Infuriating :: KAVETHAM/HAIKAVEH

32

The night they decided to break the news was supposed to be a casual get-together—a simple night of playing Genius Invokation TCG with their friends. Alhaitham and Kaveh hadn't planned anything elaborate, no big speeches or grand reveals. Just a fun, relaxed evening with the people they cared about. But they both knew that tonight would mark the beginning of something special.

The room was filled with the usual mix of banter and laughter as Dehya, Candice, Tighnari, Cyno, Sethos, Nilou, Faruzan, Lumine, and Paimon gathered around the large table. The air was light with the excitement of the game. No alcohol was served that night—a quiet but important gesture from their friends in support of Kaveh, who had recently reached four months of being alcohol-free.

Alhaitham nudged Kaveh subtly under the table as the conversation hit a natural lull. Kaveh cleared his throat, shooting him a grateful glance before standing up, all eyes turning to him in curiosity.

"Uh, hey, everyone," Kaveh started, a little nervous, rubbing the back of his neck. "So, we've got some news." He glanced at Alhaitham, who gave him an encouraging nod. "Alhaitham and I... we're engaged."

There was a moment of stunned silence before the room erupted. Lumine and Paimon were the first to react, bursting into tears almost instantly. Paimon hugged Lumine, the two of them sobbing uncontrollably in joy.

"Oh my gosh, you guys!" Lumine cried, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm so happy for you!"

"We're so happy for you!" Paimon added, clutching Lumine tightly as they both continued to cry. "We knew it would happen eventually, but this is—sniff—this is so beautiful!"

The rest of their friends started clapping and cheering, congratulating them from all sides. Tighnari and Cyno exchanged amused glances, while Nilou and Faruzan beamed with excitement. Dehya gave Alhaitham a hearty slap on the back, nearly knocking him over, while Candice hugged Kaveh tightly.

"Congratulations!" Candice said, smiling warmly at the two of them. "You two are perfect together."

"Thanks, everyone," Alhaitham said, his normally stoic demeanor softening into a rare, genuine smile. "We didn't want to make a big deal out of it, but we couldn't wait to tell you all."

As the excitement continued, Lumine wiped her eyes and composed herself enough to speak. "You know, me and Paimon have been to Fontaine a few times now. We could introduce you to a few people there, and maybe help plan the wedding. They have beautiful venues, and we know just the right people to make it special!"

Paimon, bouncing back quickly, added with enthusiasm, "Yeah! We could get Charlotte to be your photographer, Chiori to design the clothes, and hold the ceremony anywhere you want! Fontaine has some amazing spots for a wedding!"

Kaveh and Alhaitham exchanged surprised looks before Kaveh chuckled, shaking his head. "That sounds amazing, but... I don't think we'd have enough money to pull off a wedding like that in Fontaine. Maybe something smaller here in Sumeru would be more realistic. I mean, we'd have to think about travel costs, the venue, the aquabus ride..."

"Nonsense!" Candice interjected, grinning at them. "If you want to have your wedding in Fontaine, we'll all pitch in to help cover the costs. I know Dehya and I will."

Dehya blinked in confusion. "We are?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at Candice, who gave her a playful nudge.

"Of course we are," Candice replied, flashing her partner a grin. "We're your friends, and we want to help make this special for you."

Tighnari nodded in agreement. "Count me in as well. I've got some connections that could help make it happen."

Faruzan chimed in, smiling at the newly-engaged couple. "It sounds like a perfect excuse to visit Fontaine again! I'd love to help however I can."

Even Cyno, who rarely showed much outward emotion, gave them a sincere nod. "I'd be honored to help with anything you need."

As the group began discussing plans and contributions, Lumine suddenly lit up, an idea popping into her head. "Oh! I know! I could get Childe to help with the funding, too!"

The table went dead silent. Even Paimon stopped mid-bite, her eyes darting around as the tension settled in. Tighnari stifled a laugh, Cyno raised an eyebrow, and Kaveh looked... conflicted.

Paimon chuckled awkwardly, trying to break the tension. "Lumine, uh... I don't think they want a Harbinger's help."

Tighnari leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "No offense, but yeah. I don't think Childe's mora is exactly the kind of contribution they're looking for."

Alhaitham tilted his head thoughtfully. "Well, it's true we don't want anything to do with the Fatui..."

But Kaveh, ever practical, shrugged with a sigh. "Honestly? If he's got the money and is willing to pitch in, I'm not going to complain."

There was a collective laugh around the table, with Dehya nearly spitting out her drink. "You've got a point," she said, grinning. "I mean, if the Harbinger's willing to fund a wedding, who are we to say no?"

"Well, I'll ask him," Lumine said, still defending her idea. "He owes me a favor anyway!"

After more back-and-forth jokes and congratulations, the group finally settled on setting a date for a year from now. That would give them plenty of time to gather the funds and make the necessary arrangements for a grand Fontaine wedding. The conversation shifted back to the TCG match, but the excitement of the engagement buzzed in the air for the rest of the night.

Later, after everyone had left and the house was quiet once more, Kaveh and Alhaitham returned home, both still riding the high of the night. Kaveh practically bounced around the room, unable to contain his excitement.

"I can't believe this is actually happening," Kaveh gushed, pacing as Alhaitham sat on the couch, watching him fondly. "Fontaine for the wedding, Mondstadt for the honeymoon... Can you imagine? We'll be riding an aquabus through Fontaine's canals, surrounded by all our friends, with the most beautiful scenery..."

"Hmm," Alhaitham hummed, his eyes half-closed as he relaxed. "I imagine it will be quite chaotic, but... in a good way. You seem happy. You should know that I am too."

"Happy doesn't even begin to describe it," Kaveh said, beaming as he spun around to face Alhaitham. "I'm beyond excited. This is going to be perfect. And we'll finally have time for ourselves after all this madness."

Alhaitham chuckled softly. "I suppose. But for now, how about we celebrate with a drink?"

Kaveh raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You know I don't drink anymore."

"Relax," Alhaitham said, standing up and heading to the kitchen. "Tighnari made us some faux wine. No alcohol, just the taste. I thought it might be nice to share a glass."

Kaveh's expression softened, and he nodded, smiling as Alhaitham handed him a glass. "I'd like that."

They clinked their glasses together, the soft clink of glass echoing in the quiet room. As they sipped the drink, they settled onto the couch, side by side, their legs touching. The warmth of the moment wrapped around them, soothing and calm.

"I love you," Kaveh said softly, glancing over at Alhaitham.

Alhaitham didn't respond immediately, instead leaning over to gently nudge Kaveh's shoulder with his own. "I love you too. More than you'll ever know."

Kaveh chuckled, leaning his head back against the couch. "I'm never going to shut up about how amazing this is going to be, you know. The wedding, the honeymoon... the whole future together."

Alhaitham smiled, his fingers lightly tapping against his thigh in a familiar stimming motion. "I don't mind. As long as you're this happy, you can talk about it all you want."

Kaveh glanced at him, catching the soft expression on his usually stoic face. He leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on Alhaitham's cheek. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."