#haitham keeps saying he doesnt need to fight he only needs to think but kaveh thinks after that that he should think less and fight more

[enden-k]

we know haitham simps for eremite kaveh hard, especially for his strength.

but what kaveh likes about him? specifically to the au, I mean (or I could rephrase that as "when does kaveh realize he's into this bad-at-dealing-with-weather-and-generally-a-little-pathetic-scholar as well?")

and for purely scientific purposes: does kaveh ever see haitham actually wield a sword and be badass and get flustered by it in return?

im so sorry for rambling sm omg, i somehow got distracted and suddenly it was this much

(haitham is rlly into kaveh but not only bc of his strength but bc of his very being)

anw

kaveh is quite interested in haitham from the beginning already since hes not used to this kind of ppl and they end up debating and bickering a lot (which both secretly enjoy since ppl cant keep up with him (haitham) or ppl generally dont dare bc theyre intimidated or too fond (kaveh))

(kaveh also enjoys the way haithams eyes seem to glint when he goes "oh?" before he starts spouting all his smart things)

(haitham is positively surprised and thrilled that kaveh can easily keep up, as if theyre both scholars)

haitham is incredibly smart, more so than other scholars kaveh had met or got hired by, but unlike those haitham doesnt boast with his intelligence or tries to put kaveh down for being "a mere eremite who doesnt know a thing unlike a scholar hailing from the akademiya", like some of the more rude scholars had said - haitham listens and answers to his thoughts and arguments all patiently, really listens to him

haitham speaks in facts and constantly questions things, no shame in correcting or exposing others very bluntly to get to the truth but the smart things coming from his mouth are not to prove or rub it in that hes intelligent or wise or always right and superior or anything; no sign of arrogance or haughtiness. he simply states things as they are, this is the way he simply is and kaveh already guesses haithams confidence in himself is easily mistaken with arrogance by people who dont know him well or are not looking deeply, thus feeling inferior to him and accusing him of being arrogant and acting like hes above everyone

so apart of that, haitham speaking all factual and straight to the point (its very cute when he pauses at seeing paimons confused face and starts rephrasing in the middle of his speech so even she can understand) and treating him like an equal, it rlly comes down to it when he sees another side of this man

(before i take away too much from the comic im doodling rn, i cant talk too much about it KJABCSKJ but the accident that killed kavehs father and left him in the desert made him develop a fear of falls and dark places; bc of smth happening he got a panic attack and haitham eases him through it with such love and care and patience that kaveh isnt used to and it makes him feel so much. kaveh is strong and doesnt like to be treated like hes weak or stupid or in need of someones care and protection but haitham doesnt treat him like that, haitham knows how strong and sharp he is and doesnt take this away when hes this vulnerable. kaveh (who always cares and protects others) is on the receiving of such care and protection after all these years of not allowing it, and coming from this seemingly stoic scholar....

basically, when kaveh sees haitham treat him with respect and care, like an equal on all levels, and returns this care and protection in his own way, it fills him with warmth and the need to get closer to him to share this warmth with him, to get more of it

(also ofc shortly after that kaveh gets to see haitham slaughter his way through enemies to get them out and the sight of him covered in blood and not only being sharp and quick with his words and mind but also with his sword and body triggers some feral part in his brain that wants haithams clothes gone so theres that, his nerd is not only sharp and clever and confident and pretty and a secret caring softie but also able to fight, feeble scholar his ass)