( Along with everything else that mirrors about them, this is yet another difference. Alhaitham is people-avoidant, Kaveh is people-pleasing. Alhaitham is rational, Kaveh is emotional. Alhaitham avoids complicated intimacy, Kaveh seeks it - and the messes that come with it. In his case, it can be viewed as a coping method. Just ... not the healthiest one. Pursuing men for sex always made him feel like something. It validated him. Because no matter how much he hates himself, if he can be responsible for someone else's pleasure, then that's a plus. Right?

A sigh drifts out of his mouth. )

Only because you're aesthetically pleasing in ways beyond all measure. I know you have the social skills of a tortoise, but ... still. You're ... gorgeous, Alhaitham. Truly.

( He shuffles to the side, inviting the other man to lie down here with him. )

I'm sorry. If you don't want to have sex tonight, we don't have to. I-I just thought ... ( Sigh. ) You know. I mean, it changes nothing about how I feel ... and I would love to do it with you. But only if you do. Don't you even think about doing something just to make me feel better, because I'll feel so much worse.