Chapter Text
By the time Kaveh woke up, he could sense the missing presence of his mate beside him. He yawns before he finds himself completely awake, alarmed from the moment he took a whiff of one’s scent—a seemingly upsetting one. Hurrying to find the source of this, his legs brought him in front of a slightly opened bathroom door, the sound of retching could be heard from inside.
He spares a glance over their wall clock, 7:29 am.
Kaveh frowns before knocking softly to the door, “Alhaitham? May I come in?”
There was only the sound of coughing before the omega responded hoarsely, “W-Wait for a moment—”
Before gagging once again.
The alpha’s heart clenched at the sound of his mate’s pain, yet this was a price to pay when it comes to dealing with pregnancy. Alhaitham has untimely morning sicknesses that only come three times in a week. The omega is only at 9 weeks as of the moment, in which in this period, the nausea is hard to pass by. The inconsistency was normal, the doctor told them, as long as Alhaitham keeps in track with his vitamins and his diet, then he’s good to go.
Kaveh would say he wished he could take his mate’s pain, but he understands that this was the very thing that makes pregnancy so special. One of these symptoms meant a lot to them, it’s a reminder of their baby’s existence. Alhaitham’s body is working very hard to provide for their child, and Kaveh could only wish to assist him as much as he can. He can't imagine being in his place.
After a few minutes, the door opened further, showing a tired looking Alhaitham who exhales very deeply. Kaveh smiles softly before rubbing his lower back, “How are you now?”
“Tired…” Alhaitham groaned out, “But… I can manage, really."
“Are you sure? Anything unusual that we should check on?" Kaveh tries again, which merely emitted an eye roll from the omega as he crossed his arms. “I'm okay, I can still go to work, just…"
Alhaitham went closer to the sink, gripping the sides as he closed his eyes.
"... Adjusting.."
The alpha nods, placing a small peck over the bond mark, making the omega croon at the feeling. "It's okay, I'll go make breakfast then, do you need anything in particular?"
"Anything that is available, that is." He answered. Kaveh nodded and was about to leave the bathroom until Alhaitham lowered his head as he spoke again.
"Not eggs, they make me nauseous."
Kaveh smiles softly, seeing how flushed Alhaitham's ears are now. Seeing him trying to adapt to his pregnancy is a progress that he adored. The omega makes sure to be comfortable during this time, and Kaveh is becoming even more softer by watching Alhaitham slowly getting used to this new routine of theirs.
After a short while, Kaveh was already preparing the food that needed to be served. He settled in with some Veggie Soup that Alhaitham recently took a liking to, despite the fact the scribe had a huge dislike over soups. He grew to tolerate it, especially because it's the only food that can keep him from not feeling sick.
He hums faintly, before hearing small footsteps nearby. He turned his head to see Alhaitham in his usual uniform, rubbing his eyes softly as he sat by the chair in the dining room. Kaveh approached him with a small grin, placing the bowl of soup in front of the omega.
Alhaitham smiles, "Thank you, I can't stomach anything solid just yet."
"I know, that's why I made it." Kaveh chuckles, before sitting across Alhaitham. As he digged in, he can't help but wonder out loud, "Alhaitham?"
"Hm?"
"Are you sure it's okay for you to keep working in the Akademiya? Can't you just file a request to work at home?" Kaveh asks helplessly, which makes Alhaitham raise an eyebrow.
"And why is that?"
Kaveh sighs, fiddling with his spook quietly before answering, "... Just wanna look after you better, you know."
The omega sighs, "Kaveh, I'm not as fragile as you think I am. My work is easy, and if it becomes too much, then I'll request to work home, or maybe even a leave. Even then, I don’t have much to do after today, so I’ll be fine."
"You swear? Because my inner alpha is currently screaming at me to keep you home, especially near your nest where you are far from the stress environment the Akademiya has." The alpha sighed, "Good thing I pride myself on having great control of my instincts."
Alhaitham merely rolled his eyes, taking a sip of the soup before speaking again, "You’re over dramatic. Besides, I have a meeting today, Kaveh. And I request as your mate to trust me with this."
As he said this, their eyes met. Kaveh held that stern-looking gaze, yet it was not as intimidating as it seems, especially not to Alhaitham. He may never admit this out loud, but he likes his job as the Grand Scribe of Akademiya. He once had to become the Acting Grand Sage, and after a few weeks, someone better got appointed. Even then, if he were to continue being one, he won’t last long. Alhaitham was never a fan of doing paperwork and overtime. If it comes to the point he is still the Acting Grand Sage while expecting, he will definitely take a leave immediately.
This made him pause for a moment, before placing a hand over his navel.
Expecting .
Pregnant.
Alhaitham absolutely understood what Kaveh meant by wanting him to stay home, and he absolutely stands by that. But he's a bit fearful once the pregnancy progresses further— would he still have that small ounce of freedom once he's far along? He learned a lot of things about pregnancy that he researched when they were trying for one. He'll have to deal with such obstacles, and he fears that he may not be able to do the things he used to do.
Alhaitham hoped he could explain this reasoning properly without feeling hesitancy.
He clears his throat before speaking again, "Trust me, let me have this. I will file a work from home if it comes down to it. Okay?" Alhaitham simply said, giving his mate a small genuine smile he knew Kaveh would always fall for.
Kaveh's face scrunched, before relaxing with a sigh, "Fine… Just maybe take half of the day?"
Alhaitham snorted, "Okay, that's a deal then."
Kaveh was restless.
Alhaitham promised to be home by lunch, why is he not here yet? Was he just panicking over nothing? He tries to feel the bond, but so far it's fine. Well, he's pretty sure his anxiety is already translating through the bond, there's no doubting it.
But Kaveh feels like something is wrong, as if he's missing something.
He sat on a divan, completely upset as he crossed his arms. Mehrak, his automated case, is merely charging herself beside him as she lets out robotic chirps. He tries to wait patiently, but even his leg starts to shake every second that has gone off.
And then, a knock could be heard from the door.
Kaveh stood up from the door as anxiety rose from his chest, that's not a good sign.
Alhaitham never knocks, he merely announces he's home when opening the door.
Rushing his footsteps, he reached out and opened it, just to see General Mahamatra in his front door.
"Is this about Alhaitham?" Kaveh went straight to the point.
Cyno grimaces, "... We were about to leave the room after the meeting until one of the scholars lost his grip over his lunch box and it spilled all over the floor. The smell got Alhaitham extremely—"
"Nauseous?" Kaveh asked while trying to wear his shoes swiftly. Cyno then nods, narrowing his gaze as he watches his friend grabbing a nearby cape on the rack before wearing it as fast as he could.
He can't help but ask, "Kaveh… is there something wrong—"
"We weren't planning on telling people, not until he passed the 1st trimester. Tighnari knows, he was the one who told Alhaitham after all." Kaveh explained before calling out to Mehrak and telling her to watch over the house. The automated case chirps in response as Kaveh closes the door.
"Where is he? Did you take him to Bimarstan?" Kaveh asked faintly, "His morning sickness is really bad these days, he just entered month 3." the architect rambled on, sharing his worries and concern, not noticing the slight shock that is evident on the General’s face.
"... I knew it." Cyno grumbles faintly, "I thought I was imagining things when I took a whiff of his scent, and noticed the change in it." He sighed out.
Kaveh groans, his heart plummeting inside his chest. His mind was filled with a lot of things; Alhaitham's well being, or how he should scold the omega for being stubborn and still going to work—which is a bit unlike him too! Or should he pamper his mate and make sure he's well taken care of?
He'll have all options if he has to.
By the time they reached the Akademiya, straight to Alhaitham's office. He sees some scholars over the couch, one of them cleaning up the mess on the floor, and a very worn out Alhaitham, panting softly as he closes his eyes. The sight spiked an emotion within him, uneasiness rested within his guts, his heart felt heavy.
"Alhaitham!" Kaveh immediately ran towards his mate.
The omega turned his head in shock, and by the time he knew it, Kaveh pulled him into a tight embrace. He weakly tugs onto his shirt, burying his face to the crook of his alpha's neck as he inhaled his comforting scent deeply. They just stayed there wordlessly, with Alhaitham having a hard time to keep the bile on his throat down as he held onto his mate.
The gesture was his last straw, as Kaveh bit his lip to stop himself from crying, it was a struggle.
"... I'm… just got extremely sick and—"
"Shh, it's okay, we couldn't have avoided it." Kaveh simply said.
Alhaitham pulled away and exhaled deeply, "My head is throbbing slightly, I don’t know… why the smell triggered me this badly. I didn't realize it was this bad…" he leans over to Kaveh's chest, his voice hoarse from retching earlier.
The alpha stares at his mate, his bottom lip quivering as the anxiety that was growing inside finally wears off. He pulls Alhaitham on his chest as he tears up softly, and this sudden reaction gets the other caught off guard.
"Kaveh…? I'm okay now, much better now that you're here…" Alhaitham spoke quietly, "I know… I said I still want to go to work, but not excessively… Just wanna maximize my remaining freedom before I file my maternity leave…" he admits softly, "I won't stand working at home, it feels like it'll ruin it for me."
Kaveh sniffles, "I was so worried, I-I couldn't stop thinking about you and—"
"Shh…" Alhaitham shushes him down gently, "I know… we made a deal right? I'll…" he took a deep breath before sighing, "I'll file a leave, I'm sure the Akademiya can thrive off without me, especially with the newly appointed Grand Sage."
"We will, you need to rest." Cyno joined the conversation, "I know you're still early in your pregnancy, but the Akademiya is not the ideal place to spend the next few weeks in."
Alhaitham grumbles, it seemed like Cyno finally figured out his condition. "I know, I'm just…" he bit his lip, and Kaveh tilted his head a little, eyes teary eyed as he stared at his mate expectantly. "I-I thought you want to continue working…? Alhaitham, I don't get it…"
The soft look got Alhaitham sighing for the 50th time, "... I feel like I won't be able to do things once my pregnancy progresses further."
Kaveh widened his eyes, "... Oh."
Alhaitham nods sheepishly, "It's not like I don't like staying in the house often—I would rather have that anyway… But I feel like I won't be able to do as much as I usually do. I do laze around a lot… but not being able to do the things you used to do is… quite terrifying." He confessed, looking down in shame as he clears his throat. "Was I blabbering too much? I don't really feel like myself these days…"
Kaveh then finally understood what Alhaitham meant, and pulled the omega closer as he let the tears fall. He just held his mate, crying silently as Alhaitham crooned faintly. "Kaveh, why are you crying again?" He asks with a frown.
"Because!" Kaveh simply cried out, and Alhaitham rolled his eyes weakly. Before he could tease him more about it, Kaveh spoke again, "I just… You've been trying to adapt with your symptoms which is adorable but then it hurts me seeing you struggle too! And now when Cyno suddenly came into our home to tell me you fell ill—I got terrified! I thought something bad happened to you and the baby!" Kaveh reasoned out.
"And seeing you completely fine, I can't help but cry in relief." The alpha sniffled, "I know, I know! I'm overreacting but I can't stand you being away knowing the fact you're carrying our child! I know you can take care of yourself but I just—"
"Kaveh, hey…" Alhaitham's frown grew as he cupped Kaveh's face gently, this got the blonde calm down a little and stop talking. His crimson eyes met Alhaitham's teal ones, his lips forming into a pout that got the omega smiling.
"Even if it is bewildering on my side, I understand." Alhaitham starts off, "It's quite annoying, really, but I understand. I am… Maybe I am truly in a fragile state, even if I can protect myself. You're worried for me, maybe you worry too much, but now I see it. I think I've been dismissing you a little, because I don't know how to bring it up to you… On how I feel fearful of not being able to do some things anymore." He looked away slightly in shame, but Kaveh brought back his gaze, gently caressing the omega's face. Alhaitham melted in his touch, leaning more to meet the warmth of Kaveh's hand.
"It's hard… asking for help." Alhaitham spoke again, "You know that."
"I know, and I hope we'll improve on our faults." Kaveh wipes away the small tears that formed in his eyes, "I'm sorry again for overreacting."
"You apologize too much." Alhaitham groans.
Kaveh whines, "Alhaitham…"
The omega chuckles softly, before placing a small kiss over Kaveh's forehead, as the alpha reels in and buries his head over the omega's chest. "Darn it, you're so insufferable, I should be the one comforting you."
Alhaitham shushes him, "Can't help it, you're a big baby."
"I'm a grown man!"
"Mhm, I love you too."