Infuriating :: KAVETHAM/HAIKAVEH

39 (S?)

Back at the Hotel Debord, the sounds of Fontaine's nightlife buzzed faintly in the background as Kaveh and Alhaitham walked down the elegant corridors. Their wedding had been everything they had hoped for—full of love, laughter, and shared moments with friends—but now, all the noise had died down. It was just the two of them, finally alone, about to begin their first night together as a married couple.

When they reached their suite, Kaveh sighed softly, leaning against the door as it clicked shut behind them. His eyes wandered over the elegant furnishings, the soft lighting, and the inviting bed that awaited them.

"Well, we made it," Kaveh said with a small chuckle. "I think the wedding was a success, don't you?"

Alhaitham, who had just started to unbutton his vest, gave him a small, genuine smile. "More than a success. It was perfect."

Kaveh grinned as he carefully took off his tie and hung it neatly over the chair. "You know, it's kind of surreal. We're really married now. I mean... us." He paused, reflecting. "Who would have thought?"

Alhaitham approached him from behind, placing his hands on Kaveh's shoulders. "I always thought it would happen eventually. You just needed to realize how right we are for each other."

Kaveh turned around, smiling. "I guess you were right all along."

Alhaitham nodded, satisfied with that. He took off his jacket and suit vest, folding them with the same precision he applied to everything in his life. As they carefully put their wedding suits into their protective bags, making sure they were safe from wrinkles and wear, Kaveh paused, his voice thoughtful.

"You know," Kaveh started, his tone quieter now, "I've been sober for a little over a year."

Alhaitham, still folding his clothes, responded without missing a beat. "One year, two weeks, and three days."

Kaveh blinked, turning to look at him, a little surprised by the exactness of his words. "You kept track?"

Alhaitham met his gaze, his expression soft but serious. "Of course I did. Every day you chose to stay clean was a victory, and I wanted to acknowledge that."

Kaveh's chest tightened with emotion. He stepped closer to Alhaitham, their hands brushing as they placed the last of their clothes away. "You know, I wouldn't have made it without you. You were the only one who stood by me, even when I was at my worst."

Alhaitham gently cupped Kaveh's face with one hand, his thumb brushing over Kaveh's cheek. "I stood by you because I love you. And I always will. You've grown so much since then, Kaveh. I'm proud of you."

Kaveh felt his heart swell at those words, and for a moment, the only sound was the faint hum of the city outside their window. The weight of everything—their shared history, their struggles, and their triumphs—felt heavy in the air. But it wasn't a burden. It was a reminder of everything they had overcome to get to this moment.

"Come on," Kaveh said, clearing his throat as he turned away, feeling his emotions on the brink of spilling over. "Let's sit outside for a bit. The night air might help me calm down after all the excitement."

Alhaitham nodded in agreement, and they both moved toward the balcony. The view from their room overlooked Fontaine's grand canals, the water shimmering under the moonlight. The cool breeze was refreshing as they sat down on a long chair, side by side, the silence between them comfortable.

For a while, neither of them said anything, just enjoying the peacefulness of the night. The stars glittered above, and the soft sounds of the city created a quiet melody in the background.

"You know," Kaveh began, "I was really nervous today. I kept thinking something would go wrong—maybe Furina would change her mind about the venue last minute, or maybe I'd trip walking down the aisle." He chuckled. "I'm glad none of that happened."