Infuriating :: KAVETHAM/HAIKAVEH

Epilogue (S)

The home Alhaitham and Kaveh shared was a reflection of the life they'd built together. It was warm and filled with light, with tall windows and spacious rooms. The walls were adorned with framed blueprints of Kaveh's favorite designs, some of them their own home projects, others the most successful pieces of architecture from across Sumeru and beyond. Alhaitham's book collection lined entire walls, while various cat toys, scratching posts, and fluffy blankets hinted at the presence of their beloved three cats: Nilou, Layla, and Tighnari—named after their dearest friends, of course.

It had been four years since their wedding, and in that time, both their careers had flourished. Their home was a direct result of their successes—a joint venture they'd put their hearts into. They hadn't wanted children, but the cats filled their lives with joy and mischief, and their love for each other was all they needed.

Kaveh was lounging on the couch, sketchbook in hand, when Alhaitham came in holding a cup of coffee in one hand and a cat in the other. Layla, the gray tabby, was comfortably nestled in his arm, purring as he absentmindedly scratched behind her ear.

"We're officially done with the library extension," Kaveh said, looking up with a grin. "Finally. Do you have any idea how many times that client wanted to change the design?"

"I'm sure you told me about each one. Twice," Alhaitham teased, setting the coffee down beside Kaveh. "But now it's done, and you can stop stressing."

Kaveh rolled his eyes, but there was a soft smile on his face. "Easy for you to say, Mr. Perfect Efficiency. Your projects never seem to have setbacks."

"I simply manage them better," Alhaitham said, earning a playful swat from Kaveh.

"And you're just as humble as ever."

They shared a smile before Kaveh set his sketchbook aside, scooting closer to Alhaitham on the couch. Nilou, the orange cat, leapt onto the back of the couch, curling up behind Kaveh's head.

"So, I was thinking," Kaveh began, "now that the project's done, we should go away for a few days. Just you, me, and the cats."

Alhaitham raised an eyebrow. "A vacation with the cats?"

"Of course. We'll rent a nice place, somewhere quiet. They love the outdoors—Layla especially—and we can get a break from the city for a bit."

"I like the sound of that," Alhaitham admitted, stroking Layla as he thought about it. "It's been a while since we've gone anywhere, just the two of us."

Kaveh leaned his head on Alhaitham's shoulder, sighing contentedly. "Four years since we got married, and I still feel like we haven't had enough time for ourselves."

"We've had plenty of time," Alhaitham replied, but his tone softened. "But a break would be good."

Kaveh closed his eyes for a moment, taking in the comfort of Alhaitham's warmth. "I never imagined things would turn out like this, you know? Us, married, with a home we designed together... three ridiculous cats."

Alhaitham chuckled. "You didn't?"

"No. I mean, when we first met, I thought you were the most irritating person alive. If someone had told me then that I'd marry you, I'd have laughed in their face."

"And now?"

"Now..." Kaveh opened his eyes, turning to look at Alhaitham. "Now I can't imagine life without you."

There was a moment of silence, not awkward, but full of unspoken understanding. They had come so far from their rocky beginnings. Alhaitham reached out, gently cupping Kaveh's cheek.

"I feel the same," he said quietly, brushing his thumb over Kaveh's skin.

Kaveh smiled, leaning into the touch. "You're such a softie when no one's around."