Once is More Than Enough

Chapter 2

Alhaitham had gone back to the Akademiya after eating his brunch, leaving Kaveh alone. He didn't mean it when he said that he didn't want to go anymore. He did want to go. Just... Not with him. So when Alhaitham leaves for work, he quickly gets ready and heads towards the festival to check out the preparations. He walks through the streets of the Grand Bazaar as he takes in the sight. People are running around getting their stalls set up for tomorrow and there are already banners and decorations hanging everywhere. 

"Kaveh!" A voice calls out from behind him. As he turns around, he sees Nilou, waving her hand and running towards him.

"Nilou! Hey. How's preparations going?"

She sighs. "It's fine but the Akademiyas kinda bugging us. Still trying to make us stop the festival. But anyways. Are you okay? You look very sick."

"Ha.. Is it that obvious? Alhaitham didn't even notice."

Nilou looks at him with a knowing look. "He'll realize one day. You know how he is. That over-working idiot."

Kaveh laughs but it quickly turns into a cough. He waves Nilou away when he sees her moving closer. "I'm fine. Just a cold. I don't want you to catch it when the festival is tomorrow. I'd better get going."

"Alright. Be careful ok? I better see you tomorrow in the audience!"

Kaveh smiles as he walks away. Of course he will. If he doesn't die first, that is. He quickly walks home, having a few more coughing fits before reaching the front door. He opens the door and heads to his room but jumps when he sees Alhaitham sitting on the couch, reading.

"What are you doing here?"

He raises his eyebrow and Kaveh just knows that he's going to reply with a snarky comment. "This is my home. Am I not allowed in my own home anymore?"

Kaveh rolls his eyes. "You know that's not what I mean. Ugh. Nevermind." He walks past Alhaitham and goes to his room, slamming the door, only to go to the washroom, turn on the sink, and go into another coughing fit. His eyes widen as another whole flower falls out, its blue colour hidden underneath all the blood. He laughs quietly as tears roll down his face, laughing at his own predicament and foolishness. 

None of this would've happened if I didn't fall in love with you...

Alhaitham.

Alhaitham

Alhaitham had come back early after his meeting with Tighnari. He had decided to skip work since he was already late. Unfortunately, his meeting with Tighnari didn't bear much fruit.

3 hours ago

Alhaitham walks to Tighnari's clinic and home, knocking on the door. The Kalpalata Lotus is in the bag he's holding. He shifts from foot to foot, waiting for Tighnari to open the door.

Alhaitham sighs with relief as Tighnari finally opens the door. "Alhaitham! Come in." Alhaitham nods in thanks and walks in.

"It's about Kaveh. I brought something but I'm not sure if it's related to his illness. It's definitely not a normal cold. He fainted this morning and has been coughing up blood." He opens the bag and takes out the flower.

"A Kalpalata Lotus?" Tighnari's ears twitch.

"I found this next to him. It was bloodied and there were petals in his mouth too." Tighnari's eyebrows furrow deeper and deeper as Alhaitham continues to talk.

"...This is definitely unique. I don't know. I'll have to do some research and get back to you as soon as possible. In the meantime, please keep an eye out for Kaveh. May I keep the flower?"

Alhaitham nods and he gets up. "I'll get going then. Thank you."

Present

Alhaitham watches as Kaveh goes to his room. Now that he's seen Kaveh shirtless, it was obvious that he wasn't as healthy as before. He's skinnier, has bags under his eyes, and seems to slouch as he walks. To no surprise, he hears coughing again. Alhaitham knows that he's not an easy person to talk to but he can't help but wish Kaveh would tell him what was going on. He goes back to his book, refocusing on the text. Kaveh obviously seems to know exactly what kind of illness he has so if Alhaitham looks hard enough, he's sure he can figure it out as well. After all, he's the smart one in the house. On his way back from Tighnari's he had stopped but the Akademiya's library to borrow a few books on illness. He had already notified his superiors that he would be taking a few days off work so he could research as much as possible while waiting for news from Tighnari. Of course, this is also so he can keep an eye out for Kaveh to make sure he doesn't faint again.

hehehehehe. Chapter 2 done!! 

Im a slow writer and get distracted easily so so sorry it took like a year for chapter 2 💀