In Your Eyes: Empyrean Admonition

You Have No Regrets

Treasure Street, Sumeru City, Sumeru

"A letter for the Light of Ksharewar and you," Alhaitham points at you, "We need to talk."

Alhaitham tosses a formal looking envelope to Kaveh, the architect gasps as he tries to catch it but it still falls to the ground. While Kaveh is picking up the letter, who is also muttering curses at Alhaitham under his breath, Alhaitham grabs your arm and pulls you outside.

It's almost noon and a lot of people pass through Treasure Street but the Acting Grand Sage seems to not see anyone else as he continues to pull you. He expertly weaves through the crowd up until both of you are in an open area just outside of Birmastan. You let him lead the way, feeling a bit guilty about your situation. He stops when both of you are underneath a huge tree, its leaves swaying with the breeze.

Alhaitham takes a deep breath before facing you, he looks distraught and tired with dark circles under his eyes. He suddenly laughs without emotion, as he runs his hand through his unkempt hair. You have never seen him like this, he is always impeccable and calm but he is the exact opposite right now. You guiltily look away, you don't regret spending the night with Kaveh but you can't look at Alhaitham directly as well.

"You should at least have informed me that you and that guy will not be staying the night," his voice shakes a bit when he speaks, "or maybe both of you were too busy? Did I even cross your mind? Or were you two too engrossed with each other's bodies to think about me too?"

"I won't be saying any excuses," you mutter, "nor will I talk about anything that happened yesterday, but I want to apologize for not informing you about my status."

Alhaitham sits down dejectedly on the tree's roots. He covers his face with his hands and you can hear him taking a deep breath to calm himself down. You listen to your surroundings to check if both of you are safe, aside from rishboland tigers somewhere nearby you don't hear anyone else.

"It's unfair that I know what happened but I can't be against it because I don't have any claim over you," Alhaitham takes another deep breath to calm himself down.

You sit down beside him, looking around the area. The meadow is calm and quiet, you see some fungi monsters a bit near from where you are but they won't be a threat to you and Alhaitham. Deciding that it's better to stay silent, you wait for the man to speak.

Both of you stay seated on the tree's roots for a while, with Alhaitham still covering his face with his hands. The midday sun is not too harsh, and the tree provides adequate shade as well. If this situation is different, you think it's perfect for a picnic.

A rishboland tiger slowly makes its way to its prey, careful not to make a sound. You wait with bated breath for the moment it pounces, but before it does, Alhaitham suddenly pulls you close. His arms go around you very tightly, almost crushing, which makes you gasp in surprise.

"I never wanted someone as badly as I want you," his voice is deep and husky when he whispers. Alhaitham places his lips near your ears and adds, "I really, really like you and honestly, I don't know what to do about it."

His eyes soften when he looks at you as he releases you from his tight hug, even though he looks so exhausted. You close your eyes when he kisses your forehead, grateful that he is able to calm down. Alhaitham releases you but takes your hand in his, not wanting to let go.

"I guess I have to do better so that you'll pick me over Kaveh. I need to 'step up my game' as Cyno told me."

"Cyno?"

"He was with me last night."

"Oh, erm... What were you two doing?"

"I was drinking alone at the tavern when he saw me getting wasted. He helped me back home and we talked. I have never felt so hungover to be honest, I wasn't able to control my drinking last night."