Stolen Enchantment

Favor From an Architect

Kaveh knocked once, no answer. Knocked twice, no answer. Knocked thrice, no answer. His brows furrowed as his arms crossed, how could a man who only reads a dozen books a day be so busy as to not answer the door? Either that or he prefers to ignore his visitors. Only a minute would pass before Kaveh became restless standing outside of Alhaitham's door. He knocked once more, this time it was quickened with added strength.

"Alhaitham if you're in there I need to discuss with you something important!"

Once more there was no answer, this man appeared to be everywhere except for where people needed him to be. Not only was he stubborn, but he was quite frankly mysterious. Making any simple conversation misleading. Kaveh was impatient, unable to wait a moment longer he was about to press his fist to the door for a fifth time before the door swung open. If his reflexes weren't strong he likely would've struck Alhaitham in the face. Kaveh hadn't seen him for many months, his gaze traveled to examine who he was looking at. Built, tall, silver-haired, and vibrant eyes. He appeared irritated, even more so now that he was staring Kaveh in the eyes. His arms crossed and he leaned forward angrily,

"Is there something so important that you insist on causing a ruckus outside my doorstep? Come inside and sit down before someone sees you."

Kaveh hmfed, swiftly moving past him he entered Alhaitham's home was peculiar. The green color didn't match well with the polished wood floors. Or the whitely tailed ceilings, he silently criticized his home before seating himself at the dining table. Alhaitham followed on the other side, he leaned on the table and raised a brow. Not wanting to speak more than he has to, Kaveh cleared his throat.

"I must request a favor from you, recently I constructed the famously known Alcazarzaray for Dori. The palace was rather costly and I must pay it off by its due date, I need a place to stay rent-free in the meantime. Although I can absolutely insure that I'll pay you afterward."

Silence, Alhaitham's index finger kept tapping the table making the conversation feel suffocating. Would he say anything? Or was he going to continue sitting there staring at him? What felt like an hour was only a minute or two until Alhaitham spoke.

"No."

Kaveh was not going to take that as an answer, he had nobody else to ask. No, he most certainly did, but he couldn't handle the shame of relying on someone else for a few months just to pay off some debt. Alhaitham was the only person he knew who could keep a secret, and judge him silently rather than speaking aloud.

"You don't understand, you're the only person I can go to! Just this once, I'll pay you back I promise."

Alhaitham closed his eyes, letting out a sigh he glared over at Kaveh trying to push his answer. Why ask if you're simply going to battle what is given?

"I've told you once, my answer is no. I'm sure someone such as yourself would have plenty of people to go to, for example, why not ask Dori? You already built her a tremendous palace, how could she refuse to assist you?"

Kaveh cocked his head to the side, seemingly frustrated at this conversation. To be fair it resembled better of an argument than a friendly chat.

"It's not that she would refuse to help me-- would you just help me out for once? You already spend most of your time reading and researching. Half of the time you're not even home, I promise I won't be a bother."

Alhaitham's eyes narrowed, it felt like he was staring into Kaveh's soul looking for an inch of fault. His shoulders relaxed as his hand guided up by snatching a half-read book off the desk. A green bookmark sticking out the top.

"Fine, stay for however much time is needed. Do not be a burden, and if you need something from my library you may kindly ask. Now then if that's all, I'll show you to the guest bedroom."

Kaveh sighed in relief that he was able to convince him to give in. Alhaitham escorted Kaveh to the guest bedroom, by the looks of it, the room had been neglected for how many years Alhaitham owned the home. Although the window lit the room with natural light it also shined the large amount of dust build-up. Clearly, there was some work to get done before settling down.

"Mind the space that I give you, remember do not touch my things-"

Before Alhaitham could continue Kaveh rudely interrupted the sentence with his own assumption.

"'And do not be a burden.' Got it, I've only heard you say that five times already. There's nothing of worth for me to grab anyway, everything I need will be here soon."

Alhaitham found no reason to argue, he turned his back and began to step out of the room before Kaveh mumbled roughly.
"It's appreciated."
He only nodded before exiting the room.