarahs decorate the side of the house—features that don't exist in reality, but the crafter clearly wanted more visual references to Sumeru to be included in the diorama. All in all, it is a very beautiful depiction of Alhaitham and Kaveh's home.
Underneath this model are a bunch of books of various subjects. A history of forging (not Teyvat's history, but Alhaitham will find information about how many types of forges came to be, which he might recognize from some of Kaveh's rambling of forges throughout the whole saga of its creation in January,) a book on Egyptian hieroglyphics, both volumes of the Hilichurl Ballad Selection, and... a book on various sex positions.
There's no note or letter or anything else accompanying this wide selection of gifts. ]
Upon opening the package and removing the packing material that was securing the gift, it'll become apparent why it was so big. The top of the gift is a 3D paper model of a location that Alhaitham will instantly recognize to be his own home in Sumeru. It is intricately crafted, though not a hundred percent accurate—but it's close enough for it to be quite clear that the crafter is as familiar with Sumeran architecture as an ordinary inhabitant of Sumeru City ought to be. Just as impressive is the greenery surrounding the house. Karmaphala trees and Brightwood trees are dotted around the house, and the rest is filled with familiar bushes and foliage. Planters with Sumeru roses and padisarahs decorate the side of the house—features that don't exist in reality, but the crafter clearly wanted more visual references to Sumeru to be included in the diorama. All in all, it is a very beautiful depiction of Alhaitham and Kaveh's home.
Underneath this model are a bunch of books of various subjects. A history of forging (not Teyvat's history, but Alhaitham will find information about how many types of forges came to be, which he might recognize from some of Kaveh's rambling of forges throughout the whole saga of its creation in January,) a book on Egyptian hieroglyphics, both volumes of the Hilichurl Ballad Selection, and... a book on various sex positions.
There's no note or letter or anything else accompanying this wide selection of gifts. ]
[ There's a soft knock on Alhaitham's door. When? Sometime in the morning when Alhaitham is at home, since Midnight's a morning person and can afford to simply arrive whenever he pleases. (They all can. Of course. No jobs!)
Anyway. When Alhaitham deigns to open his door, Midnight will be standing there, hair clean and freshly dressed, but looking even paler than usual, eyes bruised purple from a lack of sleep. It's a far cry from how he started this year, but in spite of how he feels, this needs to be done. So in spite of the exhaustion, Alhaitham will be greeted by Midnight's usual straight backed, firm confidence, if not one of his smiles. He nods to him. ]
Good morning. How are you?
Anyway. When Alhaitham deigns to open his door, Midnight will be standing there, hair clean and freshly dressed, but looking even paler than usual, eyes bruised purple from a lack of sleep. It's a far cry from how he started this year, but in spite of how he feels, this needs to be done. So in spite of the exhaustion, Alhaitham will be greeted by Midnight's usual straight backed, firm confidence, if not one of his smiles. He nods to him. ]
Good morning. How are you?
[Alhaitham is even one of the few people who has refused to volunteer for anything remotely job-like. Which mean he's definitely home, because he's not a morning person and has no other obligations to attend to.
So, after a series of knocks and Alhaitham trying to remember if anyone was supposed to come by, he goes to open the door. It's with his hair mussed, piercing removed, and his usual form-fitting and accessorized clothes swapped for very loose and comfortable pajamas. His right hand holds a cup of coffee still steaming. His face holds and expression of a man who is very much up against his will.
Then it clicks who is standing here and Alhaitham stiffens. His hand grips the doorknob minutely tighter.] Kaveh left already, he won't be back until the evening.
[To be fair, it's the most reasonable assumption that Midnight would just be looking for Kaveh.]
So, after a series of knocks and Alhaitham trying to remember if anyone was supposed to come by, he goes to open the door. It's with his hair mussed, piercing removed, and his usual form-fitting and accessorized clothes swapped for very loose and comfortable pajamas. His right hand holds a cup of coffee still steaming. His face holds and expression of a man who is very much up against his will.
Then it clicks who is standing here and Alhaitham stiffens. His hand grips the doorknob minutely tighter.] Kaveh left already, he won't be back until the evening.
[To be fair, it's the most reasonable assumption that Midnight would just be looking for Kaveh.]
I see. Well, seeing as how I'm here to speak to you, his absence won't be an issue.
[ Completely pleasant, said with a smile, even. (No matter how exhausted Midnight is, it is simply inconvenient for him not to be a morning person, so that is what he is.) Kaveh's out working again, probably. What an indomitable spirit. Midnight has a lot of catching up to do in that respect. ]
Do you have a moment? I won't be long. I needed to speak with you first, but I've a few other people to meet today.
[ Completely pleasant, said with a smile, even. (No matter how exhausted Midnight is, it is simply inconvenient for him not to be a morning person, so that is what he is.) Kaveh's out working again, probably. What an indomitable spirit. Midnight has a lot of catching up to do in that respect. ]
Do you have a moment? I won't be long. I needed to speak with you first, but I've a few other people to meet today.
[We finally backdate this months later.]
[ it's my fault we're doing this months later tbh - also usually you get a huge paragraph of kaveh just absolutely going through it, but in light of the fact that yall know what he's going through, i'm electing to start this in media res.
as in right fucking now.
it's four in the morning and kaveh is shaking alhaitham as if he owes him money. ]
Alhaitham- Alhaitham! Oh, for the love of Archons, wake up faster - what did you think about it.
as in right fucking now.
it's four in the morning and kaveh is shaking alhaitham as if he owes him money. ]
Alhaitham- Alhaitham! Oh, for the love of Archons, wake up faster - what did you think about it.
And look - I'm not saying you have to tell me.
Or tell anyone, really! Or make this extremely weird because there's nothing weird about having a conversation and having opinions, even if it's opinions on this in particular, but even strange things beget opinions, don't they! That doesn't make the act of having an opinion on it weird!
Which means if I'm asking you for that opinion, I'm not being weird and you're not being weird in this incredibly not-weird hypothetical conversation that we haven't had yet.
[ this is actually the fifth message. kaveh still hasn't finished typing. ]
Anyway, what I mean to say is -
What is your opinion!
What did you think.
Please don't make this weird, Midnight.
I'm not being weird about it.
Also I'm outside your door, so could you please open it before your neighbours wonder if I'm here to take the door off your hinges again? Or before I take your door off its hinges again? One or the other, I'm not sure what kind of night it is right now but it's really shaping up to be like one or the other.
Or tell anyone, really! Or make this extremely weird because there's nothing weird about having a conversation and having opinions, even if it's opinions on this in particular, but even strange things beget opinions, don't they! That doesn't make the act of having an opinion on it weird!
Which means if I'm asking you for that opinion, I'm not being weird and you're not being weird in this incredibly not-weird hypothetical conversation that we haven't had yet.
[ this is actually the fifth message. kaveh still hasn't finished typing. ]
Anyway, what I mean to say is -
What is your opinion!
What did you think.
Please don't make this weird, Midnight.
I'm not being weird about it.
Also I'm outside your door, so could you please open it before your neighbours wonder if I'm here to take the door off your hinges again? Or before I take your door off its hinges again? One or the other, I'm not sure what kind of night it is right now but it's really shaping up to be like one or the other.
[ Literally, all Midnight is doing is texting while lying on Haikaveh's couch. Not a single thing about his life changed after The Sex Tape. He very pointedly does not look up if he isn't addressed, but he really is just minding his own business, keeping his nose out of Alhaitham's. As one does. As he promised to do.
Alhaitham is the one with the revelations to contend with, isn't he? Midnight is not going to help. He doesn't know the first thing about Alhaitham, really. How does he help? ]
Alhaitham is the one with the revelations to contend with, isn't he? Midnight is not going to help. He doesn't know the first thing about Alhaitham, really. How does he help? ]
Edited (midnight better keep his nose out of alhaitham (for now)) 2024-09-17 23:20 (UTC)
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