Chapter Text
Al Haitham knelt on the floor of the kitchen, scrubbing wine stains off the floor. Kaveh was in bed, and night had fallen. He’d already thrown out the glass pieces, but the stains of crimson wine never seemed to leave. Kaveh’s drinking problem was starting to get on his nerves. He understood that Kaveh struggled, and alcohol was his way of coping, but Al Haitham could only pretend it didn’t affect him for so long. It was only a matter of time before things got worse.
Sighing, he stood up, unwilling to let this bog him down for too long. The stains weren’t coming out. I wish he wasn’t so clumsy when he’s drunk, Al Haitham thought as he opened the door to their bedroom and climbed into bed next to Kaveh. I’m always stuck cleaning the damn mess. Kaveh threw an arm around Al Haitham, mumbling in his sleep.
Well, at least he isn’t violent.
The drinking has been getting worse. Kaveh was drunk nearly every night, their finances were draining due to alcohol. Kaveh would make a mess, Al Haitham would clean it, Kaveh would apologize the next morning and promise not to drink that night. But of course, a hard day of work would always follow, leading Kaveh to rely on his vice. Al Haitham was getting sick and tired. How long was he supposed to put up with this?
One evening, Kaveh returned home from a particularly bad day at work, and he just needed to get some more wine in his system. He’d gotten a few drinks at the nearby bar, and was a bit drunk already. He was this close to leaving the architectural firm and going independent. But the pay was good, and it kept him able to support Al Haitham’s novel. Al Haitham heard the door opening and looked up from his typewriter before darting to the kitchen. One day. Just one day of peace. He couldn’t take this anymore. Kaveh had the bottle in his hand, just about to take a swig, when Al Haitham snatched it.
“Al Haitham, wh-!” Before Kaveh could finish, Al Haitham poured all the wine down the nearby sink. He stepped back, ready to give Kaveh a piece of his mind, when he was met with a harsh blow from Kaveh’s calloused hand. “You fucking idiot!” Kaveh slurred. Al Haitham was a fool. He should’ve sensed that Kaveh was already drunk! “Do you know how bad my day at work was today? What do you even do all day?! Writing your stupid book like it’s going to make any money..”
Al Haitham stepped back, his eyes wide. Kaveh has never been violent before. Sharp words have been spoken, but Kaveh was a gentle person that didn’t lay a finger on him.
“I-I’m sorry,” Al Haitham mumbled, disgusted at his own suddenly meek voice. Kaveh had also stepped away, regret seemingly forming in his eyes.
“A-Al Haitham-” he began, beside himself. What had he done? This is getting too out of control for even Kaveh to handle. He reached out for Al Haitham, only to be met with him backing farther away, towards the wall. “Al Haitham, wait. I’m sorry, I- I don’t- I just- I acted without thinking-”
Tears brimmed in Al Haitham’s eyes. He’s never been so afraid before. Never been hit so roughly before, especially by Kaveh, who normally wouldn’t hurt a fly. His heart raced. Kaveh wouldn’t hit him again, would he? Kaveh stepped forward slowly, trying not to do anything rash.
“Stop,” Al Haitham warned. “Just…just go away.” He looked away. Kaveh sighed in response. Deciding not to scare Al Haitham further, he complied, heading to the bathroom to freshen up and probably go straight to bed. Al Haitham leaned against the wall, sliding down to sit on the floor. He pulled his knees to his chest, one hand tangled in his hair, the other hand grazing his cheek where he was struck. He was still in shock. How? How could this happen? Something had to be done, but what? Should Al Haitham leave? No, it was only a one-time thing. This wouldn’t happen again. This couldn’t happen again. It was his own fault. He should have known. He shouldn’t have poured out the wine. If he hadn’t denied Kaveh his release this wouldn’t have happened. It’s his fault.
He’ll just have to be on his best behavior.