I don't know, you said a lot of things! Do you mean the part where you told me to move out of your house, or the part where you said I've never done anything valuable for society? Which is rich coming from a Haravatat, I might add.
[ he can't blame kaveh for only remembering the shitty things he said. they were actually pretty shitty. somehow, kaveh accepted him anyway. this is why he has this gift, among other reasons. ]
It's not either of those. It was about the next potential Sages. They culled the list of candidates this past week, and the remaining candidates are currently under final review. They're close to reaching a consensus.
[(heartslogos!kaveh voice) Have you ever considered that I'm displeased with the things you say because they are displeasing things to hear
Alhaitham can, at least, rest assured that Kaveh doesn't sound particularly bothered by recounting the conversation--no more bothered than usual, anyway. If he'd taken any of it to heart, Alhaitham would have known it. Kaveh has never hesitated to let Alhaitham know when he's gone too far, and that hasn't changed.
[ he closes his eyes, crosses his arms, and sighs through his nose. kaveh you're killing him... ]
I mentioned how the Sages from our respective Darshans were among those who were dismissed. I think you know where I'm going with this, O Light of Kshahrewar.
[ nope. alhaitham holds onto it. it's like trying to pull open a push door. ]
Not so fast. You brought up our conversation about the role of commercial exchange in the production of art. Somehow that has bearing on whether or not I would get you a gift today. Let's clear that up first.
Your stubborn pedantry is doing a better job of convincing me than anything else you've said thus far.
[He would believe that the true gift is a debate about the commercialization of holidays tbh. (And like--honestly, he would complain, but it wouldn't even be a bad one. For all that he fundamnetally disagrees with Alhaitham on basically everything, he's not immune to the rush of their spirited intellectual exchanges. They're half the reason the two of them have made it to where they are today, after all.)]
Fine. I believe I've already made my point clear, but I'll say it again: It's highly implausible, if not unbelievable, that you would go out of your way to get me a gift for a holiday that represents the exact opposite of everything you stand for. Ergo, the most logical version of events is that Nilou, a dear friend with, quite frankly, much higher emotional intelligence than either of us, talked you into it. I'll even let you take it a step further: You can consider my initial hypothesis discarded, as I doubt Nilou would do all of this if the only thing inside this box is a bar tab, or some other such form of ridicule.
Why are you asking me questions you already know the answer to? Or do you truly not listen to yourself? I wouldn't, if I were you. [stop] You're the one who believes that art and beauty are useless without commercial value. You make no secret of how you function purely on fact and logic--in fact, I'm positive that the closest link between you and the concept of romance is your photograph next to the word "antonym" beneath its definition in the dictionary. Stop acting like I'm speaking in tongues when it's hardly a leap to say that a holiday that's the intersection of art and romance is the furthest thing from your interests.
[This is gonna be so embarrassing in like 5 minutes when he finally opens this present
Which he finally lets go of, actually, putting his hand on his hip with a sigh.]
I don't even understand why you seem so offended. You act like I don't know what I was agreeing to. My feelings aren't so delicate that I'd be upset if you behaved exactly as I'd expect you to. [Aren't they though...]
It's fascinating how you speak so confidently when you completely misconstrued what I said back then. Or maybe you misremembered it. Allow me to remind you.
[ he leans on one leg and closes his eyes. lecturing. ]
I said that the day when the value of an art piece has been exploited is the day it loses its reason for existence. At no point did I say that art is useless without being commercialized. In fact, I'd say it's the opposite of what I was trying to get across: art has value, and once that value is depleted, it becomes that fallen fruit that provides nourishment for the future.
[ he opens his eyes. there. ]
You, on the other hand, disliked that I compared it to something produced for consumption, which hardly makes sense. There's always a reason why something is produced—something to be benefitted from or commercially exchanged—and once that reason no longer applies, it loses its reason to exist. Make sense?
Technically, you haven't given me anything but a headache.
[Maybe if Alhaitham hadn't started this by texting him with "come get this garbage off my doorstep" he would've believed it more readily? We'll just never know now]
[ it's a struggle enough for alhaitham to admit to his own arguably squishy feelings towards kaveh. they still haven't completely smoothed out the kinks in their relationship—i.e. mastering how to put their egos aside for one minute for the sake of the other person. they keep doing things like this instead, where kaveh is bristled like a cactus and alhaitham is ready to call all of this off. gift or not, it's too much effort.
almost. when he and kaveh said they would try this, it meant that alhaitham would try to be more open and forgiving and do things that might require effort. like buying a valentine's day gift. like giving it to kaveh no matter how incredulous he is.
haitham sighs deeply, letting his breath filter completely from his chest. he looks away, though he's trying to be calmer. ]
I didn't buy this for you out of some sudden acknowledgment of what day it is. Like I said, I've never bothered to celebrate it before. I had no reason to.
[ he looks back at kaveh intently. ]
You're right about one thing. Art and romance are the cornerstones of this holiday. Because of the way you are, I knew it would mean something to you. That's all I was thinking about when I got you this. It didn't matter what my feelings were about today.
[And that's the thing about being mirrors--for all that Kaveh believes he's right about everything he's said, he also knows Alhaitham well enough to sense when it's time to concede. He might not always listen to that sense--even he knows that he lets passionate indignation get the best of him sometimes--but he is, more often than not, able to sense when they're approaching the line. That's true even now, when he's running on exhausted fumes and his already-short fuse is practically ashes.
He crosses his arms as Alhaitham talks, watching him out of the corner of his eye--and despite his petulant attitude, he notices that deep breath, that shift in expression. More than that, he isn't so easily distracted that he forgot Alhaitham's fond look of gratitude earlier, nor his insistence that Kaveh get some rest.
(He knows Alhaitham cares. Alhaitham does not do anything he doesn't want to do--he's known that from the beginning. Recognizing anything beyond that... it's difficult for him to face head-on, is all. But he, too, needs to try. Alhaitham deserves that from him.)
His jaw works when Alhaitham finishes--but he doesn't kick up another fuss. Instead, slowly, he extends his hand again, resting it not on the box, but on top of Alhaitham's.]
[ alhaitham watches the muscles move in kaveh's cheeks—the only anomalies in an otherwise perfect face is. despite his otherwise sour expression, kaveh seems to be tempering his own attitude.
when kaveh reaches out for his hand, alhaitham doesn't pull it back. he lets it rest where it is, and after a moment of searching kaveh's face, he offers the box to him. his eyes seem to soften, at least a little. ]
Open it.
[ past the dried flowers and pretty bow, kaveh will find three things wrapped in sheer, red cloth (cheap—leftovers from nilou's costumes).
the first is a handmade wooden hairbrush. on the back is the image of a flying, florid bird made from bits of colored glass, smoothly plated in resin.
next is an elaborate hairtie, fashioned with gold, feathered, colorful ornamentation that's meant to match seamlessly with the theme of his clothes—likely made by the same person who designed and tailored his outfit.
third is a small book. poetry is one of alhaitham's least preferred genres, so of course it would be one of kaveh's favorites. it only took one trip to the bookstore for alhaitham to see which authors he preferred, and only one chat with the shop owner to figure out which one wrote the sort of thing he needed. (the auntie, one of kaveh's many fans, was only too glad to tell him.)
so kaveh will find a small, thin, red book. it will be by an author he likes, and the love poems inside range from several pages long to just a few poignant, artfully arranged words.
alhaitham doesn't know if it's good. he won't pretend to understand most modern poetry, with its absurd structures, broken meters, and attempts at assigning meaning where it makes no sense. he just made an educated guess at what kaveh would like, and hopefully he chose correctly. but there is one poem that seems to have resonated with him and their relationship, which he's earmarked for kaveh to find.
arms crossed again, alhaitham watches while kaveh pores through the items, his gaze flickering from the gifts to kaveh's face, gauging his reactions. ]
[AH... the inevitable moment of embarrassment has come.
Kaveh, of course, doesn't know that just yet--but he takes the box with care anyway, and he's gentle as he opens it, dexterous fingers easing the ribbon off the edges without disturbing the bow or the flowers. He carefully sets the box top aside, then turns his attention to the contents.
Kaveh is not a subtle man. He can rein himself in when he has to, especially when he's working, but for the most part, he is open, expressive. Alhaitham doesn't even need to be watching as closely as he is--the shifts in Kaveh's expression are immediate and plain as day. His eyes widen, lips parting in shock as he takes in what he's looking at.
Almost unconsciously, he trails his fingers delicately over each item, tracing the detail on the brush, admiring the material of the tie, and following the lettering of the book's title. It's equally clear from his expression that he recognizes every significant element presented here--the craftsmanship, the aesthetic, the author, all of it.]
...You...
[This isn't the first time Alhaitham has rendered him speechless--but it's rare, and rarer still that it happens because he is so deeply moved by something Alhaitham has said or done. But at the moment, Kaveh can't even bring himself to tear his eyes away from the gifts, to meet Alhaitham's gaze--he knows, without a doubt, that whatever he sees will immediately overwhelm him.]
[ the awe and breathlessness were two things he had hoped for, bordering on expectation. the immediate flush of red up kaveh's body—up his chest and neck and face and ears, like the running of a thermometer—is something he didn't predict until they started bickering again. it makes the moment that much sweeter.
alhaitham can't hide his smirk. he takes a few steps closer, tilting his head to get a better look at kaveh's flabbergasted face. he got so owned. ]
Disappointed? You're the expert on romance, after all, not me. I'm just its antonym in the dictionary.
[THE WAY HE IMMEDIATELY COVERS HIS FACE WITH HIS HANDS wait no he can't do that he's still holding the box. Very gently, he puts it down on Alhaitham's desk
...AND THEN COVERS HIS FACE WITH HIS HANDS. HE'S PRAYING TO THE GROUND TO SWALLOW HIM UP IN THIS MOMENT. Alhaitham really let him stand there and talk shit for twenty minutes AND FOR WHAT!!! JUST TO LAUGH AT HIM!!!!
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[This is why he doesn't believe Alhaitham bought him a Valentine's present of his own accord]
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It's not either of those. It was about the next potential Sages. They culled the list of candidates this past week, and the remaining candidates are currently under final review. They're close to reaching a consensus.
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Alhaitham can, at least, rest assured that Kaveh doesn't sound particularly bothered by recounting the conversation--no more bothered than usual, anyway. If he'd taken any of it to heart, Alhaitham would have known it. Kaveh has never hesitated to let Alhaitham know when he's gone too far, and that hasn't changed.
He frowns, eying Alhaitham.]
And? What's your point?
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I mentioned how the Sages from our respective Darshans were among those who were dismissed. I think you know where I'm going with this, O Light of Kshahrewar.
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...okay well maybe does see where this is going but what if he wants to hear Alhaitham say it]
What, the eloquent scribe can't use his words?
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Nevermind. Regardless, I won't be handling the budgets anymore. You can appeal to whoever gets appointed next.
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Typical.
[WHATEVER... he's used to this, so he just tries to tug his hand--and his present--away from Alhaitham again.]
Can I open this or not?
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Not so fast. You brought up our conversation about the role of commercial exchange in the production of art. Somehow that has bearing on whether or not I would get you a gift today. Let's clear that up first.
[ let's not, actually. ]
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Your stubborn pedantry is doing a better job of convincing me than anything else you've said thus far.
[He would believe that the true gift is a debate about the commercialization of holidays tbh. (And like--honestly, he would complain, but it wouldn't even be a bad one. For all that he fundamnetally disagrees with Alhaitham on basically everything, he's not immune to the rush of their spirited intellectual exchanges. They're half the reason the two of them have made it to where they are today, after all.)]
Fine. I believe I've already made my point clear, but I'll say it again: It's highly implausible, if not unbelievable, that you would go out of your way to get me a gift for a holiday that represents the exact opposite of everything you stand for. Ergo, the most logical version of events is that Nilou, a dear friend with, quite frankly, much higher emotional intelligence than either of us, talked you into it. I'll even let you take it a step further: You can consider my initial hypothesis discarded, as I doubt Nilou would do all of this if the only thing inside this box is a bar tab, or some other such form of ridicule.
1/2
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Enlighten me. What exactly about this holiday runs antithetical to 'everything I stand for?'
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[This is gonna be so embarrassing in like 5 minutes when he finally opens this present
Which he finally lets go of, actually, putting his hand on his hip with a sigh.]
I don't even understand why you seem so offended. You act like I don't know what I was agreeing to. My feelings aren't so delicate that I'd be upset if you behaved exactly as I'd expect you to. [Aren't they though...]
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[ he leans on one leg and closes his eyes. lecturing. ]
I said that the day when the value of an art piece has been exploited is the day it loses its reason for existence. At no point did I say that art is useless without being commercialized. In fact, I'd say it's the opposite of what I was trying to get across: art has value, and once that value is depleted, it becomes that fallen fruit that provides nourishment for the future.
[ he opens his eyes. there. ]
You, on the other hand, disliked that I compared it to something produced for consumption, which hardly makes sense. There's always a reason why something is produced—something to be benefitted from or commercially exchanged—and once that reason no longer applies, it loses its reason to exist. Make sense?
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GESTURES WILDLY WITH HIS HANDS]
You see? This! This is the opposite of romance! You're proving my point right now!
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[Maybe if Alhaitham hadn't started this by texting him with "come get this garbage off my doorstep" he would've believed it more readily? We'll just never know now]
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[ it's a struggle enough for alhaitham to admit to his own arguably squishy feelings towards kaveh. they still haven't completely smoothed out the kinks in their relationship—i.e. mastering how to put their egos aside for one minute for the sake of the other person. they keep doing things like this instead, where kaveh is bristled like a cactus and alhaitham is ready to call all of this off. gift or not, it's too much effort.
almost. when he and kaveh said they would try this, it meant that alhaitham would try to be more open and forgiving and do things that might require effort. like buying a valentine's day gift. like giving it to kaveh no matter how incredulous he is.
haitham sighs deeply, letting his breath filter completely from his chest. he looks away, though he's trying to be calmer. ]
I didn't buy this for you out of some sudden acknowledgment of what day it is. Like I said, I've never bothered to celebrate it before. I had no reason to.
[ he looks back at kaveh intently. ]
You're right about one thing. Art and romance are the cornerstones of this holiday. Because of the way you are, I knew it would mean something to you. That's all I was thinking about when I got you this. It didn't matter what my feelings were about today.
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He crosses his arms as Alhaitham talks, watching him out of the corner of his eye--and despite his petulant attitude, he notices that deep breath, that shift in expression. More than that, he isn't so easily distracted that he forgot Alhaitham's fond look of gratitude earlier, nor his insistence that Kaveh get some rest.
(He knows Alhaitham cares. Alhaitham does not do anything he doesn't want to do--he's known that from the beginning. Recognizing anything beyond that... it's difficult for him to face head-on, is all. But he, too, needs to try. Alhaitham deserves that from him.)
His jaw works when Alhaitham finishes--but he doesn't kick up another fuss. Instead, slowly, he extends his hand again, resting it not on the box, but on top of Alhaitham's.]
...Thank you.
[It's muttered--but not insincere.]
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when kaveh reaches out for his hand, alhaitham doesn't pull it back. he lets it rest where it is, and after a moment of searching kaveh's face, he offers the box to him. his eyes seem to soften, at least a little. ]
Open it.
[ past the dried flowers and pretty bow, kaveh will find three things wrapped in sheer, red cloth (cheap—leftovers from nilou's costumes).
the first is a handmade wooden hairbrush. on the back is the image of a flying, florid bird made from bits of colored glass, smoothly plated in resin.
next is an elaborate hairtie, fashioned with gold, feathered, colorful ornamentation that's meant to match seamlessly with the theme of his clothes—likely made by the same person who designed and tailored his outfit.
third is a small book. poetry is one of alhaitham's least preferred genres, so of course it would be one of kaveh's favorites. it only took one trip to the bookstore for alhaitham to see which authors he preferred, and only one chat with the shop owner to figure out which one wrote the sort of thing he needed. (the auntie, one of kaveh's many fans, was only too glad to tell him.)
so kaveh will find a small, thin, red book. it will be by an author he likes, and the love poems inside range from several pages long to just a few poignant, artfully arranged words.
alhaitham doesn't know if it's good. he won't pretend to understand most modern poetry, with its absurd structures, broken meters, and attempts at assigning meaning where it makes no sense. he just made an educated guess at what kaveh would like, and hopefully he chose correctly. but there is one poem that seems to have resonated with him and their relationship, which he's earmarked for kaveh to find.
arms crossed again, alhaitham watches while kaveh pores through the items, his gaze flickering from the gifts to kaveh's face, gauging his reactions. ]
1/2
Kaveh, of course, doesn't know that just yet--but he takes the box with care anyway, and he's gentle as he opens it, dexterous fingers easing the ribbon off the edges without disturbing the bow or the flowers. He carefully sets the box top aside, then turns his attention to the contents.
Kaveh is not a subtle man. He can rein himself in when he has to, especially when he's working, but for the most part, he is open, expressive. Alhaitham doesn't even need to be watching as closely as he is--the shifts in Kaveh's expression are immediate and plain as day. His eyes widen, lips parting in shock as he takes in what he's looking at.
Almost unconsciously, he trails his fingers delicately over each item, tracing the detail on the brush, admiring the material of the tie, and following the lettering of the book's title. It's equally clear from his expression that he recognizes every significant element presented here--the craftsmanship, the aesthetic, the author, all of it.]
...You...
[This isn't the first time Alhaitham has rendered him speechless--but it's rare, and rarer still that it happens because he is so deeply moved by something Alhaitham has said or done. But at the moment, Kaveh can't even bring himself to tear his eyes away from the gifts, to meet Alhaitham's gaze--he knows, without a doubt, that whatever he sees will immediately overwhelm him.]
2/2
Oh god.
His face is heating up? He's definitely turning red, he's too fair-skinned in the winter to hide it. OH GOD. THIS IS THE WORST DAY OF HIS LIFE]
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alhaitham can't hide his smirk. he takes a few steps closer, tilting his head to get a better look at kaveh's flabbergasted face. he got so owned. ]
Disappointed? You're the expert on romance, after all, not me. I'm just its antonym in the dictionary.
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...AND THEN COVERS HIS FACE WITH HIS HANDS. HE'S PRAYING TO THE GROUND TO SWALLOW HIM UP IN THIS MOMENT. Alhaitham really let him stand there and talk shit for twenty minutes AND FOR WHAT!!! JUST TO LAUGH AT HIM!!!!
Muffled:] I hate you so much.
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don't mind me cobbling together characterization with elmers glue and macaroni
puts it in my mouth
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