[ Kaveh's lips part, frustration clear on his features when Alhaitham responds that he's clearly not okay. Of all the arrogant—

But before he can start to complain at him, the younger man's voice turns soft— softer, but soft for him— and he asks what's wrong, and something inside Kaveh twists and breaks all at the same time. Tears flood his eyes, and he looks away even as he takes a seat on the edge of the bed alongside the other, taking a deep breath. ]

Nothing's happened, I just—

[ The breath trembles on his lips. He's not even looking at him and all he can see from the corner of his eye is the blue of his shirt. It's unfair how good he looks, wearing the clothes of this place, and— ]

...Things have been good since we came here, right? With us, I mean. It's nice not to be fighting so much anymore.

[ Another breath. ]

I missed having you around.