[ The look on Alhaitham's face for that split second surprises him, and Kaveh's arms tighten as he stills, presses himself down into the blonde's embrace. Lips press into silver hair, and he laughs at the other's words, but there's something gentle about it, something almost concerned. ]

Did I make a problem for you? [ he murmurs. ] If you need to go back the other way, we can.

[ And then, after a breath: ] I'm not expecting you to last forever, you know. This won't be the last time we do this.