Whether or not they are directly linked, or the characters know each other, I think of my stories as all having happened within the same little world! In my stories. I frequently mention things that have happened in others I have written, but most of them should be able to be read stand alone without issues.

Also, while I try to keep it very close with Genshin lore, I don't know every single bit of lore, and can't remember it all. So, some things are slightly different, there are also some things that are only guessed. I'm just here to write stories for people to read, should they choose!

As for my version of travel time, everything is small, and close together in the game, so I spread it out a little. It should take time to get places! (More dramatic that way rofl)

Thank you to my husband for being my proofreader!

As always, thank you for reading, I hope everyone enjoys it!

Feel free to leave a comment :)

Happy Fourth of July, Alhaitham!

Here they were again. Alhaitham came home to boxes stacked across the living room floor, and Kaveh sitting on the floor writing. He knew that look, the blonde was planning something. Alhaitham was a little afraid to ask, especially when he took a closer look at the boxes.

Written across the side of each box was WARNING EXPLOSIVES, along with a flame with a cross through it. While Alhaitham wasn't one to become easily worried, the fact that they had several boxes of explosives in their living space was concerning.

"Kaveh…"

The blonde finally looked up, and a big smile spread across his face, "Haitham, you're home!"

Kaveh quickly got off the floor, and threw his arms around Alhaitham as he peppered his face with kisses. It was quite the welcome home, even for Kaveh, but he wasn't willing to let the blonde distract him so easily in this case.

"Kaveh, why are there explosives everywhere?"

The architect stopped, and pulled back, "They aren't everywhere-"

"Kaveh."

"Okay, okay. There's a holiday…"

Alhaitham closed his eyes, and pinched the bridge of his nose. It had been far too long of a day for this, and Alhaitham already had other plans for their evening, but none of them involved removing explosives from their home.

"Just listen. It's called Independence Day, and we get to see fireworks, have picnics, and get together with family. Alhaitham, it sounds like so much fun! We could invite all of our friends, and make food-"

Alhaitham looked at Kaveh, "I can make you see fireworks," he said plainly.

He watched with a smirk as Kaveh's face turned red, "Oh my god, Alhaitham! Is that all you can think about?! You can't just say things like that!"

"Why not? We're not even in public this time, and it's the truth," Alhaitham crossed his arms, "Where did you even get fireworks from? Last I checked, there are no booths in the bazaar that sell such a thing."

"Um, well… There was a girl traveling with Lumine, and she's a fireworks expert from Inazuma. Her name was Yoimiya, she's a delightful person, really. Very sweet girl-"

"Stay on subject, Kaveh."

"Right… it was a matter of getting the materials for her, and she made a bunch for me!"

"And the materials included crates that just happened to be labeled appropriately?"

"Kaveh rolled his eyes, "Of course not. I made those. My job sites are some of the safest!"

Alhaitham might be more annoyed, were it not for the terribly excited, sweet smile on Kaveh's face, and he was awfully soft for that smile. The way it made Kaveh's soft, round cheeks puff up was adorable, and had a way of melting Alhaitham.

"Where exactly are you planning on setting off the fireworks? We can't do so in the city."

Kaveh rolled his eyes, and crossed his own arms to mirror Alhaitham's, "Obviously! We'll find a place outside the city, and have our friends come with us!"

Alhaitham sighed, knowing that he'd be giving in to those sparkling carmine eyes. Ultimately, he'd do anything for Kaveh.

"Do you have a spot picked out?"

The blonde, who was bouncing excitedly, threw himself at Alhaitham, "I was thinking on one of the mountain tops. No trees, and a great view, we just have to get up there. With some help, we can get everything we need up in packs! We can camp up there, too…"

Looking at the boxes around them, Alhaitham didn't think that sounded nearly as simple as Kaveh seemed to think it did. They would definitely have to ask their friends for help, but he supposed none of them were great at telling an excited Kaveh no.

"Is there a specific day we're supposed to do this?"

Everything else the blonde had done like this had a designated day to celebrate on, he doubted this would be any different. He was correct in his assumption.

Kaveh sat down on the floor, and went back to writing, "Yes, July fourth. Lumine said people get together with their families, and celebrate their independence. We can ask Cyno, Collei, and Tighnari, as well as Nahida if you would like. Unfortunately, Lumine has already said that they can't come. She's going to Liyue to see a close friend."

Alhaitham watched Kaveh excitedly scribble on the page for a moment. The blonde was so giddy, it brought a smile to Alhaitham's face. While he wasn't thrilled with having fireworks in his house, July fourth was only the day after tomorrow, and they never kept open flames in the house, aside from the very rare romantic candle on the table. It was too big of a risk to the books, his grandmother's books.

"What are you writing?"

Kaveh held the paper for Alhaitham to see, "It's a to-do, and shopping list. I'll go to the bazaar in a few minutes. Is there anything else we need?"

"That's a long list, Kaveh. Are you sure we need this much?"

"Well, you know how much Tighnari can eat. Not to mention Collei since she's not sick anymore. It's okay. We'll be able to carry it all…" he trailed off as he stood again, and grabbed his cape, and basket.

Alhaitham took the basket, "I'll go with you."

Kaveh paused, looking over Alhaitham briefly, "You don't have to do that! I know you're tired from work, and you hate shopping."

"Kaveh, you won't be able to carry all of this by yourself, I'll help."

He just wanted to spend some time with the blonde before he was too tired, and had no choice but to sleep. Alhaitham would take what he could, he just hoped that he'd get Kaveh to come to bed too, so he could snuggle up to him. He found his sleep was much more peaceful when he was next to Kaveh, than not.

The Grand Bazaar

Kaveh chatted the entire way there, switching between being excited about the upcoming holiday, and his upcoming projects. His excitement drew looks from passers-by, but for once, Kaveh paid them no mind.

The bazaar took a while. There were some oddball things that they had to hunt down, they needed to refresh their supplies for the little camping grill they'd decided to take. They had to wait for the butcher to wrap up some sausages, and grind some steak for them. Alhaitham wasn't sure what the meat was supposed to be used for, but he didn't bother thinking too hard about it. After all, he'd find out soon enough.

Alhaitham looked at the list to see what was next while Kaveh went off to get something else. Tomatoes, onions, peppers, lettuce, and cheese, as well as small sandwich rolls. Salad makings. Salads weren't easy to eat while reading, but he didn't mind them.

As he grabbed, and checked off items on the list, Kaveh came back with an arm full of red, white, and blue fabrics. He peeked in Alhaitham's basket, and smiled. It was one of those smiles that melted Alhaitham from deep within, when nothing was weighing down the blonde, and he was as light as the feather he wore over his ear.

"I think we have everything! Thank you for all the help tonight, Haitham."

Alhaitham swallowed down the desire that was creeping up, and smirked instead, "Well, someone has to make sure you keep the spending in-check."

He dodged out of the way before the blonde's hand could reach his shoulder.

Getting Ready

It was rather convenient that Alhaitham already had the next few days off. Usually, he'd take the opportunity to sleep in, and read from the time he got up, or indulge in everything the Light had to offer. However, this morning he woke to the sound of pots, and pans clanking around in the kitchen. It was far too early.

Unable to ignore, or stifle the racket, Alhaitham shuffled to the kitchen to stare at the blonde grumpily. He didn't even smell any coffee. There was the scent of boiled eggs, potatoes, pickles, and bread lingering in the air, but definitely not the bitter brown liquid he would need to begin his day from such an early hour.

When he entered the room, the first thing he noticed was the table. It was covered by cut squares of the fabric Kaveh had purchased, and the sewing machine. There was nowhere to sit that didn't have material, and sewing supplies strewn across it.

The second thing he noticed was that several of their pots and pans were scattered across the floor, with Kaveh bent over them, mumbling to himself. This seemed a bit odd, even for him.

"Kaveh-"

"Ah!-"

As the blonde suddenly stood, the back of his head collided with the ledge of the countertop, and he let out a small yelp. He slowly turned towards Alhaitham, rubbing his head.

"Good morning. You're up early…"

Alhaitham raised an eyebrow at the blonde, "I can't imagine why. Let me see your head," he said as he pulled Kaveh over, "What are you doing?"

"Ow, ow! Careful! I'm getting food ready for tomorrow. There's a lot to do, and some of it needs to be cooked beforehand."

"And that's why there are pots and pans all over the floor?" Alhaitham asked, leaving a small kiss where Kaveh hit his head.

"Oh, yes. Well, I mean no!" Kaveh huffed, and crossed his arms, "What I mean to say is that I was trying to get one of the baking sheets out, and these fell!"

Alhaitham didn't think there would ever come a day when he didn't think Kaveh was adorable when flustered in this way. It was exactly why he enjoyed riling up the blonde, and debating with him. It was one of the many, many reasons Alhaitham loved him so much.

He put a pot of coffee on, apparently Kaveh had brewed some at some point, but what little was left had long since gone cold. He always worried when Kaveh became so focused on something that he didn't take care of himself. It was likely he hadn't eaten, which was slightly amusing for someone who was currently surrounded by food. Alhaitham helped Kaveh pick up the mess, then pulled him close.

"Let's eat some breakfast, then I'll help," he said as he planted small kisses across Kaveh's neck, "The sooner we're done, the sooner we can do other things."

Happy Fourth of July!

Everyone came over early, and they set out together, each carrying a pack, including Mehrak. Alhaitham lagged behind with Kaveh, who had insisted he carry the heaviest load. Normally, he'd taunt the blonde for not taking care of himself better, but his bag really was quite heavy.

It was loaded with many of the food items. Odd things that Lumine had told Kaveh about. Potato salad, and coleslaw, as well as uncooked hamburgers, and sausages to grill over the fire when they got there.

There was also a large jar of lemonade, and a bag of ice to keep everything cool for the trip. Alhaitham would give him some time, then switch out bags with him, but it would be a good while yet before Kaveh's pride would allow him to accept the help.

Meanwhile, there was a continuous stream of questions from Cyno, Tighnari, and Collei about what exactly it was they were doing. Tighnari was weary of the noise that would come with the fireworks, Alhaitham understood that. If his headphones would work for the Valuka Shuna, he'd offer them. Unfortunately, it wouldn't do, for obvious reasons.

Collei had never seen fireworks before, but had heard and read about them. She was the most outwardly excited Alhaitham had ever seen, outside of beginning her studies at the Akademiya. It was nice to see.

Cyno had far too many jokes, and puns about fireworks. It was almost exhausting to listen to. When he ran out of those, he switched to ones about picnics. Were he not trying to keep an ear out for any issues Kaveh may have, he would have turned on the noise-canceling in his headphones.

"I… I could use a break…" Kaveh panted, and leaned against a large rock.

Alhaitham helped him remove the pack, and sat next to him, "We're over half way now. I'll trade backpacks with you. There's no point in tiring yourself out so much that you can't enjoy the evening."

Kaveh crossed his arms, "I'm fine! The pack is just a little cold…"

Alhaitham felt the backpack. It was cool, but not particularly cold. Kaveh himself had his bangs stuck to his face, and rosy cheeks. While it was warm out, it wasn't so warm that anyone else was sweating much.

Kaveh wasn't particularly sensitive to heat. Tighnari would have issues long before the architect would, so he doubted it was an issue with heat stroke. Alhaitham reached up to put a hand across Kaveh's forehead, but his hand was swatted away.

"What are you doing?" Kaveh asked, then his eyes widened, "Is there a bug or something on my face?!"

It was amusing to watch a brilliant architect, the renowned Light of Kshahrewar, swat at his own face, chasing invisible bugs. Alhaitham laughed out loud, and Kaveh's head snapped upwards with an incredulous look.

"Um, Mister Kaveh? Are you alright?"

Kaveh's annoyance immediately diffused, "Yes, yes. I'm fine. Everyone ready?"

The blonde reached for the heavier bag again, but Alhaitham got to it first, and handed Kaveh the lighter bag. He looked annoyed, but took it anyway, and they were on the road again.

It was well into the afternoon when they made it to their mountain of choice. The view really was nice, clear of trees, and buildings. Everyone was hungry, so they were quick to get out the food, and start cooking.

Alhaitham had been hesitant to try a cheeseburger, but it wasn't bad. It was a little greasy, but very easy to eat while reading, as was the potato salad. The group chatted, and played Genius Invokation TCG.

Kaveh had become quiet, and didn't seem to have much interest in the game. Alhaitham had been watching him carefully. He hadn't eaten much, and was still sweating, despite the pleasant breeze. It wasn't terribly hot for a July day, on top of a hill.

As it got closer to dusk, Kaveh sluggishly dragged himself up, and started setting up the fireworks. That was when Alhaitham noticed it, Kaveh was shivering. A glance at Tighnari let him know that he had noticed it as well.

"Hey, Kaveh," Tighnari said as he approached, "You've done a lot, why don't you let Alhaitham and me finish it up?"

"Hm?" Kaveh stared at the fireworks in his hands, "… Oh. Yeah, alright."

That was way too easy. As they walked him back over to Cyno, and Collei, he took the opportunity to feel his forehead. Kaveh didn't have time to protest this time. His skin was too warm, and where it wasn't red, he was pale. A fever. Out of all the people in Sumeru, Kaveh would be the one who managed to get sick during the summer months.

Alhaitham handed him some lemonade. Kaveh slowly drank it as Tighnari checked him over. He laid down, and curled the red, white, and blue checkered picnic blanket over himself. With a nod from Tighnari, Collei seated herself next to him, and the Ranger motioned for Alhaitham to follow him.

"What's wrong?" Alhaitham asked, trying to keep the worry out of his voice.

Tighnari gave him a small smile, "He's got a fever, as you already know. I believe it's just a cold coming on, but we should try to get him home. I don't think camping out here would do him any good."

"I won't go!"

How had he even heard that? Alhaitham thought he was asleep, and judging by the look of shock on Tighnari's face, he'd thought the same.

"Kaveh-"

"Fireworks first. Please?" he asked quietly.

The blonde had turned towards them, and gave them a terribly sad look. One that would make anyone melt. Still, Tighnari tried to argue for reason's sake.

"Kaveh, you're a little sick right now, but if you stay out here for too long, it could get worse. You should be getting some rest at home, in your bed."

"… It's already almost time, then we can go home. It's not much longer, and I'll be fine."

Things always became exceedingly difficult when Kaveh had his mind set on something. There really was no changing his mind, the blonde would see it through until he couldn't anymore. This had become one of those times, apparently, and where Alhaitham usually saw it coming, he'd been caught off guard this time.

He tore his eyes away from Kaveh to glance at Tighnari. The Valuka Shuna gave a small nod, his assessment that Kaveh would be fine for just a little while longer. Kaveh closed his eyes while the rest of them set up their display. It was only luck that Alhaitham had seen how Kaveh put together the timers and switches he'd made to remotely set off the fireworks.

When they were done, Alhaitham sat next to Kaveh, and scooted his lap under the blonde's head to act as a pillow. Kaveh had fallen asleep, and started snoring. He only did this when he was just starting to get stuffy.

Guilt started to creep its way into Alhaitham's head. If Kaveh was to this point in his illness, he probably should have been able to notice something, and he hadn't. Kaveh seemed a little tired, but that was expected because he'd been too excited to sleep the night before, and the days leading up to their gathering.

Alhaitham knew he was no doctor, but he could usually see the signs. It didn't matter now, though. Kaveh was getting sick, and there wasn't much to be done about it. They would set off their fireworks, and go home instead of staying for the night. Speaking of fireworks, it was time.

He gently shook Kaveh awake, "Hey, do you want to start your show?"

Kaveh sat up, and laid his head against Alhaitham's shoulder, while their friends gathered around them, "You set it all up?" he asked as he pulled the blanket around his shoulders.

"Exactly how you had it."

"Okay, then. Go for it," Kaveh said tiredly.

Alhaitham grabbed Kaveh's hand, and put the remote in it. He wasn't about to let him miss out on it now, after he'd done so much work to put everything together.

Kaveh smiled, "Here we go, guys. Enjoy!"

It was spectacular. No one present had ever watched fireworks before. Alhaitham had only just turned on his headphone's noise dampening when the first loud pop sounded. He watched as the trail of sparks flew into the air like a shooting star headed the wrong direction, and it exploded into colors.

Purple, gold, red, green, they were all bright, and beautiful. Alhaitham could feel every single explosion as it echoed through the air. He looked at their friends around them. Collei was clapping excitedly with each display. Cyno seemed entranced, watching every part as if memorizing it. Tighnari had his hands clamped over his long ears, but the sparks and colors were reflecting in his large eyes, open with wonder.

He wrapped his arm around Kaveh, snuggling him closer as the blonde smiled up at the sky. Alhaitham would be lying if he said that his heart didn't skip a beat every time he looked at Kaveh. Sometimes he was so overwhelmed by it that he didn't even know what to think, but at the same time, he knew exactly what he wanted. Kaveh's closeness, his thoughts, and his love until the end of time.

Somehow, through all the noise, Kaveh had fallen asleep again close to the end. Tighnari and Cyno had volunteered to come back the next day, and clean up the mess, but Tighnari had insisted they follow Alhaitham and Kaveh back. Kaveh's fever hadn't gotten much higher, but it hadn't gone down, either. Neither had his lethargy improved. He was doing fine, but Tighnari wanted to keep an eye on his friend.

Alhaitham carried Kaveh all the way home. Compared to other times he'd had to carry him a long distance, this was fairly simple, but his arms still ached by the time they set foot inside their door. Tighnari had recommended they get Kaveh into a lukewarm bath for a few minutes while he went out for medicine. The Ranger returned just as Alhaitham was getting the blonde into bed.

The bath had been enough to pull Kaveh back into the world of the waking, but he was still very tired. Alhaitham got him to drink some water, but the blonde was not happy about it, and it nearly came back up. They could add nausea to the list.

"Here, some fever reducers, and try to get him to drink some chamomile tea for his stomach. Do you have some?" At Alhaitham's nod, Tighnari sat down next to Kaveh, who was nearly back to sleep, "I'll be back after a few hours sleep. You rest too, Alhaitham, or you'll be the next one in this bed."

Alhaitham nodded, and they said goodnight. It was always wise to heed Tighnari's warnings, and Alhaitham could admit that he was exhausted after the long day of travel, partying, and carrying an architect home. It didn't take him long to ready some tea and water for if Kaveh woke, and slide into bed next to the blonde.

While it was a shame Kaveh had ended up sick, everything he had done made for a great day of memories for them and their friends. Alhaitham had already decided to order fireworks when July fourth came around the next year, and hoped that Kaveh would be able to enjoy them even more the next time.

Alhaitham wrapped his arms around Kaveh, snuggling up to him, and gave him a kiss on his fevered forehead before he too drifted off to sleep.