; cw: no major warnings. slight enemies to lovers. kaveh is ur best friend. alhaitham is a bit mean.
a/n: im so excited to post this raaaghghhh. all real and true alhaitham lovers and mains pls tell me if hes ooc or not, i would love to know!!! (i hate it when characters are ooc)
also posted on ao3
As a graduate of the Kshahrewar Darshan, a skillful engineer, you and the architect of the Palace of Alcazarzaray have worked on several projects together. Kaveh always reminded you that it’s okay if they never got accepted or funded by the Akademiya, and that it’s about the process not the result, but as the stacks of scrolls with designs and blueprints lay around your and Kaveh’s creative studio, also known as your home, it all can get depressing real fast. Although this optimistic mindset about process and result is just a coping mechanism of his to deal with the raging lack of finances, and both of you know it, no rejection of a project has made you give up on creating and waiting for the next opportunity to come.
In fact it came. When Kaveh’s roommate who simultaneously happens to be the Akademiya’s Scribe came back to their shared abode and had no shortage of complaints about the Scribe’s chambers. The desk is too low and lacks drawers, the steps on the platform area are too steep, the ceiling support pillars are placed awkwardly and get in the way and so on. The grey headed Scribe’s critique wasn’t meant to be taken seriously, as he doesn’t let meaningless frustrations linger around his mind for too long. To Kaveh this sounded like music to his ears and mora to his wallet.
So after tedious days of bribing and begging his roommate to let him do a full architectural reconstruction on his office, the stoic Scribe agreed. Sure, it wasn’t an extension on the House of Daena or another magnum opus like the Palace of Alcazarzaray, but the Akademiya is most likely to agree to fund this project and compensate the work, giving the chance for you and Kaveh to finally create something that will end up existing actually not just factually.
Taking all the previously mentioned critique into consideration you and Kaveh waste no time getting to work and brainstorming what the Scribe’s new accommodations should look like. The thought about waiting it out and getting an approval from the Akademiya is the last thing on your minds, and this exact way of life is what brought both of you to have scrolls scattered and littered all around the room. It’s days and nights of planning, writing, sketching and quick runs to Puspa Cafe for coffee or a meal so there’s enough material to show off. Amidst of things your project submission for the reconstruction got accepted by the Akademiya and is getting funded. That night deserved a celebration at Lambad’s tavern just to get back to work with a fierce headache the next day.
Once enough plans were drawn and several TCG game invitations by friends declined, it was finally time to show the work to the Akademiya’s Scribe to get one last final approval.
“Listen [name], i won’t be able to make it tomorrow, i have a package to pick up at Port Ormos, would you mind bringing the scrolls to Alhaitham yourself?” Kaveh says, while in the process of organizing and tidying up the studio.
Your brain goes blank hearing his words. “Me?” You finally speak and raise your eyebrows, so the next thing you say comes off more convincing, “Go and see the Scribe?”
“Mhm, you.” As unbothered as ever Kaveh replies, his focus set on cleaning up more than your worry for needing to see the intimidating Haravatat member.
You decide for the time being that it's completely fine and you'll manage the situation when it actually happens, but as you help Kaveh organize the scrolls, there's a deep, unmoving fear in your subconscious about meeting Alaitham. You're aware of the type of person he is, what he does and his role in Sumeru, but have never met him. You could probably count on one hand how many times you have actually seen him out and about before.
That night you spend anxious and overthinking. What if he doesn't like any of the blueprints? What if Kaveh hasn't told him that you're coming tomorrow and then you awkwardly have to explain everything about why you're there? What if he's in the middle of some important matter when you arrive? Don't they live together? Why can't Kaveh just show him everything at home?
The next day, you're utterly and horribly sleep deprived. A combination of working late with Kaveh and bed time worries has engraved a light mix of purple and blue beneath your eyes.
Now you're at the Akademiya, standing in front of the door that leads to the Scribe’s office. With several scrolls beneath your armpit, you reread the work hours posted on the wall. Not because you think you're not on time, but to stretch some minutes before standing up against your fears and knocking on the door. Truthfully, the anticipation doesn't help and makes you worry even more.
“Are you here to see me?” A voice suddenly behind you calls.
You immediately turn around to meet the author of the question. His voice actually doesn't seem as intimidating as you had expected and his tone was more gentle than anything. Your heart nearly stops when you see Alhaitham in front of you, realizing that your pondering at the front of his door may seem weird and maybe even borderline creepy.
“Yes- I'm here to show you the designs for your-” You manage to spew out before he interrupts you.
“I know.” He says in a tone that's fairly matter of fact, setting your first impression of him as not as scary as you thought, but definitely the opposite of bright spirited, talkative and attentive Kaveh.
You stand in front of the door, mouth slightly parted at the sudden interruption until he quietly scowls, signaling that you're located in his way. When you move, he opens the door and walks into his office, not bothering to hold it open for you or to even check if you're following along. Who does this guy think he is? Oh no, is he annoyed already? His gentle tone in the beginning was very misleading.
Once you're inside his office, as an engineer, you take a good look around the place to see what's actually possible and what's not. A creative architect like Kaveh is honestly a nightmare to you, and if it weren't for your friendship, Archon knows if you'd still be working along with him. Does he understand that things can't just float in the air and need thoroughly structured supports so nothing collapses? How did he even graduate the Kshahrewar Darshan with honors?
“Sit down.” Your trail of thought gets obstructed by Alhaitham.
You do and lay out all of the scrolls you had been holding before him. Before you can start explaining anything, he speaks.
“This one.” He points to a blueprint. That was fast.
“I didn't even get to explain anything-”
“No need. This one is fine.” Just fine? “That's it.” That's it?
You sit there, mouth slightly parted again, your eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
“Is there anything else you want to discuss?”
You look away from him, view the scrolls and then return to him. There's a rage fueling inside of you quite honestly and you're not sure if you'll be able to hold it in. The final verdict is to say something.
“Do you think that the work of architecture and engineering is a joke? You think I studied the Kshahrewar Darshan for this- for you to say ‘this one’ and dismiss me?”
“Well, I see no use for us to sit around and chat about something that is right in front of my eyes, especially when I've come to a decision.” He says and despite your aggression, his tone is neutral. “And to answer your questions, do you think I am a member of the Haravatat and the Akademiya’s Scribe to discuss some drawings and designs?”
“Archons, the Vahumana students were right, you Haravatat freaks really are conceited.” You mutter while gathering the scrolls from his desk.
He simply crosses his arms and chooses to not answer to your harsh words. He's heard enough insults about himself and the Haravatat Darshan to care, nor does he react when you leave his office and slam the door behind you.
The same day, you meet up with Kaveh to talk over Alhaitham's decision, to plan your next steps regarding the project. As you pace around the room, complaining and raging that Kaveh sent you to see the Scribe, Kaveh can’t help, but to chuckle and laugh at your words.
‘’Archons, Kaveh! How can you live with him? He is so fucking insufferable-’’ You turn around to face Kaveh and start mocking your interaction with Alhaitham. ‘’Look at me! I am the Akademiya’s Scribe! I have no regard for other people and their work, and effort! I don’t have time to talk to you because I am a member of Haravatat Darshan!’’ To which Kaveh snorts out a laugh.
“I’ve learnt to ignore his antics. It’s just the way he is!’’ He says, in hopes of calming you down, ‘’Listen, Tighnari and Cyno asked if we finally wanna play TCG at Lambad’s. I think we should go and you for sure need a drink.’’
“I don’t need a drink! I need to smash his face into pieces-’’ You exclaim, but get distracted by Kaveh holding up his pouch of mora and swaying it in your sight. At least he will pay.
For the most part, the TCG hangout at Lambad’s was super fun. You and Kaveh got to catch up with Tighnari and Cyno, the Chief Officer of the Forest Rangers got to complain about the General Mahamatra’s jokes and somewhat unfair playing, all of you had a drink and some a few. It was really a great way to unwind from the previous whirlwind of emotions you experienced at the Scribe's office. Kaveh threw a small, kind smile at you whenever he felt like your thoughts were wandering off about it again, and it was reassuring to know that there’s really great people beside you. People who care for you, what you do and how you feel. Of course though, nothing can ever go your way.
“Mind if I join you?’’ The same gentle voice you were met with at the beginning of your day speaks.
And of course, your friends, who are also friends of this voice, agreed for him to join. So now, the same Alhaitham whom you lashed out on, is sitting right next to you, playing TCG and throwing indescribable looks your way from time to time.
When Lambad’s tavern's closing hours approach and it’s time to pay for your drinks, it turns out that Kaveh didn’t have enough mora to vouch for both of you. Alhaitham is leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, observes the situation in front of him.
“I’ll pay.’’ He says, making sure there's a hint of displeasement and annoyance in his voice as he hands the mora to spot the drinks you and Kaveh consumed.
You actually had prayed that when Alhaitham came over to the table, he wouldn't recognise you, that maybe, just maybe, his day as the Akademiya’s Scribe was so hectic and busy, that he wouldn’t care to think about something so trivial as your interaction this morning, but the glances, the tone just now - in a subtle way, he made sure that you’re aware that he knows exactly who you are.
That was the last time you saw Alhaitham for the time being. As it was important to focus on completing the architectural reconstruction project of his office. Thankfully, whenever you were set out to work along with the builders, he wasn’t there. He had to move accommodations due to his workroom becoming a full blown construction site.
Several weeks of hard work and the project was done, everything went smoothly and you and Kaveh were able to agree on solutions to any architectural misjudgments he had made. Now it was simply time to celebrate as the mora had landed in your pockets.
Before you’re able to head to the direction of the tavern, Kaveh is now persuading you to go to his house. For what?
“Kaveh- he’s gonna be there and I don’t want to see him.” You try to escape the grasp your friend has on your wrist.
“[name], trust me.’’
“Kaveh, i don’t trust you-’’
“[name], you have to trust me-’’
“Kaveh-’’
“[name].’’
You just sigh and stop fighting back. It’s all playful banter, but you truly don’t want to go to his place and potentially have to see Alhaitham.
Both of you stand in front of the door of his and his roommate's shared house, because Kaveh still needs to convince you and finally, you give in. He leads you inside to the kitchen, unfortunately, Alhaitham is right there, sitting next to a neatly wrapped up box. Kaveh simply points to it with both of his arms, palms open to it and lets out a ‘ta-dahh!’.
“What is this?” You say as you inspect the box, trying to avoid the gaze of the grey head nearby.
“You see, remember when I sent you to Alhaitham’s office that one day, because i needed to pick something up at Port Ormos?’’ Kaveh says, there's a bit of an awkward undertone as he reminds you of that day, but he smiles regardless. “I hope this makes your troubles worth it.”
You hesitate to open the box, the Scribe making this situation more uncomfortable than it should be, but your worries exit as you see what’s in the package.
“Kaveh, you shouldn't have!’’ You say holding up the small, light turquoise music box, decorated with painted Cecilia's.
“I remember you constantly humming this song while we were working on the designs for Alhaitham's office, you told me you had a turquoise music box as a kid with that tune.’’ Kaveh says, his smile so genuine and then there’s him nearby, “I hope this is the right one.’’
“This is exactly the one. Thank you!’’ You say in disbelief, as you had believed the memory of this relic had been lost to time.
“There is someone else you should thank…” Kaveh’s tone dips into a quieter and more serious one, he looks at Alhaitham, “You know I don’t have the kind of mora to afford this and… im sure he has some words for you as well.’’ The architect disappears into a different room.
The silence is basically painful between you and the Scribe. Your eyes don’t manage to leave the gift you just had received to look at him, but he clears his throat and speaks first anyway.
“I know we got off on the wrong foot, but thank you, the new office wouldn’t have been possible without Kaveh and you.’’ He stands up and you finally look at him, “Kaveh told me how you felt after our meeting and-’’
“He told you?!’’
“And I apologize.” His words sound actually sincere and you’re considering forgiving him, “How about I convince you that not all Haravatat freaks are as conceited as you believe and let’s go for a coffee at Puspa Cafe tomorrow? Maybe then you can tell all about engineering and being a student of the Kshahrewar Darshan.’’
You’re taken aback by his offer, but you don't protest.
“Yeah… yeah, I’d like that.’’
a/n: ilove himb. i tried more dialogue i hope its ok </3 lmk what u think aaaaaa
5598x | do not copy, use for ai, plagiarize, or repost any of my works.
AHH i love the way you characterize pantalone so much its so perfect </33 you've very quickly become one of my fav pantalone writers with that
thank you! thank you! thank you! im super glad u liked it and im super glad im getting validated for good characterization bc i was SO scared that ive done it horribly.
hopefully if my pantalone obsession doesnt die down, there will be more where that came from ! (big chance that will be the case, ive been obsessed w the harbingers for weeks by now aaaaaa)
How long does he think he can replace your needs with his riches?
; husband!pantalone x f!reader
; wc: 1715
; cw: slight neglect. minor argument. you and pantalone are bad at communicating. could be a bit ooc, but we dont know much about pantalone anyway.
a/n: hi!! this is my first fic that i have posted ever, genshin fanfic community ily pls let me in. btw english is not my first language, sorry if theres any mistakes !!
also posted on ao3
Being the humble wife of the Regrator might not seem as comfortable and enjoyable as some might think, after all, you're a human being with non-materialistic needs and wants. Another expensive dress, pair of shoes or some other trinket is not gonna replace the desire for intimacy and the presence of your lover.
He always reminds you that he’s busy, and if you wanna keep living the way you do, his work comes first. Maybe your humble nature intertwined with clinginess, which has developed from a sense of abandonment, doesn’t let you accept that you aren’t his first priority, at least not in his actions. So before you act on impulse and scream at the Ninth Fatui Harbinger for being home later than intended, while a small, carefully wrapped gift box is being carried by his hands, you take a step back and realize - maybe he has misunderstood everything?
His eyebrows furrow slightly in confusion when he steps through the front door of your shared manor and you simply greet him with no complaints following through. He decides to ignore it, assuming you’re too tired to argue this time, greets you back and hands you the luxurious small box, another pity gift to add to your collection of pretty, but unusable trinkets.
‘’My dear, this silver pendant with the Clearwater Jade really reminded me of our honeymoon in Chenyu Vale. I couldn’t help, but think of you so I didn't hesitate to buy it!” He says with a bright smile while you’re opening the small box, walking behind you, his hands land gently on your shoulders and he admires the jewelry too, waiting for an answer.
It has never been the case of disliking the gifts Pantalone gets you or feeling bad about his spending, since you know it doesn’t make a dent in his wallet. In fact, you’re really appreciative of his habit of spoiling you rotten with surprises like these and anything else you wish for. You just finally understood that the more you validate this behaviour, the more he’s gonna neglect your actual needs. The more you reward it, the more he is gonna do it and think it’s okay. So you simply mutter a ‘’thank you’’ at the gift and close the box.
Now your husband is completely confused and even worried. Were you really just tired? Are you perhaps sick? Even at your worst, you manage to tell him that you like the gift or that it’s beautiful, even if you’re arguing! Did you not like the gift? Did you not like him anymore? Has he really pushed your love and loyalty this far?
He doesn’t question it aloud though. He simply presses a kiss to the side of your forehead and removes his hands from your shoulders, leaving you alone in front of the entrance door.
Your shared night routine doesn’t differ from any other day and neither does your attitude when in bed. Still as needy and clingy as ever, you move and press against him while trying to fall asleep, in return he wraps a protective arm around you.
The next day Pantalone has set out a mission for himself to get you a more expensive and impressive gift than the previous night. That was probably the worst sleep of his life. He stayed up overthinking, to conclude that you simply didn’t like the gift and brainstormed ideas for a better one. Now, he isn't gonna go all out, since he wants to keep the excitement of truly big and prestigious gifts for special occasions, but he is gonna take it a step further.
He yet again got held back longer at work than he should have been, but nonetheless found time to buy a gift for you.
That night when he returns home, he finds you in your shared chambers, reading a book. He sits down at the side of the bed, handing you a quite bigger box than previously. Inside it has a set of delicately crafted hair pins, a hair brush and a hand held mirror adorned with Sango Pearls straight from Watatsumi Island. Knowing about your love for pearls and taking care of your appearance, he thought it was the perfect gift to make your eyes light up in joy and express an overwhelming amount of gratitude, but when you simply say ‘’thanks’’ yet again and get up to store the gift away on your vanity, he understands that there is a deeper meaning behind your behaviour and he will attempt to get to the bottom of it.
‘’Is everything alright, my dear?’’ He asks in a light tone that’s sweet enough to cover up the emotional turmoil he’s experiencing. ‘’Those were one of a kind, real Sango Pearls from Watatsumi Island.’’ He says and holds a smile on his face.
‘’Very well, everything is alright.’’ You say, acting as if this isn’t a part of a scheme of yours.
‘’Are you ill? Should I invite the nurse to check up on you tomorrow?” He says holding the same tone as previously. Now, this question shocks you, because from all the things you expected him to assume, this was one of the last ones. In all honesty though, this type of sincerity, care and worry from him is something you had longed for. It’s not as if he doesn’t ask you how your day was and how you’re feeling nearly every day, but after such frequency, it just feels like a mandatory protocol he has to fulfill.
When you confirm that there’s no need for a visit from the nurse and that you’re feeling well, the Ninth Harbinger decides to let this topic go, he eyes the gift on your vanity once more and sighs. As much as you want to apologize to him, wrap your arms around him and tell him how much you adored both of the gifts, it’s clear that this plan could work. Now, the Regrator is not by any means dumb or a fool, but banking and keeping the Snezhnayan economy in line is significantly different than pleasing a wife.
This evening repeats as the previous. You act as if everything is ordinary and your husband has another sleepless night thinking about what he can do better.
At work he can barely think straight and focus on duty. His mind starts wandering, looking for more ideas on how to make things right. If he was making a business deal right now and the person declined, it must be because they didn't like the offer and something wasn't enough, right? Therefore it's only logical you didn't like his gifts and expect something more… right? He feels somewhat pathetic acting and thinking like this. Although coming up from nothing, he doesn't know any other love language than materialistic, since his entire life has always revolved around just that.
This evening he makes sure he ends work right on time, because he truly is excited to go home and see you. He’s confident his surprise gift is like no other and surely will get a positive reaction out of you.
For starters, his grand entrance is seen with a large bouquet of Glaze Lilies that upon receiving, you struggle to hide your excitement. The main part of the gift that’s wrapped up in a very large box, decorated with a bow on top, he places onto the kitchen table. He sits down and carefully watches every move, face expression you make while opening it.
The box holds a fine porcelain tea set from Liyue, adorned with silver and dark blue, hand painted elements, said to be blessed by the Adepti. Why did your husband think this is the perfect gift? Firstly, he thinks your habit of drinking tea with every meal and in the evenings before bed is the most adorable thing ever, therefore the gift is practical and shows how observant he is. Secondly, it’s a rare, one of a kind, expensive item, proving his willingness to spoil you and to take care of you financially. Thirdly, the whimsical story of it being blessed by the Adepti gives it a charming meaning. Fourthly, it’s simply pretty and elegant and he assumes that every woman is simply blown away at the sight of something shiny and attractive like a crow.
Truth is, you absolutely adore this gift and by now you’re considering to scratch the plan of acting indifferent to your husband's attempts of showing his love, but before you can say or even decide on anything, he speaks up.
‘’You don’t like it, no?’’ You look at him and his face is neutral of any expression, but a tint of disappointment, as well as sadness can be heard in his voice.
Attempting to decide what is the right thing to do in this situation, you stay quiet for far too long while staring at him and he speaks again.
‘’I cannot decipher what it is that you’re feeling, but I have tried my best to make things right so if you don’t tell me-’’ His voice starts slightly increasing in volume, but you interrupt him.
‘’Have you ever truly considered what I want?’’ You say it in a quiet and soft manner, but your words have the harshness to get your point across.
‘’I have given you a comfortable life, you do not need to worry about a single thing. You have protection, you have status, riches, everything other people pray for. What else is there to want?’’ He says with genuine confusion, his hand raises to adjust his glasses.
‘’I want you, not what you can give me.’’ You mutter in an even quieter tone.
Your words get him to stay quiet and reevaluate everything he has assumed and considered the past few days. What can you do, when your husband, the Ninth of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers, the Regrator, is actually a deeply insecure man, who thinks that his status and materialistic valuables is the only thing he has to offer? That you have no reason to like him or even love him beyond that? In this moment, he recognizes that he truly has misunderstood everything he thought he knew about you.
Sometimes, on rare occasions like these, words can turn out to be more important than actions.
a/n: i have been so obsessed w pantalone and just the harbingers in general aaaaa give them to me rn. btw lmk if u wanna be moots!
5598x | do not copy, use for ai, plagiarize, or repost any of my works.
