When Kaveh's voice is mysteriously taken from him after a harrowing desert incident, his world begins to crumble in silence. Haunted by memories he can't fully understand and burdened by secrets he refuses to share, he finds himself entangled in a quiet battle against his own predicament. Alhaitham, his Insufferable and Irritatingly logical roommate, becomes his unexpected anchor, helping him navigate this new reality while struggling to understand his own deepening feelings. Was his need to protect Kaveh driven by affection? Or was it simply the desire to keep the one constant in his life intact? Art by: @snifflesmp4

Al-Haitham hums, sitting back in his seat. His eyes get that look they always do when he's thinking- at least that had stayed the same- before he put his hands in his pockets. "You can stay with me, if you'd like," he says all too casually as he pulls a hand back out his pocket. "For the time being," he adds on a little too quickly, "until you manage to get yourself out of the mess you've made." Kaveh was about to open his mouth to protest. Like he'd ever take an offer from him, especially with that attitude. But then Al-Haitham slides a key across the table to him-golden, with emerald embellishments, a carbon copy of the soulmark on Kaveh's arm- and the words on his lips dissipate into the warm tavern air. soulmate au with art by @art_iram21!! :)