Sweet Obsession || Alhaitham x Reader

Chapter 2

☘️

Nighttime had approached quickly in Sumeru. You were able to sign back into the Akademiya without any problems, but unfortunately, you had no idea what you were going to do about your research.

Kaveh took you up on your words about the promise the two of you made, so he chose a fairly expensive restaurant that sold expensive wine and desserts. You both went there after you settled your things down at the Akademiya.

"How on Teyvat could you not have told me he rejected you?!"

Kaveh was slowly sipping on some wine, while you enjoyed a large meal. The two of you had been talking nonstop, and when the topic of a certain someone arose, Kavel almost spat out his drink.

"It was so embarrassing, Kav!" You put your hand on your forehead. "He rejected me in front of a bunch of people..."

Kaveh sighed. "This entire time I thought you shared some secret relationship with him... no wonder you took on that task without a second thought!"

"It wasn't just because of him... I wanted to explore the world." You nervously bit down onto a chicken thigh. "And besides, I was in way over my head with him."

"Tell me about it." Kaveh said. "Every time we saw each other his name would fall out of your mouth. At least it's nice to know I won't have to deal with that anymore."

You let out an ashamed laugh. "Yeah..."

"Anyways, were you able to get your old room back?" He asked.

You shook your head. "I guess since I was gone for so long they rented it out. Thankfully they didn't throw away my things."

"So, where are you going to stay?" He gulped down the rest of his wine, letting out a small burp.

"I actually don't know. All the rooms are taken, so I'm just going to have to go around and ask to be someone's roommate or somehow pull out the mora to rent my own place..." You replied.

"Hm..." Kaveh put his hand to his chin. "You could move in with me for the time being."

You coughed. "But isn't Alhaitham your roommate?"

He laughed and shook his head. "Since he's the new Sage, he hasn't been home recently. I'm sure you won't run into him while you're there."

You felt a sense of relief overcome you. "Thanks. I have to get all my stuff from the Akademiya, though..."

"So what of your studies and research? What happens now?"

You thought about his question for a moment. "I... don't know. The only thing I haven't had time to study are portions in the desert. So maybe I'll head there."

"Sounds... interesting." Kaveh took a pause. "Though I would say you should ask the Akademiya about your research first. Who knows? Maybe someone will give you something to do."

You agreed with him. You thought about returning to your Darshan and just submitting all your research, but you didn't know if it would be useful to them.

Sighing in defeat, you continued to chat with Kaveh until the restaurant closed.

☘️

You had arrived back at the Akademiya to collect your belongings after your time with Kaveh. They were all neatly organized on a desk by some bookshelves, and you double checked that everything you could remember was there.

"Oh, I remember this..." You picked up a small wooden carving that Kaveh had made you long ago. It was a model of a pyramid that he wanted to design, and he had gifted it to you before you left Sumeru.

Placing it into a small box, you picked up another trinket. It was one of your first research projects before you graduated. You had to create a foreign language on your own, and your classmates had to decipher it. Yours was challenging, but nonetheless, it was entertaining. The paper that showed your unique language was crumpled, but it was still in good condition.

Just as you were going to pull out a strange artifact, you heard a soft voice call your name.

"Miss L/N?"

Turning around, expecting to meet someone eye level, you noticed a small girl walking towards you.

"Dendro Archon...?" You had heard stories of her deeds in the past, but you were rather shocked to see how small she was. Of course, you knew her power was lost in the fight of Sumeru all those years ago, but seeing her in such a childlike form was... odd.

"Hello." She waved her hand, smiling. "I heard that you returned after completing your task."

You nodded. "Yes. Although I think it was really a waste of time..."

"Don't be silly!" She giggled. "Your research is very impressive. Being the God of Knowledge and looking over everything you have discovered these three years is really breathtaking. You know more than a lot of people."

You bathed yourself in her praise. What more could you ever want than appreciation by the Dendro Archon herself?

"Thank you..." You managed to say, placing a hand over your heart.

"No worries. I do have something I'd like to ask you, though." She smiled, putting her hands on her hips.

"Of course." You had always looked up to those who were superior to you. The Sages, your teachers, and your elders— they had your upmost respect. Whenever they wanted you to do something or asked you something, you made sure to give them your full attention. This was the same case with Buer.

"Would you mind having breakfast with me tomorrow?"

You looked puzzled. You had expected her to ask something of your research or even to present a pop quiz to test your knowledge. But breakfast with an Archon...?

"Oh... ah, of course!" You said shyly.

"Great! We can meet tomorrow morning at the Palace of Alcazarzaray." Buer smiled widely at your acceptance to her invitation.

Nodding your head, you watched her skip back. You turned to look back at your belongings, wondering what it was that she wanted to discuss over breakfast.

Twirling the strange artifact flower in your hands, you decided to go ahead and head out to Kaveh's place.