I groan. Of course. A stupid party. Why tonight specifically? I had planned such a relaxing day.

I had waited until it was going to start raining (for aesthetic sounds, obv) according to my weather app, take out my project, and finish the tiny model I am making of a new architectural piece along the Gandha Hill.

Then I remembered about my email. Shit, as a teacher, I was supposed to check it at least once a day: it was school law, voted for by the School Board of Sumeru. I had sighed and pulled out my laptop, skimming through the 36 emails from random newsletters I keep forgetting to unsubscribe to and Duolingo trying to push me to keep learning Fontainian after my month of inactivity.

After responding to three student emails asking about the next assignment that were sent over 24 hours ago, I had frozen at the sight of a two day old email I had left neglected at the bottom of my untouched inbox where I left emails I was supposed to remember.

Now, here I am, preparing for the staff party. Don't get me wrong. I love parties. I'm a crazy extrovert; unlike all of my fellow staff members on the opposite side of the school who worked in the "important scholarly fields". But seriously? Staff parties? In Sumeru's esteemed college full of stuck-ups and rich guys who haven't tried real partying once in their lives?

I sigh, yet again, as I pull together a half-assed outfit I haven't worn since my father gave it to me for some random event three years ago. As a middle-aged man, it's not like I grew much, so I just slip right into the pants, which are still a little large. My father was always the big, proud, manly one. I was always the skinny boy who liked petting frogs, observing palaces, and staring at art for hours.

Of course, now it was different. I smile a little as I stare at my chest, visible only slightly after I buttoned most of the buttons of my undershirt up. I hadn't been going to the gym too much; but I had been going. I was improving, after starting a healthy diet and actually exercising. I was growing physically better, and definitely more attractive.

I still like to say it's my charm that gets me all the ladies, though.

Finally, I leave my house, and hop into my 2015 Subaru Legacy; the first car I ever saved up and bought with my own money. The thing is falling apart after all these years- cars aren't meant to last that long, after all. Seeing as it's 2023, I should probably get a new one. But a teacher's salary doesn't cover luxury, now does it?

As I start the car, the radio turns on, and Creep by Radiohead starts playing. The air conditioning spurts on, and I roll down the windows, blasting the song and singing along. The fresh cold air whips my hair along with the heat of Sumeru's summer breeze, making a perfect combination.

It's quite the vibe, gotta admit.

A moment later, some random 80s rock song plays, and I just bang my head along with it while stuck in the traffic of the freeway, useless at deciphering the lyrics.

Finally my vibe comes to an end and I have to face reality as I reach the Akademiya, entering through the front gates casually, waving to students as if they were my close friends. They were, in a way. But it felt weird to be with your students, yeah? Like being friends with your kid or nephew or sister; like it's expected, yet weird to say you're friends out loud.

The staff party had begun without me, but I don't mind. I just sneak into a conversation and act like I was there the whole time. Like I wasn't trying to avoid a boring get together of strangers who work in the same building.

"Kaveh, where have you been?" Cyno calls.

"I was just in Snezhnaya, making a snowman, before I realized I had to be here," I smile in his direction as he nears. "I jumped on a plane and came right back. Could never miss a meeting this important."

"Haha, very funny," Cyno rolls his eyes. "My jokes are better."

"You get your jokes off of ancient Reddit posts and WikiHow guides," I remind him.

"Not true," Cyno insists.

"Cyno!" another voice calls.

It's Tighnari. He isn't a teacher at the school, but more of a substitute who's an absolute genius and mostly lives off in the woods doing whatever it is "forest rangers" do. I suspect he's mostly here to visit Cyno, by the way he looks at him.

"Hey Nari," Cyno nods. "Kaveh was just telling me how he gave up a vacation to Snezhnaya to come to this party."

"Reasonable," Tighnari smiles jokingly. "After all, these things are super fun."

Suddenly, a new figure shows up. I've never seen him before: but then again, there are way too many teachers at this school. How am I even expected to know all of the ones in the same Darshan as me?

"Hey, Alhaitham, have you met Kaveh?" Tighnari asks.

Alhaitham? I look at him closer. So, this is Alhaitham. The legendary scholar who took the Akademiya by a storm, knocking any Haravatat (the Darshan of linguistics and rune studies) scholar's dreams of being anyone important out of the Darshan to the ground. He stole everyone's attention and then just up and decided to become one of the lead teachers afterwards.

Now, as a Kshahrewar (Darshan of architecture and mechanisms) graduate and teacher, I could never hope (not that I even want to) to get close with someone of a Darshan of the Haravatat sort.

They're all so uptight, believing that nothing but super deep weird fields like sociology and runes matter. That is, except for Tighnari. He was part of the Amurta (biology, ecology, medicine) Darshan; yet another one of the big-brained people's places. Out of the up-tight Darshans, however, Amurta might be the most bearable.

Anyway, the point is, I don't get along with and don't interact with people like Alhaitham. Thus, I've never met the famous man.

Naturally, then, my question is: does this guy live up to his reputation?

"He's the light of Kshahrewar: a brilliant mind, if I do say so," Cyno adds. "Palace of Alcazarzaray right a bell? He designed it."

"Fascinating," Alhaitham says in monotone.

"And Kaveh, this is Alhatham, of Haravatat. Also a genius. Honestly, I can't believe we didn't introduce you two sooner: stars of your Darshans, both very smart, you are very similar," Tighnari points out.

I snort amusedly. Very similar. Sure. I can already see it on this guy: yet another stuck-up. He holds himself with too much confidence. Maybe, though, that comes from his perfect bod. If I had a body like that, I would flaunt it around, all the same. Archons, he's hot. Shit, I've been staring at him for too long.

I reach out a hand for him to shake. He takes it. His hands are soft; unexpected from such a stoic looking buff man. Maybe it's because he spends all his days at a desk, writing away, avoiding real-world work that us mechanics and artists do.

That also might just be my excuse to avoid admitting his hands were very pleasant to hold.

"Ah, look at us over here," a random teacher from Rtawahist (the darshan of astronomy and astrology) comes up and interrupts us. "A Haravatat associating with a Kshahrewar, and two previous Amurta and Spantamad (alchemy, Ley Lines, and elemental sciences) students. All we need is someone from Vahumana (History, sociology) and we're all six Darshans."

"Nobody asked you to be here," Alhaitham quips. "In fact, it's best you go."

So Mr. Popular has an enemy, eh?

The Rtawahist teacher laughed in a mocking tone, almost as if asking Alhaitham to force him to leave in front of all these important people. Asking for a fight, I presume.

"Oi, take your mystical moon-readings out of here, we're having a conversation," I don't know why I say it; I guess I just feel like defending Alhaitham from the challenge.

"And I thought you, Light of Kshahrewar, a fellow artist, would welcome me," the man smirks my way, sending a little wink.

"Your constellations hardly count as art," Alhaitham backs me up, surprisingly. "They're stick figures and illusions you made up to feel special."

"Back to insulting my studies? I'll have you know, the ancient art of reading the stars is what brought people to discover new lands, expand our-"

"Actually, most of the lands discovered by explorers who traveled over oceans were already populated by natives or ancient families of settlers," Tighnari interrupts. "Cyno's people were here in the desert before your people—Fontainian, right?—came over to Sumeru and populated the rainforests, where my remaining people have lived for centuries. So truly, didn't your special little stars only lead to you conquering minorities? Ah, but sorry for insulting your studies."

I bite back a laugh. The scholar's face is priceless. You don't piss off Tighnari; he's one of the only ones here with actual physical fighting skills, besides Cyno. But Cyno is constantly backing up Tighnari, willing to fight with and for him: so if you piss off one, you piss off the other. And thus you're doomed.

It's very amusing to watch.

Speaking of this deadly duo, Cyno's been glaring the life out of this guy since he walked over. Who is he, anyway? Why does everyone but me seem to know and hate him?

It's irrelevant, though, because a moment later, he sends an annoyed, disappointed look aimed my way, and saunters off; he knew he couldn't keep going with Tighnari and Cyno's obvious disapproval of his actions. At least he was smart enough to understand that.

Moments later, Alhaitham gets into a discussion with Tighnari and Cyno, and I am once again forgotten about. I decide to leave. I'd already shown up, at least ten people had seen me; that's attendance, right?

—

Okay. So, I'm also an art teacher, if you didn't know. Been teaching a highly-requested elective course and club where we study human proportions in art. The thing is, I am shit at art without a model, and I'm sitting in my room, staring in shock at the picture in my hand.

That Rtawahist guy from the party. The one that gave me the angry, disappointed look after Tighnari wrecked him. That is the guy in my picture: the guy that had volunteered to be my model for my art club, when no other teacher would.

Now I don't have a model, and I need my example painting in three days. Shit, where am I supposed to find anybody? They're all super busy or hate standing still, and I only found this guy after I asked on the school's Instagram for volunteers. He had been the only person willing.

That's when I realize: Alhaitham.

The man is never on social media (or so I've heard) so he would've never had the chance to volunteer, plus he's super sexy, so what a perfect model! He's probably not too busy, after all, he's got one of the smallest classes because everyone is moving into the arts and away from those boring ancient rune classes. Also, he's super picky about who he lets into his class.

So not super busy and incredibly hot? Perfect.

I hurry over to the other side of my room, where my desk sits. Atop it sits my laptop, which I flip open. With an excited energy, I pull open the staff page of the Akademiya website, and go to the list of staff. I scroll until I find Alhaitham's image- and bingo. His phone number is right below it.

I enter him in my phone as a contact, and send him a quick text:

Sexy scholar model(?) man

Kaveh: Interested in being a model for my artwork?

I sit in silence, waiting. After a minute, I see three dots show up, moving peacefully near the bottom left side of my screen. After a few seconds, I receive a message.

Sexy scholar model(?) man: Depends.

I read the word once again. Depends? On what? Then I realize, and sigh.

Kaveh: I'm offering 2,000 mora

I wait for a reply, and it is much quicker this time.

Sexy scholar model(?) man: 3,000.

Kaveh: 2,300

Sexy scholar model(?) man: 2,600.

Kaveh: 2,500

Sexy scholar model(?) man: 2,500, tea, and your best effort at making my portrait perfection.

Kaveh: deal

I smile at the screen. Alhaitham is kind of funny, despite the rumors. For some reason, I can't help but be excited about truly meeting the man, without the annoying background sounds and conversations that sweep him away. Maybe I can discover the truth of the Haravatat star.

—

I am sitting on my chair- the one I think makes me look quite aesthetic while I paint- in the center of the room. I have my easel before me and my array of paintbrushes, paints, and other tools like pencils and sponges next to me on a stool.

Ahead of me, about twenty feet away, stands a woman. Faruzan wanted to be a model early on: and when she heard that I'd be inviting Alhaitham, she assumed I was offering to all teachers and jumped at the chance. I let her come due to our friendship, and here we are. Of course, she chose some dramatic pose, and I got to work without hesitation.

Alhaitham walks in slowly, as if unsure if this were the right room. He eyes Faruzan emotionlessly, then faces me, but I pretend to be focused deeply on observing Faruzan's arm position and recreating it on the canvas.

"To recreate your true unmistakable beauty, I would need some sort of paint that reflects the specific shine of the ancient stars, yet such a thing does not exist," I am saying to Faruzan. "So my question is: should I just try to recreate it, or leave it blank, for interpretation?"

"Wasn't this session for proportions?" Faruzan is amused.

"Well, your proportions are simply divine, yes," I send a flirt her way. "But your eyes are what capture me. Would be a shame to ignore them."

"Sure, Kaveh," Faruzan rolls her eyes. "You're only saying that because your eyes are completely devoid of any interesting features."

"Hey!" I laugh.

Alhaitham clears his throat, trying to gain my attention. Finally, I turn towards him. He looks a bit embarrassed, actually. His cheeks are slightly dusted with pink, framed by his perfect gray hair and complexion. Did my flirting trigger something in him? Just as planned.

Faruzan decides now is the time to come over and check out my portrait. It's half-done, with her outline complete, coloring all in place, and I have guiding red dotted lines following around where her main joints and bone structures are for an example when students come to see it.

"Despite being half-shaded and without background, I look very real," Faruzan notes. "Your stupid instructional proportion lines are lame, however."

"The point isn't to make an artwork, it's to be an example," I roll my eyes.

"And what was it you were saying about my eyes earlier?" Faruzan laughs. "Bye, Kaveh. Have fun with that stuck-up Haravatat."

"You're Haravatat," I remind her.

"I'm 100-years-ago Haravatat," she says as she walks past Alhaitham and through the door.

"Same difference," I call as she leaves.

Finally, it's just me and Alhaitham.

"Didn't know you had your eyes on someone," Alhaitham starts.

"Faruzan's a friend I like to tease," I laugh. "Go ahead, stand where she had been."

I take Faruzan's portrait and move it to the side of the room, where I grab an empty canvas and attach it to my easel. Alhaitham has taken to standing completely still, plainly, and boringly.

"Give me a fun pose," I roll my eyes.

He looks sort of reluctant to be here, yet he isn't complaining. It is confusing. Is he here just for the money? I'd have to convince him it's fun to hang out with me. Eventually, he ends up sitting in a chair, one ankle crossed over the other while he holds up a book in his right hand. His left hand is balanced on his left thigh, and he is looking down at the book, reading.

After twenty minutes, the silence and occasional turning of a page interrupting my brush strokes starts to kill me.

"You can talk with me, you know," I say.

"If your words were more interesting than this book, I would be talking with you," Alhaitham responds.

"What's the book?" I ask.

"The Scientifical Qualities of the Designs of Ancient Khaenri'ahn Runes," he replies.

"How can there possibly be a book that long about that specific topic?" I narrow my eyes at him over my canvas.

"There isn't. I'm actually reading a novel from Liyue about two boys visiting Inazuma and going on an adventure," Alhaitham admits. "It was recommended to me."

So he does have humor. Personally, I love sarcasm, and this dude has got it down.

"What can be more interesting about two little boys than me?"

"They fall in love."

"And?"

"It's actually interesting."

"So?"

"So, the only way for you to become interesting is if you were to fall in love dramatically during a series of interesting tasks in an overall time-consuming concept that keeps the interest peaked," Alhaitham concludes.

"Hm," I glance at him as I trace out his torso. "Maybe I'm just waiting to find the right person."

I catch his gaze. He is looking up from his book at me, in an almost curious way. I look back at my portrait and keep painting.

—

Surprisingly, I remain friends with Alhaitham. Two years passed, and despite me having sufficient models, I find time for Alhaitham. We meet sometimes after work, or in the staff lounge (which I never used to visit). We bond over monthly meetings about which of our students suck the most, and enjoy some tea time over the weeks.

We don't see each other often. Maybe once a week at the most; but it's enough for me to admit that I am officially his friend, and really like him. He's funny, despite popular belief. He's sarcastic and stoic in a way that makes all of his deadpanning funny.

Plus, he's brilliant. I always teased Haravatat teachers about how lame their subjects are, but the way Alhaitham can read runes and analyze, write, and read passages in such a short amount of time and perfectly flawlessly leaves me aghast. He truly is a genius.

Of course, I had to prove myself to him, too. Just to get him back. And if I can't beat him in the competition of super hot bod, I have to show him my own area of expertise.

I toured him around the Palace of Alcazarzaray one afternoon, and showed him the deep caverns of my 3D models the next week. He admitted he was impressed one time. I don't know when I last felt so good about myself. Proud. It hadn't been in a while.

Still, however, we didn't spend much time together. Two or three times a month was our average these days, and I was starting to miss him. So when the perfect opportunity arose, I had to take it.

I've needed to redo my portraits for a while: after the years, they've become rather messed up and covered with marks from students tracing their greasy fingers over them. So, obviously, I needed to start another modeling session so that I could redo them. Faruzan was up for it, and I immediately went to ask Alhaitham after she accepted.

Very sexy teacher model genius

DaVinki?: Up for a modeling session?

Very sexy teacher model genius: Payment?

DaVinki?: ummmmmm idk a cool portrait and fun time with me?

Very sexy teacher model genius: Add a few hundred mora, then deal.

DaVinki?: it seems someone has gone cheap lol

Very sexy teacher model genius: A few thousand mora.

DaVinki?: I TAKE IT BACK I'M POOR YOU KNOW A TEACHER'S SALARY

Very sexy teacher model genius: Archons, I was joking. Honestly, why don't you teach drama again?

DaVinki?: i was too dramatic and they kicked me out because id go on long rants about acting when i was supposed to be teaching new dances

Very sexy teacher model genius: Sounds like you.

I smile at my screen. Sounds like you. It almost feels intimate. Like he knows me well. Like he wants to know me, and he does. For these and other unknown reasons, my heart flutters.

Very sexy teacher model genius

DaVinki?: So, see you tomorrow...??

Very sexy teacher model genius: Tomorrow if there are snacks, two days from now if there aren't.

I roll my eyes, typing a quick affirmative message before closing my phone.

—

I actually manage to get a good few models for this session through my social media posts. Some are booked with activities such as teaching and managing clubs, so to avoid their busy schedules, I have a few come at once. My best art student is acting as my assistant so that we can get all of them painted quickly.

"You ruined me!" Faruzan gasped.

"Sorry!" I cry.

A large green streak overlays the delicate shading I had just been finishing on Faruzan's outfit. The splatter was due to me freaking out when I saw Alhaitham enter the room: I look like a mess and had planned to change into more appropriate clothing (instead of this Splatoon-battlefield-looking overall thing and my Naruto shirt) but he had arrived early.

My paintbrush had crashed into the canvas when I flinched, and Faruzan had audibly gasped when she witnessed it, rushing over.

"It looks like I'm growing grass out of my armpit so long it reaches my knees," Faruzan looks in agony.

"What happened?" Layla walks over from where she was being painted.

"This hooligan messed me up," Faruzan turned to Layla. "I had chosen such an elegant pose and he was doing surprisingly well until he was like NOPE and ruined it!"

"Aw, damn," Layla muttered, observing the canvas. "It can be fixed, right?"

"Hell if I know, I can't paint," Faruzan shrugged.

Suddenly, Alhaitham is close to me, observing the catastrophe.

"Sucks to suck," my assistant student calls where she now stands equally close.

"The detail was immaculate," Alhaitham mentions.

I do a double-take.

"You just complimented me in public?" I gasp.

"Just getting back at you for flirting with Faruzan just now," Alhaitham shrugs.

"I told you, it's a teasing thing," I roll my eyes. "What, are you jealous?"

"No," Alhaitham looks back at the drawing, avoiding my gaze.

Suddenly, Layla pulls Faruzan and the assistant away to Layla's painting, where they begin their own conversation.

"There's some ulterior motive to that," I say, watching them leave.

"You're so oblivious sometimes," Alhaitham says.

"How so?" I huff.

"Nothing," Alhaitham walks over to the model podium. "Paint me."

"Like one of your French girls," I quote.

"This isn't Titanic?" Alhaitham looks at me, confused. I'm surprised he even watches movies.

"Wouldn't it be great if it was?" I wink at him.

He blushes(?) at the reference. Ah, how nice it would be to do a nude painting- Stop, Kaveh's intrusive thoughts! Halt! Shit, it's too late, the image is in my head. Alhaitham laying like Rose did in the famous Titanic scene-

I shake my head and store Faruzan's ruined painting away, planning on using it as an example on how you should always pay attention when painting. That reminds me- my outfit! Now he's seen me looking like a trash panda fresh out of the can. Too late, I guess. I grab a new canvas.

Alhaitham has occupied himself by scrolling through his phone. As I prepare my array of paints—watercolors, acrylics, etc—He glances up at me. I offer him a smile and a tiny wink. Instantly, I hid behind my canvas. As much as a flirty person I wish to be, I'm definitely not confident enough. I feel embarrassed already. Why don't I feel this anxious when I tease Faruzan the same way?

"Alright, stand elegantly or whatever," I throw at him while I glance at my setup.

Alhaitham adjusted his positions, putting his phone away. I watched as he transformed himself into a log.

"Not so stiff," I huff. "You did fine last time!"

Alhaitham rolls his eyes and loosens up, but is still standing straight without fluidity.

"At least put your arms and legs in an interesting position. Stretch them out a bit, or maybe sit on the floor," I suggest.

He follows my recommendations, although a bit apprehensive about touching the floor.

"As elegant as a mermaid," I put, noticing how he is sitting like Ariel.

"Thanks," he snaps.

"No, no it's a compliment. For nothing reaches the grace and beauty of a mermaid but you," I tease, a moment later feeling the need to hide again.

Usually I can just flirt without issue- but for some reason, Alhaitham triggers thoughts in my mind.

I say a flirt to Faruzan: for example, 'you look so beautiful this morning that I'm fighting the urge to push you into a wall'. And, of course, as all dirty minds do, we picture this situation without our consent. But to me, I never dwell long on those images, and feel nothing. With Alhaitham, though—

Let's just say I'm hiding behind the canvas again, and the only reason I can manage these flirts is because it's basically autopilot at this point.

"Poor mermaid," Alhaitham remarks. "It would suck to have my grace."

"What do you mean?" I ask automatically.

"I'm clumsy. Especially without coffee," Alhaitham responds.

"Mood," I say. "Turn your head a bit to the right."

"Payment?"

"I already paid you!"

"..."

"Your portrait will be better, more well-rounded, and your sexiness will be heightened?"

"..."

"I'll steal the keys to the library and give them to you so you can enter at night?"

"Deal."

I stood there for hours, talking and sending teasing quips back and forth with Alhaitham. He seems a bit more talkative than usual. The quieter version of him that I'd grown used to has melted a bit, revealing someone willing to actually have a conversation with me.

It's kind of endearing, actually.

"I'm coming over to check," Alhaitham is saying.

"Don't you dare move a centimeter," I hiss, my nose close to the painting as I perfect his left ear.

"You've probably done me worse than Faruzan. I bet you're incapable of drawing me right," Alhaitham responds.

"You're surprisingly impatient, for someone who can spend five days straight lecturing," I quip. "And for someone who volunteered to stand still for hours."

"I picked my impatience up from being in your company," Alhaitham argues.

"You decided to be in my company by your own devices," I smile to myself from behind the easel.

"Actually, you drag me places most of the time," Alhaitham remarks.

"You don't object. I'm saving you from unnecessary days spent reading bullshit in your cramped apartment anyway," I point out.

Alhaitham doesn't respond, and I quickly peak around my canvas to make sure he's fine. It seems he's grown distracted by a framed sketch on the wall.

"That was the original design idea for the Palace of Alcazarzaray, drawn on a random piece of scrap paper I was given when I first enrolled as a teacher here," I explain, hoping to once again grab his attention. "Next to it is my first ever architectural drawing. It ended up inspiring the famous café down by the dorms. I drew that one on my math homework back in my first year as a student."

Alhaitham turns to me, looking almost nostalgically away from the art.

"Reminds me of my first essay. Low in detail, barely comprehensible; only to me did it make perfect sense and would end up being the set school-wide example essay after a few more draftings," Alhaitham mentions.

I laugh. We're more similar than I realize.

—

After a while, I think I've completely become lost in the painting. I usually sketch and finish up details outlining the bodies of my models so that I can finish later, but for some reason, I can't stop. I've been painting the tiniest details automatically, my teeth biting my tongue and paint splattered across my clothing.

I'm a mess: sitting with both my legs on my stool sideways, one hand supporting my paint-coated face, the other numb from detailing Alhaitham's fingers, my hair half-way undone from the amount of times I've shaken myself to prevent sleep.

Alhaitham is a perfect subject to paint. I love all too much the curve of his muscles to the shading of his clothing. I feel a need to finish his painting, if not only to satisfy myself but to impress him. I don't think I've ever been so deep into a session like this.

I can't even hear it when Alhaitham calls my name. I can't process it when he walks over, concerned for how long I've been sitting an inch from the painting with a determined look on my face. I can't feel it when he gently taps my shoulder.

I only actually acknowledge his existence when he wraps his arms around me gently from behind.

Startled, I blink and try to look at him. His head hovers close over my shoulder, and I look away again, flushed.

"You've been painting for hours," Alhaitham whispers. "It's late. The school's about to close."

I blink again and look to my right, glancing at the clock on my wall. My attention is once again brought back to my painting when I see, out of my peripheral vision, Alhaitham's arm reach out towards my painting.

"It's so lifelike," he comments quietly. "I've never seen something so accurate and detailed. Are you sure you did not cheat in some way?"

"How could I possibly—?" I finally manage to speak.

"I'm teasing," Alhaitham lets go of me and rolls his eyes. "Let's go get dinner. You're paying."

"Rude," I set down my brush.

"It's what you get for making me stand still for hours," Alhaitham smirks.

Little do I know, Alhaitham was perfectly content watching me work.

"Fine, let's go," I say.

I try to stand. It's a lot of effort just bringing my legs back to the floor. They've fallen asleep and become so stiff that they can't hold my weight when I lift off of the chair. However, like every cringy romance movie, a hot handsome guy is there to catch me when I suffer from lack of blood circulation in the lower half of my body.

He holds me for a second before lifting my back to my feet, turning and immediately making sure I can stand on my own.

"I'm not a baby," I hiss, slapping my legs, hopefully making them work again. "I can stand."

"Sure," Alhaitham replies.

—

I'm very tired. I get to the café with Alhaitham and suddenly come to this realization. My body is all stiff from sitting for so long, and my hand is still half-asleep from supporting my head. Eventually, though, as we enter the warm atmosphere of the tiny, locally-owned café, I feel my energy regained. The sight of more than one person already fuels me.

Alhaitham and I don't talk for long periods of time; despite how tired I am, I never lose the energy to socialize- but it seems like Alhaitham is way too introverted to hold a long conversation.

Therefore, despite how tired I am, I am able to tell a story to fill the agonizing silence.

"...then all these foxes showed up. I'm semi-used to the desert- I've gone there a few times for artistic inspiration. But never have foxes started following me. I think it had to do with the ley line disorders artificially put out for the Interdarshan Competition thing-"

"Interdarshan Championship."

"Yeah, right. Then while everyone else was out getting their jobs done, I was super distracted by these fifteen foxes-"

"I heard there were three."

"Three, whatever. They were busying me so I could barely actually get to my job. I was trying to pay attention to what my suitcase machine was transmitting through its surveillance data, but I was so distracted that I ended up searching past midnight-"

"You clearly don't remember, but I was an assistant commentator on the competition. I clearly remember reading the reports of you getting done by 23:48."

"Must you interject on every point of my story?" I sigh, growing mad. I'm too tired for this.

"I am simply making sure that you understand the truth of the situation. We don't want you lying, now do we?" Alhaitham sips from his cup.

"Yeah, well, the point of the story is to exaggerate a bit, right?" I reason.

I mean it teasingly, honestly. I don't know why it comes out so aggressive. Even if I had meant to argue with Alhaitham, I don't think I'd be able to; when he gets mad, he looks even more sexy than usual. Maybe it's the way he furrows his brows or when talks forcefully, but somehow, it leaves me a bit dazed. I can't form good points while ogling at him.

Anyway, the point is that it comes out a bit harsh.

"What's the point of telling a story if you just spew lies?" Alhaitham retorts.

"Because it's more interesting. Would you still be here if I just stated the boring, basic, predictable truth?" I ask.

"Probably," Alhaitham argues, then adds: "I meant that as a way to refute you, not say that I enjoy your company."

"So you don't enjoy my company?" Again, why does it sound so aggressive? Is it because I've been sitting for too long?

"Maybe I don't," Alhaitham doesn't back off, sounding mean as well.

"Then why are you here?" I bark.

"Because I thought I'd try to be a nice person for once," Alhaitham argues.

"Who said you aren't usually a nice person?!"

"Many people! You do."

"No I don't!"

"You look at me sometimes as if I am just another snooty teacher!"

"Not anymore!"

"What changed, then? I was pretty sure you still think I'm pompous?"

"How could you have come to that conclusion?! I've spent so much time with you that I've simply realized you are enjoyable. Now you say you don't like my company, and it kind of hurts!"

"Enjoyable?"

"So what if I like you?"

"I would be thoroughly surprised."

"Why? You're one of the smartest, hottest, nicest, unique-most people I've ever met!"

"YOU TWO!" a new voice shouts.

The two of us turn to face the store manager, standing in front of the rest of the shop, which is full of concerned faces looking our way. Our argument was a bit louder than I thought it had been.

"You two are going to have to leave," the manager hisses.

I huff and without protest begin to walk out. Alhaitham and the rest watch as I leave, I can feel their eyes on my back. As the door closes behind me, I put my face in my hands. I messed up. The argument was completely stupid, and in the end I ended up spewing out random observations I had on Alhaitham.

And every single one was incredibly embarrassing.

I blush and start walking down the street, unsure of my destination. I just embarrassed myself in front of tons of people, in addition to maybe ruining my relationship with one of the most interesting people in my life.

"Kaveh!" I hear his voice call.

I turn my head to look around, and he's there, walking/jogging towards me. I let him come. Once he is near, he begins to talk;

"I know I-" he pauses.

His stoic figure looks a bit different. He's hunched a bit, maybe embarrassed. I've never seen him like that. He looks quite full of emotion, which is very unlike him.

"I do enjoy your company," he says, standing up tall, as he usually does.

He manages to force his poker-face on, but I can still see the tint of pink. It's incredibly adorable. Even though I'd categorize Alhaitham as a sexy type of person instead of cute, he seems to fit both categories at this moment.

"Thanks," I reply.

"I do not wish to ruin our friendship after one stupid fight," Alhaitham says. "You're probably one of the only people I actually enjoy the company of."

Now it's my turn to blush.

"Care to walk?" I propose.

He nods, and we start walking slowly down the streets. I guess I mostly just needed a bit of time to think. Maybe I over exaggerated in thinking he'll never be my friend again. He is right, it was only a stupid fight. Everyone has fights.

But the anger I felt has somehow dissipated into complete joy. I don't know how he messes with my emotions like this, but the moment he mentioned my company being enjoyable, I somehow found myself filled with inexplicable happiness.

"Was it true, what you said about me?" Alhaitham questions.

"No," I say.

I look at him, and he, who had been looking at me, turns away, nodding slightly.

"Maybe," I smile.

Where'd this confidence come from? Damn, how do all these emotions just storm through me when I'm around him. It's like he's some sort of empowerer. He makes me feel happy and confident just by existing.

He looks back at me, and I manage to retain a pretty neutral expression. We walk for a bit more, and then I take out my phone to check the time.

"Shit, it's late," I gasp. "Did I really spend so much time painting earlier?"

"Well, you did manage to capture me quite well, so I'm not complaining," Alhaitham responded. "But we should probably get home."

"We? You talk like we live at the same place," I snort a laugh. "Also, a compliment?"

"There was something in that drink, making me delusional," he mutters, embarrassed.

"Ah, yes yes, okay," I nod, still smiling.

"Why did that sound so sarcastic?" Alhaitham glares at me.

"Because I don't think you could ever be delusional, even when drugged," I tease a bit.

He huffs and starts walking away, like it was an insult. Who knows, I bet he takes compliments as insults. He sounds like one of those people.

I catch up and follow him, continuing our conversation.

We walk for a while. I don't know or care where we're going, because something about the crisp night air, the sound of wind in the leaves and frogs in the grass comfort me. Maybe his presence helps too. Okay, it was definitely him. How can he make me confident, happy, and serene?! Is this normal??

After a bit, he stops. I blink and look ahead at a nicely-sized house. We've wandered closer into the city, a few levels down from the Akademiya building. It's the richer part of town: where the accomplished scholars take residence without many 'simple-minded people' stomping around outside their house, as it supposedly is in the suburbs.

"Because you've followed me to my house, I guess I may as well offer you to stay?" Alhaitham suggests.

"Ah- depends on how far my house is," I say like it's not a tiny apartment.

"I'm sure you live nearby," Alhaitham shrugs.

"I'm down near the apartment building along the river to Gandharva ville," I explain.

"Oh, that's far," Alhaitham notes. "Are you too poor to live up here?"

"Hey!" I narrow my eyes. "I'm just in debt! And it's not that bad, just a bit. I swear I'll move with the rest of the teachers into the city eventually."

For some reason, Alhaitham quirks a brow at me.

"Why don't you come inside?"

Thus here I am, inside of Alhaitham's house. It's boring. There is no wall decor aside from bookshelves, no furniture besides ancient chairs and tables, etc. As if he never even tried to decorate.

"Guest room's that way," Alhaitham points. "I'm off to sleep early, I have to be awake by 5:30. Goodnight," he says.

—

I wake up to the smell of food. Rolling off of Alhaitham's surprisingly springy bed that I'd expected to be of the cardboard sort, I try to make myself presentable before strutting out into the living room.

My breath leaves my lungs, and my heart decides to work double time to make up for it slacking. My face turns red. Why?

Alhaitham isn't in formal clothes, that's why. Even better, he's wearing a skin-tight tank top and loose sweatpants that hang just a bit too low. He's got his hair completely unstyled, resting around his face as if he just got up. He's standing in his kitchen, flipping eggs.

This might just be the most beautiful perfect thing I've ever seen. I need to paint this.

Before he even notices me, I rush back into the guest room, pull out my pocket sketchbook and a pencil I find on one of Alhaitham's desks in the guest room, and rush back out. Hiding behind a conveniently placed couch, I start sketching.

I'm on a spy mission, but the subject is too hot to handle, and it's kind of so perfectly domestic I might faint. But I must complete it. This is perfect teasing material. I have to show this to Cyno and Tighnari and say that yes, Alhaitham can wear casual clothes and he is VERY hot.

If this were an anime I'd have nosebleed. I think I might be a simp. Okay, I'm a simp. My drawing is completed in under ten minutes, and by then he's done making his eggs I've fully stored it away and re-entered the living room casually, as if I didn't just stalk Alhaitham.

"Morning," I call.

"I didn't think you'd be up so early," he responds, voice gruff.

"Well your eggs were so enticing my nose pulled me from sleep for them," I say as I walk towards him where he sits at his table.

"The eggs are in the fridge, feel free to make some," Alhaitham offers after a bit of hesitancy.

"Thanks!" I smile.

Cooking in the kitchen while I tease and argue with Alhaitham might be one of the best experiences. It's so enjoyable for no reason; just cooking and having someone there to accompany you, even if from across the room, was a joy I haven't experienced since I moved out of my mom's place.

I could definitely get used to this life.

Eventually, I finish frying the eggs and join Alhaitham at the table.

"Must you eat like some kind of seal?" Alhaitham quips as I scarf the food.

"Yes," I respond.

"I am trying to mentally prepare myself for the day, mind your obnoxious noises," Alhaitham growls.

"Grumpy in the morning," I remark.

"Only because of you," he argues.

"I'm glad I spark emotion into your emotionless life," I smile, shoveling another egg white into my mouth.

He grumbles something and goes back to staring at the table, 'mentally preparing' himself or whatever.

"Thanks for letting me stay over," I decide to speak. "I don't have many friends who'd do that for me."

"Ah, no problem," he seems a bit quieter.

I stare at him for a bit. His head is facing downward, his fingers weaved together and pressed against his forehead; but I can still gaze at his biceps and hair, forearms and nose, for as long as I can. He seems to notice this.

"Am I so interesting?" he says, looking at me.

"I did say earlier I enjoy your presence, and you are interesting," I point out.

"I can't believe I said I enjoyed your presence," he sighs.

"Ah, well you did, regret it all you like," I lean closer. "But I'm stuck with you now."

He looks at me, seemingly emotionless, but his cheeks are tinted. Job well done, I guess.

"I don't regret it, I'm only surprised I'd come to admit it," he responds.

"So you don't mind being stuck with me?" I ask.

"No, so long as you learn how to eat properly, I don't mind," Alhaitham snips. "Mr. InterestedInMe."

"Interested in you?" I sputter, blushing. "No, I said you're interesting."

"Same difference," Alhaitham smiles ever so slightly at my reaction.

"No! You're implying I like you romantically," I huff, shaking my head.

"Hm," Alhaitham goes back to looking at the table.

"Hm? What does that mean?" I furrow my brows. "You're so confusing."

"But you're nevertheless interested in me."

"Not like that!"

"How should I know?"

"What?"

"With that look on your face, how should I be able to decipher which type of interesting I am?"

"Well it's obvious I don't like you."

"Really?"

"I mean, it's not like I've been staring at you or wishing to kiss you or anything, so I don't like you."

Alhaitham gives me a slight smile and then pulls out, to my horror, my tiny sketchbook. How did he get that? What the hell? Shit, he's opening it.

"You don't stare at me?" Alhaitham asks, showing the picture I just drew.

I blush and decide I should probably join the table-watching club. Then I realize I can't because I can feel his eyes on me, and I have to look at him. He smiles, just a bit, before putting the book down on the table. He looks at me, and then goes back to table-staring.

He proved his point. I do stare at him. But he never proved the kissing part.

Now it's on my mind, though. Now I can't get it out of my head. Now I can picture him holding me close, looking at me, and I reach forward and kiss him gently, smiling. It's too vivid. I like it too much. Alhaitham, what have you done to my mind?

Again, I feel some sort of confidence run through me that only occurs around the other. I feel it building up, and I don't like it. It's going to make me do something I won't be able to control. But he stands up to bus his dishes, and so do I, and now we're standing close together by the sink, and now we're both standing at the door-

And now we're very close, like we've never been before. I should leave, head home, and get ready; he needs to go to work early; but we've both sort of stopped. It progressed fast, my mind is racing, and I put my arms around his neck and pull him close.

It's the confidence running through my veins that's making me do this. But it feels so right. And he isn't protesting. I feel sort of high on this feeling; the feeling of being able to take chances and find they won't all end in catastrophe.

After a moment, we part for breath, and then I kiss him again. It gets a bit intense before he pushes me back a bit.

"I have to go," he whispers.

"Right," I nod, still feeling high.

"Text me later," Alhaitham says, reaching for the door.

"Sure," I'm breathless.

After that, it's smooth sailing.

We meet up again and go on a date. We make nicknames for each other. We officially get together. We contemplate moving in together.

The season flies by like no time has passed at all- just a minute ago, I met him for the first time at a staff party, and he told off some random scholar and I offered him a modeling session. We've become comfortable and we've seen the best and worst of each other.

Let's just say I got that Titanic painting.

He's still infuriating, sweet, interesting, and brilliant. We get in fights more often than a regular couple; but we end up solving them quicker than most as well. It's good. There's only one strong problem in our relationship at the moment;

"We have to do it in a flamboyant way," I insist.

"Can't we just tell them?" Alhaitham argues.

"No, we've got to stage something. Hey, what if I fake trip and th-"

"Stop, I can feel the stupidity emanating from that sentence," Alhaitham rubs his temple.

"Fine, how about-"

"Does it really have to be dramatic?"

"Yes."

"We're telling the whole world we're dating. Wouldn't it be best to act normal?"

"Absolutely not, this is a great opportunity! I say we walk up to them at the next staff party and I'll pretend to be drunk and you get in a fight with me and then solve it by kissing me and then we'll go home and leave them flabbergasted."

"Sounds so damn stupid I might dump you."

Yeah, we'll work out how to tell the others. For now, it's my little secret.

—

"This is so boar-ing," Cyno sighs, staring at his free boar-based skewer.

Tighnari face-palms.

"I wish Kaveh would show up sooner. He usually brings interesting conversation," Tighnari says.

"Thanks," I approach them.

"Kaveh! How goeth thee?" Cyno asks.

"Why are we Shakespearean?" I chuckle.

"He's had a bit too much beer," Tighnari whispers to me, watching Cyno closely. "I thought he'd decided to slow down on alcohol recently."

"You sure he's not showing off for you?" I whisper back.

Tighnari blushes and keeps watching Cyno, almost like a mother would her child.

"How are things?" Cyno asks suddenly.

"Good," I reply, smiling at his behavior.

"I heard you've been hanging out with Alhaitham?" Cyno questions.

"Ah, not really," I lie, because I'm still planning a flamboyant way to display our relationship. "He's really snooty."

Technically his words, not mine.

"Makes sense. I didn't really think you'd get along," Cyno wobbles. "I mean, he's nice and smart and all, but you're too crazy for him."

Little does he know how much Alhaitham enjoys my craziness. Surprised me, too, when he admitted one late night while watching Marvel movies about how my extroverted behavior made him feel at ease. He likes having someone to be crazy for him. I find it kind of cute.

"Yeah," I respond. "Where'd you get the beer?"

"Over there," Cyno points towards a corner.

I pick up one of the cheap canned beers that I'm guessing one of the more carefree teachers provided to get the party lively. I take a hefty swig from the bottle.

"Kaveh, lighten up on the alcohol!" Tighnari insists. "Cyno, stop, my ears aren't edible- archons, my friends are stupid."

"Agreed," Alhaitham says.

"When did you get here?" Tighnari glares at him.

"Please, Kaveh, stop molesting your friends," Alhaitham sighs, referring to my arm I have draped over Cyno's shoulders.

"Like you can tell me what to do," I smile.

"Get your ass out of this party before the principal comes out and sees you chugging alcohol," Alhaitham insists.

"Since when are you looking out for him?" Tighnari mumbles into his non-alcoholic drink.

"You're not my mom," I say. "And I'm a strong independent man, you can't tell me what to do."

"I can, actually, as a concerned citizen," Alhaitham insists.

"Shut up!" I shout.

"Don't talk to me like that!" Alhaitham angers.

"I'm drunk, I can't process words," I joke, clearly only a gulp into my first can.

"Can you process my fist in your face?"

Before anything can happen, the annoying Rtawahist teacher that bugs us every staff meeting since the first time they showed up decides to barge into our friendly banter.

"Wow, you two really have become quite the enemies," they say.

"You're still not invited here," I narrow my eyes.

"But you guys are the only fun ones here," they insist. "Even if you insult my entire darshan and seem to hate me for no reason."

"Maybe it's because you used my classroom yesterday and trashed it," Alhaitham, the original enemy of this guy, sighs.

"I didn't trash it, the students did," the Rtawahist teacher looks at their nails.

"Can you just leave?" drunk Cyno whines.

"Nothing could make me leave unless you do something crazy to convince me," they smile, and whisper: "Like embarrass yourself enough to ruin your reputation, Alhaitham, and make me the official owner of that classroom while you get moved to the basement, eh?"

"That's what you want?" Alhaitham groans.

"I need a good classroom so the stars can offer me their omens. Haven't you noticed there aren't any stars in the basement?" the teacher mentions.

"Yeah, I can put up with your antics. No way can you get me to ruin my reputation for something as stupid as a classroom," Alhaitham shakes his head.

"I'll get it," the Rtawahist person whispers just to Alhaitham. I can barely hear it.

The party continues for a bit. I'm surprised at how fun this staff meeting actually is. Probably thanks to whoever brought the beer.

Though, the fun has been ruined as of recently. This Rtawahist guy is totally flirting with me and I am not having it. They're kind of creepy, to be honest, and I'm also not into females. But they're clinging to me, sending glances at Alhaitham.

"Can you not?" I ask.

"But Kaveh, I can't bear to move away when you're so perfectly you!" they swoon, obviously in a fake way.

I know an actor when I see one. As a prodigy in the theater kid world, I know as a fact that this person is messing with me. And I'm starting to understand why. Somehow, they've figured that Alhaitham will be mad if they flirt with me, and they want him mad for obvious classroom-related reasons.

I don't doubt Alhaitham, though. He's too strong, smart, handsome, amazing, swag, epic, cool, intelligent, buff, and awesome to fall for something like this.

That's what I think, at least, until I catch his stare. I get chills. He's death-glaring this teacher, and he's clearly mad. Not even paying attention when Tighnari offers him an opinion, or when Cyno wobbles around into him. Okay, so unlike what I thought, maybe he is affected by it.

I can't help but smile. Jealous Alhaitham. This is amazing. No, stop, I should be pushing this stranger off of me!

"And then the obscure star I saw last night turned out to be a galaxy, circular and thick, full of appetizing knowledge. I knew my telescope would observe deep into that hole of fascination-"

"Oh my god would you just shut the hell up?" I push them away. "Your horny astrology metaphors aren't working. And frankly, I don't care."

"Astronomy," they correct, smug.

"I know you're just trying to get at Alhaitham, I know your plan. You want him mad so he embarasses himself and makes him seem irrational and therefore he'll be kicked out of his expensive classroom. Cool. Have you considered maybe you just have a skill issue and if you'd become a better, smarter person like him you'd actually earn a classroom?" I rant.

They frown at me for the first time tonight. They seem to drop their excited, flirty persona. Then they smile again, glancing at Alhaitham, knowing they have his attention. In a fluid motion, they lift their hand up to my face and peck my cheek.

Holy shit Alhaitham is livid I can see him walking over he's all red and he's reaching out he's boutta kill this bitch Ishouldprobablyrun- That is until he grabs me and our lips collide, and he's kissing me in front of the entire staff party (which by now had depleted a bit, but the rumor mill spreads fast).

Tighnari is aghast, Cyno has wobbled away from his table, confused, and the Rtawahist girl is gaping, before their face melts into a smirk. They look around, making sure everyone sees, and then they're even further surprised to see that literally everyone has gone back to their conversations. I'm surprised too. Does nobody care about this reveal?

Alhaitham quirks a brow.

"Have I finished ruining my reputation, as you so wished?" he glares. "Leave us alone, now. I'll be sure to send a report saying you raped my boyfriend here."

"What- I didn't-"

"Kaveh taught me that over exaggerating makes stories more interesting," Alhaitham sends them a purposeful look.

They immediately catch the threat, blink, and then leave without a word. The party continues on. I'm kind of confused.

"Why don't they care?" I ask.

"Because I spread a rumor before this party," Alhaitham looks at me. "I told them that something really big was going to happen, right after that specific Rtawahist teacher left. For the whole night, they've been using their own methods to get her to leave, in hope the exciting thing would happen sooner.

"They only see this as another method of getting her to leave, so they'll accept it as nothing more. I've stuck it in their brains that they should overlook everything and only be optimistic for the huge event happening later. Of course, Cyno and Tighnari are surprised. They are out of the rumor mill, seeing as they do so much field work and don't interact with other teachers besides each other," Alhaitham finishes. "So, basically, they'll not think we're anything to each other, that is until you want to tell everyone."

"Wait- what big thing is going to happen?" I shake my head confusedly.

"I thought you were supposed to be smart?" Alhaitham teases.

"I am! Just not in the manipulative area! I exceed in design, not... whatever this is," I huff.

"Right, right," Alhaitham rolls his eyes. "Obviously, there is no surprise. They'll stay here late into the night for nothing. But, now we got that Rtawahist to leave forever. Honestly, I didn't expect it to get so out of hand with her, I was confident I'd just have to protect you from her stares, not her kisses."

"You're brilliant, you know?" I smile.

Alhaitham clicked his tongue in acknowledgement, averting his gaze. He's horrible with compliments.

"Since WHEN?" Cyno gapes as he walks over with much more stability than your average drunk man.

"When what?" I play dumb.

"I should have seen it," Tighnari contributes. "The way you kept texting a mysterious person with a smile, the both of you! Kaveh put it off as a funny Instagram reel every time and Alhaitham, you always said it was just a student asking dumb questions."

"And I should've realized when Alhaitham mysteriously ditched a lesson to go hang out with an anonymous art teacher," Cyno sighs. "Man."

Cyno leans heavily on my shoulder, staring into my eyes. He's such an interesting drunk: like he gets clear moments of thought and then suddenly starts wobbling again and spewing nonsense. Example;

"Alhaitham: What brand of shampoo?" Cyno whispers, almost in a creepy way, into my ear.

"I think we'll probably be going," Alhaitham, who didn't hear Cyno, interrupts. "Before the party realizes that this incident might actually be interesting, anyway."

Alhaitham turns to leave, and I gently push Cyno in Tighnari's general direction to follow my boyfriend.

"W-wait a moment!" Tighnari is calling.

I send a smile back at him as we open the door to leave, and he is huffing to himself, turning to look at Cyno, who has chosen him to be his new friend to cling onto.

The moment the door closes I burst out laughing. Best way to come out to your friends? Kiss your boyfriend in public. The thrill is exhilarating.

"So, what now?" Alhaitham asks.

"Uh-" I think. "Let's get married and move in and have tons of children."

Alhaitham rolls his eyes.

"You know very well you'd be the worst father ever."

"Hey!"

"Your kid would be all 'waaah you're decorating the house wrong!' while my kid would be busy actually studying for a reasonable future."

"Why are you implying we'd each have our own respective kids?"

"Because no way are we moving in together. You're insufferable."

"Then what was the point in that conversation last week about how I'm struggling financially and it would be best if I were to just move in with you?"

"Obviously a joke. I love watching you struggle."

"Aw, you said you love watching me."

"..."

"We should name on kid Kavetham and the other Haikaveh."

"Please shut the hell up."

"They'll be scholars, obviously- I'll be the best most amazing dad and you'll be the soccer mom."

"Kaveh, I'm going to stab you."

"I'm telling the kids."

"Don't tell the kids!"

"What, that you threatened me? Of course our angels deserve to know! We're in a horrible, hideous, horrendous abusive relationship, Alhaitham!"

"Why did you make me fall in love with you?"

"Pretty easy, honestly. I'm likable."

"Not really."

"C'mon, you like my kisses."

"No," Alhaitham glares.

I kiss him there; right outside the hall where the party is buzzing, with all these random late-working students passing by. I don't really care though, about hiding our relationship, especially since Alhaitham just announced it to the entirety of Sumeru.

Alhaitham leans into the kiss, and then lets go, his eyes softening from their previous hardened annoyance. I tilt my head to the side, motioning to the exit. Without a second thought, he takes off down the hallway with me, and we're on his way to his house, probably to have a proper dinner and watch a movie. Then I'll end up staying the night in his arms, cook breakfast alongside him, and head out to work. Despite how domestic it is, I do have to say: I wouldn't ask for anything other than this.

I don't need to ask him to be my model. I don't need anyone to be my model. I can see now that maybe all I really needed to paint, instead of boring examples for students, was the perfect portrait: us together.