Stolen Enchantment

Addition to Unlikely Friendship

"Usually I would be spending my time on larger projects, but every week I take the time to work on small things for the townsfolk. I'm usually bombarded with requests from all over by big shots, but taking the time to work on small, simplistic things makes me just as happy."

He exclaimed, his white shining teeth showing as he grinned. Carefully gesturing over the paper with his hand, his fingers gently grazing the soft knitted like texture. Almost leaving golden streaks that enlightened their faces.

His voice muffled out as Alhaitham's eyes softened, he was still, keeping his arms folded while his gaze traveled across Kaveh. They went down the curves of his face, down his arm and chest. His focus completely altered from the conversation. Kaveh's hand moving up his arm snapped him out of it, his eyes fluttered, and looked over. Kaveh was shaking his arm slightly with a raised brow, chuckling nervously.

"Is there something wrong?"

Alhaitham cleared his throat, turned his head around, and gestured slightly with his other hand. Kaveh kept his hand over his wrist which was throwing off his speech a whole lot. His eyes shut tightly,

"Ah yes– I was just lost in thought. Please go on. You were telling me about this project were you not?"

He changed the subject quickly, leaving no room for Kaveh to stay. He simply shrugged, his hand tracing down Alhaitham's wrist for a split second before letting it off. The two became silent for a minute or so before he initiated back into the conversation,

"Right, but like I said before it's a simple design. The old man who owns this place is a nice fellow, just earlier today we got lost in a bit of conversation. Actually–"

He turned to face Alhaitham fully, who appeared intent on listening. He had an idea hanging over his head, placing a hand under his chin he smiled over at Alhaitham with quite some hope. Putting some weight onto one leg he spoke freely,

"His name is Javve, I've had some of the tea and wine he sells here, and it's wonderful. He doesn't get many customers if there was a chance. Maybe you could come by in your free time? If people see the one and only Scribe spending his free time here, it's bound to attract more customers."

Alhaitham turned his gaze away, his eyes narrowing down intensely. He wasn't a hundred percent on the idea, his free time was important to him. He'd rather not spend time doing anything else but reading and drinking good alcohol. To be quite fair, Kaveh's expectations weren't high for beverages.

"I don't believe–"

"Come on, I told you practically nobody comes by here. Just for a week, and I'll–pay for everything you get here! Put it on my tab, so even if you don't like anything, it won't cost you much."

Kaveh pleaded with him, wildly throwing his hands around in a moment of desperation. Alhaitham could see the genuine kindness in his red fiery eyes, the true look of someone wanting to help. The puppy eyed expression he was giving him was difficult to say no to as well, it shouldn't be so bad as to spend some afternoons here. Should it?

"If you're the one paying, then fine. A week."

He finally agreed, keeping his arms folded firmly with no setbacks. Kaveh smiled in celebration, he almost instinctively reached his hand out to pinky promise. His smile turned to a slight frown when he caught himself, he almost had to reminded that they were no longer friends. He couldn't just act all buddy-buddy with the same person he hurt so badly. Kaveh nearly shivered at his shame, quickly moving past Alhaitham to hide any unwanted looks. The sun was lazily moving down against the horizon, warm orange light touched their faces, giving off a smooth warm glow.
Kaveh stretched in the cooling wind, the small pieces of hair popping out from his bun flowing gently in its snare. Alhaitham watched, smiling briefly. Javve was seen just strolling up to his restaurant at work, even with the minimum done he still appeared pleased. His eyes opened further when seeing the new face standing behind Kaveh.