Which Genshin Fics Best Capture The Rivals-To-Lovers Angst Of Kaveh And Alhaitham?

The best 'Genshin Impact' fics that nail the Kaveh and Alhaitham rivals-to-lovers angst often revolve around their intellectual clashes and unresolved tension. I’ve read countless stories where their arguments over architecture and philosophy mask deeper feelings, with Kaveh’s idealism clashing against Alhaitham’s pragmatism. One standout fic had them trapped in a ruin during a sandstorm, forcing them to confront their emotions when survival was at stake. The slow burn was exquisite—Alhaitham analyzing Kaveh’s sketches while Kaveh begrudgingly admitted his respect for Alhaitham’s mind. Another gem explored their Akademiya days, showing how their rivalry began as mutual admiration before devolving into bitterness. The emotional payoff in these fics is always worth it, especially when Kaveh finally breaks down his walls and Alhaitham, ever the realist, surprises everyone by being the one to confess.

I’m particularly drawn to fics that use Sumeru’s setting to mirror their relationship—lush forests representing Kaveh’s creativity, while the desert reflects Alhaitham’s stark logic. A recent favorite had them collaborating on a project for Lesser Lord Kusanali, with their bickering gradually turning into late-night conversations under the stars. The tension is palpable, and the resolution feels earned, not rushed. Writers who understand their dynamic know it’s not just about romance but about two brilliant minds learning to coexist without destroying each other.

For raw, emotional rivals-to-lovers fics, I seek stories where Kaveh and Alhaitham’s fights aren’t just petty squabbles but battles of identity. One unforgettable fic had Kaveh drunkenly confessing his frustrations at a tavern, only for Alhaitham to overhear and retaliate with cold, calculated truths. The aftermath was brutal—Kaveh moving out, Alhaitham regretting his words, and both realizing they’d crossed a line. The reconciliation was slow, with Alhaitham silently fixing Kaveh’s broken tools while Kaveh left meals outside his study. The angst was layered, not just romantic but existential, questioning whether they could ever truly understand each other. Another fic explored their shared past, revealing how their rivalry stemmed from jealousy—Kaveh envying Alhaitham’s detachment, Alhaitham coveting Kaveh’s passion. The best part was the subtlety; a single glance across the House of Daena spoke volumes. These fics don’t just romanticize tension—they dissect it, making the eventual love confession feel like a hard-won victory.

Time-loop fics are my guilty pleasure for Kaveh and Alhaitham angst. Imagine them reliving the same argument endlessly until they crack. One story had Alhaitham stuck in a loop where Kaveh kept leaving Sumeru, and only by admitting his feelings could he break the cycle. The way the writer played with their stubbornness was brilliant—Alhaitham’s logs growing increasingly desperate, Kaveh’s art becoming more fragmented. Another fic used their research notes as a narrative device, with margin scribbles evolving from insults to love letters. The physicality of their rivalry shines here—Alhaitham’s controlled movements versus Kaveh’s dramatic gestures. When they finally kiss, it’s during a rainstorm, because of course it is. The drama is peak rivals-to-lovers, and I’m here for it.

Short but impactful fics capture Kaveh and Alhaitham’s dynamic through mundane moments. A coffee shop AU had them as rival baristas—Kaveh crafting intricate latte art, Alhaitham optimizing the workflow. Their bickering over milk foam density masked deeper tension. Another one-shot showed them decorating their shared home, with Alhaitham’s minimalist style clashing against Kaveh’s maximalism until they compromised on a bookshelf combining both. The angst was subtle but potent, their love language being quiet adjustments to each other’s lives.