Where the Heart Lives [haikaveh]

9

"Why did she do this?" Alhaitham stared at the envelope in his hands. "What is she doing?" He groaned, rubbing his forehead. 

"What is it?" Kaveh asked, poking his head out from the kitchen. He'd been working hard all day to try and clean the place up. He wasn't nearly finished but the main room was at least spotless. 

"I've been invited to the earl's ball." 

"Are you sure it was Lumine that invited you?" Kaveh asked, pressing the spoon to his bottom lip as he thought. 

"He surely wouldn't have." 

"Are you sure though? Maybe he wants you there for a reason." 

"What, to show off?" 

"Maybe?" Kaveh shrugged. "Are you going to go? Can I help pick out your outfit? Oh, you'd look so good in green! I can do your hair too!" 

"I'm not going." 

"Why not? You have to show her you're okay without her so she stops thinking every time you two interact you're going to seduce her or something." 

"I'm not going and that's final." 

"Are you sure?" Kaveh frowned. "That little girl really seemed to like you." Alhaitham gritted his teeth, trying not to imagine Nahida hiding in a corner somewhere afraid of the earl. 

"Tch, I never should've brought you home," Alhaitham muttered, leaning back in his chair. 

"So, you'll be going then?" Kaveh grinned. 

...

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this," Alhaitham stared at himself all dolled up in whatever it was Kaveh had modified for him to wear. "I look like an idiot." 

"You look handsome!" Kaveh smiled, brushing some dust off of his shoulder. "You'll pick up so many new ladies with this outfit on. You'll never have to think about Lumine again!" 

"If I did manage to find a wife at this event, I have no doubt the first thing she would do is kick you out. Are you sure you still want to play cupid?" Alhaitham glanced at Kaveh. 

"I only want you to get your happiness back, Alhaitham," Kaveh's smile didn't waver. 

"Would you like to come with me?" 

"No, no," Kaveh shook his head. "I couldn't possibly. I don't even have a title and there are still lots of places for me to clean." 

"No one would say anything if you were my guest." 

"But I'm certain it wouldn't help your reputation." 

"Alright then," Alhaitham shrugged. "If you don't want to, I can't force you. I'll be back whenever they want to set me free from the pain and humiliation. Don't feel the need to wait up for me." 

"I will anyway." 

"Suit yourself." 

"Wait, Alhaitham!" Kaveh ran toward him and jumped up to give him a hug. "Good luck out there!" 

"Hah," Alhaitham shook his head, closing the door, "I'll need more than luck."