[ it's hard to miss alhaitham's peculiar reaction, because he's never as animated as him. dammit, that couple he had eavesdropped on had been on to something; touch is the key! kaveh's stomach knots, because while it's great to have found the answer to his question this is simultaneously a good and a bad thing. he doesn't get nearly enough time to give it some thought, because alhaitham's comment about the book's content brings that train to a halt. ]

Huh? Are you- [ kaveh blinks, about to refocus his eyes and give the page his full attention, so he can refute that in a desperate attempt to save face, but the book is quickly shoved straight into his face. ]

[ as annoyed as he'd like to... he's thankful, because now his burning red face is completely hidden. the contact is almost too much, especially since it's been days. ] Alhaitham. I, I think that, [ he clears his throat, buying himself some time, but his voice cracks a little. ] ...you're right.

[ kaveh takes a small step back, so he can free his face from the book, which he promptly snaps shut. ] I heard a couple talking about this earlier. [ he capture's alhaitham's wrist and drags his hand closer, nuzzling his cheek against his hopefully open palm. ] About how touch is an anchor and a power.