A Sun Named Kaveh

      "Dear Kaveh, I am well aware of the suddenness of my letter to you and fully understand your feelings, but I have sad news. I am leaving the Academia ahead of schedule and going to Mondstadt for an indefinite period. I hasten to assure you that this decision has been made for quite a long time, it's just that some time ago an event occurred that led to the speedy implementation of my plans. Don't worry, it has nothing to do with you, and it's not your fault, so don't get too upset. I'm sure we'll meet again, and more than once. Therefore, I wish you a speedy fulfillment of all your plans and ideas. Be happy. All the best, Aster"

***

      Alhaitham couldn't believe his eyes. Of course, he did not show his surprise clearly, but according to some details known to the Archons, one could still see the secretary's sincere amazement at the sight of her. The one for whom his neighbor had been sighing for so long after her departure.       – Did my arrival really surprise you that much? - Aster crossed her arms over her chest. Her speech was not monotonous, but devoid of any emotion. If someone who didn't know her had heard the girl, his heart would have sunk into his heels: Aster's gaze was colder than an iceberg and sharper than a sword blade, and her voice echoed in the silence.       – I admit, I really didn't expect you to suddenly show up, - Haitham replied calmly. - I thought you would at least write about going back to Sumeru.       – Again? So he gave you that letter to read?       – Exactly.       – This outcome was quite expected, - The girl nodded meekly and looked out the window. The scenery of the early morning at Sumeru was truly magnificent. The sun was just rising from the horizon, and its rays played with crimson reflections on the stained glass windows of the Academy secretary's office.       – I dare say, I don't like all these lavish ceremonies, send-offs and stuff. Can you understand? I didn't even really say goodbye then. I just took the treasured book and left.       Haitham was somewhat taken aback by such a sharp turn in their dialogue, but nodded anyway.       – I know. You probably had your reasons to get out of here as soon as possible, since you graduated early. I'm more interested in why you decided to come back. It is clear that the problems that were here have not been resolved.       Aster continued to stare out the window. She was silent for a while, trying tried to find the words. She's not the kind of person to throw phrases around, after all.       – That's right. I have a lot of unfinished business at Sumeru. Ah, what am I about... - the girl relapsed into silence. - It sounded strange, so I'll rephrase. I plan to stay in Sumeru forever.       – Your previous thought has lost its meaning, - Alhaitham remarked, to which Aster just shrugged her shoulders. She did it unconsciously elegantly, just like she had been taught all those years she spent at Fontaine. Manners, etiquette... Now these words only made the girl feel terribly sick. That is why Aster ran away to Sumeru, away from the "cultural capital" of Teyvat.       – Let it be. But the point remains the same: I have returned here and plan to solve my problems. And then, of course, I'll stay.       – And what is your plan to solve the problems, may I ask?       Aster turned to the secretary.       – Complete lack of logic and freedom of action. And then as it turns out. A faint smile appeared on Alhaitham's face.       – As always. You know, I sometimes wonder how a creative person and a rebel can fit into such a pragmatist. It's obviously going to be hard to work with you.       – It depends on the attitude towards me, - The girl spread her hands. - If we maintain good relations, we will surely work together. Speaking of work, is there still a mess in the archive?       Oh, this archive... This small room in a secluded corner of Daena's House had already spoiled a lot of nerves for the Academy employees. It was originally planned that the room would be used as a recreation room, but it was not popular. Then they started bringing in decommissioned textbooks, old drawings and maps, and just any junk that they intended to remove from year to year, but somehow they couldn't get their hands on it all the time. As a result, the students jokingly began to call the room an archive, because there really were a lot of antiquities there. When Aster studied at the Academia, she found the archive and tried to hold the staff of the educational institution accountable so that they could sort out the accumulated garbage, but those, who was responsible, just shrugged, and the archive remained abandoned.       – You've stuck to this room... - Alhaitham sighed heavily. - Yes, everything remains unchanged there, unless even more junk has accumulated. Do whatever you want with it, just get permission from the Academia.       – That's what I came for, you're our secretary now after all. You're an important person, you keep an eye on the paperwork.       – Are you turning the tables on me?       – No way, - Aster shook her head. - I would really like to ask someone else to do this, but considering that you are responsible for this procedure... - The girl looked pointedly at Haitham.       – Okay, I'll give you permission, but a little later, - the secretary nodded, and thought to himself: "such a fox, can persuade anyone if she wants to."       Aster nodded back.       – I'm counting on you. And one more thing: I would like to use the archive for personal purposes. Of course, I won't break the law, I'll just make some changes to your lazy academic life. Alhaitham frowned.       – I'll ask you to clarify.       – Sure, - Aster began to pace steadily from one wall to the other. - The plan is to make a real archive out of a non-archive. And I'm not talking about Daena's House in general or the forbidden wing. I'm talking about an additional repository of materials that only people will have access to... Well, let's say students.       – And what do the students have to do with it?       – Didn't you read all sorts of "interesting" books when you were a student? Come on, admit it, I don't believe you were really boring, that you didn't stick your nose out beyond the library.       The secretary was embarrassed. Of course, he had read other books in those years.       – Let's summarize. You want to create a place where students will spend absolutely free time away from the supervision of teachers and matras?       – That's exactly what I mean, - Aster stopped at Alhaitham's desk. - In our time, we were constantly being watched if we say, for the sake of Archon, something wrong or read insufficiently "wise" literature. I wouldn't be surprised if the surveillance has increased and the penalties have become tougher. After all, students just need to escape from everyone from time to time and read and say what they want, not the authorities.       – The Lesser Lord Kusanali introduced freedom of speech and the press some time ago, - the secretary objected. - However, all this is conditional. Everyone interprets her words as they want.       – Freedom of the press? - The girl perked up. - So now you can publish everything?       – Within the framework of the law.       – Of course, of course, - Aster waved away, but her eyes were burning with devilish fire. - That's how many novels of the Yae publishing house can be translated... - She added in a slightly lower voice.       – I feel like you're up to something bad. I hope I don't have to drag you out of a dubious adventure.       – Don't worry, I'm not looking for problems, on the contrary, I'm trying to hide from everyone and everything as best I can.       — Great, - Alhaitham approached Aster. - I like your idea, however, I doubt that the Sages will like it, but don't worry about it, everything will be done as secretly as possible. I'll give you permission tomorrow.       – Fine, I'll start tomorrow then. Thank you so much for your cooperation, Haitham, you helped a lot. Everything will be done in the best possible way, and about the Sages... - the girl sighed softly and almost imperceptibly. - In any case, sooner or later they will find out about my plan, so it's worth starting to prepare for a protracted debate right now. Aster said goodbye to Alhaitham and was about to leave, but the secretary called out to her:       – ...Aster, if you suddenly meet Kaveh, please explain to him why you left.

***

      Alhaitham returned home late at night and found his neighbor in a very interesting position. Kaveh was sitting on the carpet and gathering all his drawings and supplies into a bag. Mehrak was flying nearby and, most likely, was thinking about how to help his master. When the architect saw the secretary, he sighed irritably and ran his hand through his golden tousled hair.       – You're late, - Kaveh muttered to himself, continuing to pack his things.       – And you're going somewhere at night looking. - Haitham replied. It wasn't even a question, but rather a statement of fact based on what he saw. - Another expedition to the customer?       Kaveh said nothing.       – Not really, - he replied after a short pause. - We need to talk. I'm serious right now, so please don't make any sarcastic comments after I say it, okay?       The secretary shrugged his shoulders. The blond man sighed for the umpteenth time that evening and began to explain.       – You and I have been living in the same house for quite some time. Different things happened during that time. However, I was constantly haunted by the thought that something was wrong. You know, it's like... This is not my house.       – That's right-       – Don't interrupt! Anyway, I thought it would be better if I moved out of here. There was silence in the house. It used to happen when Alhaitham was busy reading a new book, and Kaveh was poring over his projects. But at that moment, the silence was filled with a sense of understatement and a brewing conflict.       – Listen, I can explain... - the architect began to justify himself, but Haitham interrupted him:       – Let's say so. But where, in that case, will you go? Besides, with your current financial situation...       – I'll figure it out somehow, thank you for your concern, - Kaveh crossed his arms over his chest. The secretary raised an eyebrow.       – Mind you, I wasn't the first to start making sarcastic comments.       The guy wanted to object, even shout a little, but realized that his neighbor was right about everything. The architect lowered his head obediently.       – Kaveh, I'll tell you right away, I'm not keeping you here, and you know it perfectly well. But you and I are not strangers, far from strangers. I can easily turn you on all four sides, but I won't be able to remain indifferent if something happens. Because no matter how much of an idiot you are sometimes, you don't deserve to be thrown out on the street just like that on someone's whim.       Kaveh raised his head and stared at his neighbor in surprise.       – And don't look at me like that. If I wanted to, I would have kicked you out of here long ago.       – Yes... You're probably right... - The architect was still amazed by Haitham's heartfelt speech, because he had never heard such a thing from him, and therefore chuckled slightly at the last sentence.       – But still, I can't stay, you know? It's not because of you, it's just... It's hard to explain.       – Okay, that's your decision, I accept it, and as I said before, I won't hold you back, - Alhaitham sighed. - However, know that the doors of this house are always open for you.

***

      The night sky was covered with dense blue clouds, and it seemed that heavy rain was about to fall. Kaveh and Alhaitham were standing on the threshold of the house. Not their house anymore. Now the owner was only a secretary.       – You know, I'm going to miss your evening chitchat a little, - Haitham joked.       – Yes, yes, of course, - The architect chuckled. - Although... I'd be lying if I said that sometimes I didn't enjoy our exchanges.       – Everything is still ahead, we are not parting forever. I'll see you tomorrow. Kaveh just nodded in response. He had a strange feeling of deja vu. He had to say goodbye to someone before, and more than once. And every time this bitterness fell out on the soul. I wonder if it was the same for those he was saying goodbye to.       – Okay, good luck. I think you'll find your happiness. Alhaitham extended his hand to Kaveh, who shook it firmly, after which the architect took his things and left, and Mehrak flew after him.       As soon as Alhaitham's house was out of sight, Kaveh realized what a fool he was. He had nowhere to go. If a guy shows up at Cyno's or Tighnari's house, they'll ask what happened. He couldn't tell them that if he had stayed with Alhaitham, he would definitely have been tormented by his conscience! Kaveh shook his head, pushing away gloomy thoughts and brushing the drops from his hair, and walked wherever he could, trying to avoid especially crowded places. So he walked under a dense curtain of rain, which nevertheless decided to pour at the most unnecessary moment, but this didn't bother the architect at all: his thoughts were far away. He was thinking about his family, more about his mother, about the house he had sold, about how he had to lose everything, but for what? For the sake of his own ideals, fantasies, which sometimes did not even stand next to reality? But... Does anyone else need these ideals besides him? Now is not the time, everyone needs practicality, complexity, pretentiousness, and aesthetics and appearance - just a wrapper, nothing more. Then was his sacrifice worth it? Was his bankruptcy and now homelessness worth the literally wasted nights that could have been spent on a restful, healthy sleep? Was it worth the nerves he spent trying to please his clients? It would be better not to mention money at all, but they play a role, and the most crucial one!.. Kaveh didn't know anything anymore. He sat down on a nearby bench, threw a bag of things under his feet so that it wouldn't get wet, pushed Mehrak into the same place and covered his face with his hands. Kaveh looked really pathetic. Rainwater rolled in large drops down his already damp clothes and got stuck in his thick hair; the feather that always stuck behind the architect's ear was soaked and drooping. However, he didn't care much about all this right now, he only felt a sense of shame for himself, for his actions, for his life. When did all this string of failures start? When his father died? When his mother left him and moved to Fontaine? When he gave everything he had to build an Alcazarsaray? And Kaveh still owes Dori a tidy sum. Whether he will pay is another matter...       The rain gradually subsided. No, it even got worse, but for some reason it stopped dripping on the architect himself. This fact knocked the guy out of the rut of dark thoughts and made him look around. Finally, he raised his head and saw the black cloth of the umbrella above him. Lowering his eyes a little, Kaveh held his breath in amazement and at the same time, alarmed. She was standing in front of him. The one who left so suddenly, but promised to come back. She hasn't changed at all. All the same beautiful ashy-blond hair, eyes like two gray-mother-of-pearl pearls, even the iridescence is similar. The same expression of detachment and deep thought on her face. Her manners, her bearing, everything remained unchanged. Only the look of the neutral-cold became more sensual. She looked at the architect with some disbelief, but at the same time with warmth.       Kaveh couldn't come to his senses for a long time. He kept looking at her guiltily. At some point, the architect still found the strength to say:       – A... Aster?       The girl nodded.       – You... It's you...       Kaveh sighed and laughed softly and dryly. He had been waiting for Aster all those years since she had been gone at Mondstadt. The guy was a little embarrassed by his appearance, so he tried to remove the wet strands of hair stuck to his face.       – How long have you been sitting here? - She said in a low voice. The architect thought about it.       – Probably for a while. I don't know, - He replied in the same low voice. A sudden gust of wind made him shiver. The guy was obviously not dressed for the weather, besides, all his clothes were soaked through in the pouring rain.       – It won't take long to get sick, -   Aster looked around. The whole street was soaked with dampness. - Why aren't you going home?       Upon hearing the word "home," Mehrak kicked Kaveh in the legs, but Kaveh kicked the box back in.       – There are some difficulties with this... - The architect looked away. He didn't want to involve Aster in his problems, but knowing the girl's character, he knew he couldn't get away with it. Aster herself stood for a moment in thought, and then said:       – Then let's go to my place.       There was no threat in her words, but it was clear in her eyes that Kaveh had no choice. The blond man took the hint, got up from the bench, picked up a bag of things and shuddered again. Apparently, he definitely won't get out of bed tomorrow. He could only hope that he would get through and it would be limited to just a fever and, possibly, a cough. At this time, Mehrak felt free and darted out from under the architect's feet, but was caught by his strong hand and managed to catch the owner's displeased look.       – What an interesting... - Aster hesitated, not knowing what to call the thing Kaveh was holding. A suitcase? Rudely. The box? Maybe.       – This is Mehrak, my toolbox. Don't worry, he doesn't bite. I made it myself a long time ago, it's very useful.       – Not bad, - the girl looked at Mehrak, and he winked slyly. Seems like it liked her. - Won't it get wet?       – Shouldn't. - Kaveh released his companion and looked at Aster. The girl's head barely reached his shoulders, and they used to be the same height.       – Here, - She put an umbrella in his hand and walked towards her house. - You're taller than me, so you're going to hold it.       – Ae... Well okay... - Kaveh was slightly taken aback by such bluntness, but then he remembered that his friend had always been like this, and hurried after her.

***

      Both reached the house without incident. As soon as Aster opened the door, Kaveh was immediately enveloped in warm air. He felt that the damp and cold were gradually replaced by a feeling of comfort and coziness, and he smiled.       – Come in, make yourself comfortable. You can leave the umbrella in the hallway. I apologize right away for the creative mess, I just recently moved in, and I haven't had time to sort out some of my things yet.       Kaveh put down the umbrella, threw his bag to the sofa in the living room and looked around. Indeed, there were several unopened boxes in the hallway, and there were some splinters or pieces of industrial debris in the corners. There weren't many unpacked items, but they were arranged as if there was the right place for them in those corners. The hallway led directly to the living room, next to the kitchen and two rooms, one of which was most likely Aster's room.       – It's cozy here, - Kaveh said, and shivered again. He had to get rid of his damp, sticky clothes as soon as possible and change into something normal, since he had his spare clothes with him. Aster stood for a while, looked at the architect.       – The bathroom is right down the hall and to the right. The towels are on the shelf, - The girl suddenly said. The blond man automatically thanked her, took his clothes out of the bag and went to the bathroom. There he undressed, went into the shower, turned on the water and almost purred with pleasure. Warmth and a feeling of complete satisfaction spread throughout my body. After rinsing off the rainwater and warming up properly, Kaveh changed his clothes and left the bathroom. A wave of fatigue immediately washed over him, so the architect collapsed on the sofa, buried his nose in the pillow and sighed.       Kaveh couldn't remember the last time he felt so calm. Of course, he still had a couple of unfinished projects, but he decided to finish them tomorrow: he wasn't in the mood, and the time was late, although when did that stop him? If it's necessary, then it's necessary. But now it wasn't really necessary, the deadline wasn't tough. With such thoughts, the architect lay for quite a long time until he heard a rustle next to him. He lifted his head slightly from the pillow and saw Aster. She stood by the sofa and stared intently at Kaveh. It looked pretty creepy from the outside, but the guy didn't really care. He'd never considered Aster strange, it was just that she had her own ways of communicating with people, which, however, not everyone liked. For example, one of her features is to look at the other person for a long time and not say a word at the same time.       – Are you hungry?       Another of her habits is to start talking suddenly. Although this question was natural. Kaveh shook his head and sank back into the pillow. He did not want to get up from a soft and already heated place under any circumstances. Aster shrugged her shoulders and walked off in a direction that was elusive to the architect's ear. Then he heard the girl doing something next to him, but did not pay attention to it. His eyes gradually closed, and the guy fell asleep. Meanwhile, Aster covered Kaveh with a blanket and again began to look at the architect for a long time. Then she sat down so that she could see his face. A handsome, but already slightly exhausted face. She wanted to run her hand over his cheek, at least touch him, but she couldn't. It's unacceptable. It's definitely unacceptable now. She got away and didn't say a word, breaking Kaveh's heart. But now Aster will try to restore relations with the architect, no matter what.