I don't think anyone believes Alhaitham can fall in love. He's just so very...not normal. He is personally motivated, he doesn't seem motivated by emotions, he has his own logic, etc.
Plus he comes across as aloof at best, arrogant at worst. He is fairly blunt, he doesn't spare feelings, and he enjoys being the odd one out.
All in all, he doesn't seem like the type to keep relationships or really care.
And he does a good job of leaning into this image. If that's how he's seen, it's whatever. He knows how to outmaneuver his way in most situations.
But he's at a loss when he's developing feelings. At first he denies it. Biology is strange, hormones probably, love doesn't really exist, at least not for him.
Then he gets past that, slightly. He finds himself listening to you. It doesn't matter what it is, but he's listening. And he's got less bite to you, at least when you're alone together. Sure, he's a bit condescending, especially to others, but with you, he doesn't try to explain or anything. He lets you speak and think for yourself, adding on when he feels like it.
And then he's finding himself wanting to be around you more and more. It doesn't matter to him about other duties, he gets stuff done. But he'd much rather do them with you.
Intimate encounters were just ways of relieving stress for him. He knows he's attractive, he's never had trouble finding interested partners, at least for a night. But he actually cares about you and your needs. At least, in his own way.
Alhaitham in love is different. He's just so stunned by you. He'll find everything about you fascinating. He may not care about the gods, but he thinks you're made by them. So perfect and yet so human.
In hindsight, Vex’ahlia was surprised it took her as long as it did to piece it all together: the nausea, the exhaustion, her mood swings. She’d chalked it all up to residual stress after going after Grog, and subsequently Bob. But now it all made sense, and any discomfort was suddenly well worth the cost.
She let out a melodic laugh as Percy managed to hoist her up with his remaining arm. The unbridled joy on her husband’s face was enough to bring tears to her eyes. Vex knew what having a family meant to him, and seeing him happy, after all of the pain - physical and emotional- he’d endured, made her heart ache with love and adoration for him.
Her hands moved up to wrap around his neck.
“I’m pregnant,” she repeated back as another laugh escaped.
Karine is currently resting against Woo. Elena is in her arms, content from feeding and now nestled into her arms. She's been inseparable from the baby, but who could blame her? She's currently cooing softly, eyes soft. Woo took off, much to his father's annoyance, forcing him to come back early.
The other has been helping to keep the house cleaned, busying himself with the housework and Karine with his daughter. He feels so happy. This was the most gratifying sight. Chan and Key would be back and so he went about making dinner for the four of them.
Chloe jolted as lips landed softly on her sholder. Led blearing an angry red as she turns to look at the person invading her space.
Though the red didn’t remain for long apon realising who it was.
“Conn-“ she was cut off as he steps forth again, arms locking around her waist while he began peppering gentle kisses over her forehead, and cheeks.
Her hands rest on the upper part of his arms, confusion clear in her voice, unable to hold back the soft laugh try as she might as this ‘machine’ showered her in such affection.
“Connor, what’s gotten into you? Are you malfunctioning or something?”
