Archive of Our Own

It’s been four days since Jamil and Silver discussed everything and decided that they still intended to be together as future mates, and Silver feels as though he’s floating. He and Jamil are going on their date in an hour, and he’s dressed in a cream sweater with purple flowers and dark jeans with some black dress shoes thanks to Vil. He refused to wear make-up or let Vil touch his hair because Jamil threw a fit two days ago about that.

*****

Vil had been attempting to style Silver’s hair while they were studying with Pomefiore, Savanaclaw, and Ignihyde because Vil and Idia had been paired for a project. Idia refused to give up his time with his future mates over a project, so he’d invited Pomefiore to their study session. Kalim had told Silver he and Jamil would be there with Heartslabyul and Octavinelle, and Silver had told him they’d be there too. It was decided that they would all study together if they were there at the same time, but Silver knew they wouldn’t be.

Vil had a dorm planned event taking place, so they were in the library as soon as classes were over and missing club practices for it. Silver was less annoyed when he learned that Malleus and Leona were leaving early with Idia for a date as well and had also pushed for this time.

Silver was sitting in his chair facing the door while muttering about stupid essay questions and staring at his notebook as Vill attempted to brain his hair back after already adding glittery silver eye shadow to his eyes and blush to his cheeks. He’d needed a distraction, and Silver decided to just let him do whatever because he knew how to get rid of it and needed a study break when Vil had the urge to do make-up for his own. 

“What did you do to my Alpha, Schoenheit?! Get your hands away from his hair!” Jamil’s voice had Silver’s head jerking up as Vil stopped what he was doing and jerked back.

“Woah, JamJam, you can’t just shout in the library!” hissed Kalim as he wrapped a hand around Jamil’s wrist, though he’s grinning like he’s proud of Jamil for speaking up.

“Jamil, what- okay, what’s wrong?” asked Silver with wide eyes as he stood and put his notebook on his chair to approach the omega, his future omega.

“You- You don’t look like you, Silver, and I- I don’t like it.” grumbled Jamil as Kalim let him go, and he moved towards Silver as well.

“Okay, okay, one second then, sweetheart.” murmured Silver before he pulled out his wand and rid himself of the make-up before quickly undoing the braids and shaking his hair back into place. “Is that better?”

“Yeah, it is.” said Jamil as he relaxed almost entirely, hand reaching out so he could brush a few strands out of Silver’s face with his fingers. “Thank you, and I’m sorry. I just- yeah, I like you like this, not all that. Your hair was nice in the braid, but it didn’t feel like you… My omega is particular apparently, sorry.”

“Don’t apologize,” Silver’s tone was firm as he took Jamil’s hand and slid their bare wrist glands together in a quick scenting.“You didn’t feel like it was me, and I didn’t either. I’m not a huge fan of make-up or messing with my hair much. I let Vil do my make-up because he was about to attack Leona, and I didn’t feel like dealing with the situation that would cause. The hair thing was just another distraction.”

“You should apologize to me. You were unnecessarily rude. I understand disliking change, but that doesn’t mean you can shout at someone for it.” huffed Vil with a glare.

Silver turns and narrows his eyes at the beta, annoyance flowing through him as he replies, “Do you not remember doing the same thing to Jack because he braided Epel’s hair ten minutes ago? You are a dorm leader, not Epel’s partner, and yet you reacted stronger than Jamil did because you almost used your magic on him. Do not come after my omega, Vil, or it will get ugly.”

“Well, that was different! Braids don’t-” Vil moved to argue, looking frustrated that he was argued against.

“It’s not different. Just because you don’t think braids frame his face, doesn’t make the situation different. Leave Silver and Jamil alone and finish your paragraph, so we can be done with this now. I’m ready to leave already,” said Idia firmly, glaring at Vil until the beta huffed in annoyance and did as told.

“Thank you, Idia,” said Silver softly as he smiles at the other omega.

Idia just smiled softly back before watching Vil intensely, clearly done with the vocal man.

“Well, that was interesting. I didn’t know Idia could be that scary,” said Jamil softly, amused as he laced their fingers together to continue the scenting.

“He’s scary alright. I watched him take down a whole website two days ago because they were talking shit about Leona and Malleus,” said Silver with a snort as he turned his attention back to his omega.

“That’s actually kind of terrifying,” muttered Jamil before he straightened and turned while looking around the room intently for a moment. When he settled again, Silver realized that the man was looking for Kalim and the group he’d come to study with. “I should probably go sit with them. We have a lot of studying to do, and I promised to help with whatever I could.”

“You should definitely do that, since you promised. If you need me, I’ll be over here for a bit longer,” replied Silver softly as he squeezed Jamil’s hand gently before letting go and nodding.

Jamil’s lips curved into a soft smile that sent Silver’s heart rabbiting in his chest before he lowered his voice and said, “I might need another scenting before you leave, but otherwise, I’ll leave you to it, Alpha.”

A shiver ran through Silver at the title as Jamil turned and headed for the table just a few rows away from his own. He loved hearing Alpha from Jamil’s lips, but it was turning into a distraction the closer he got to his rut and their date.

****

Silver takes a deep breath, smoothes his top down, and then he leaves his room and heads through Diasomnia. He’s silently grateful for Malleus, Leona, and Idia being out because Sebek and Lilia are gone too, which means he doesn’t have to answer questions or get flustered by their advice ahead of the most important date of his life. When he makes it through the mirror, he’s met with the sight of Jamil leaving Scarabia, and his breath catches in his throat.

Jamil has flowers in his braids, and he’s dressed in what looks to be a soft red sweater and nice light blue jeans with some holes on the thighs and just below the knees. He looks comfortable and happy, but also nervous which makes Silver feel better considering how many times he’s wiped his sweaty hands on his jeans from his room to the mirror hall.

“You look- Wow!” says Silver breathlessly as Jamil’s eyes meet his.

“So do you, Silver. I-” murmurs Jamil as his hands slip nervously into his jean pockets, eyes wandering up and down Silver before meeting his eyes again.“You look so cuddly that I’m having a hard time remembering why we wanted to go to the cafe down the street from here. Could’ve stayed in and just cuddled instead, but I’m also really excited for our cafe date. ”

“Maybe the next date can be in one of our dorms, sweetheart. You okay?” asks Silver softly, reassuring but also worried as he steps towards Jamil hesitantly.

“Yeah, I’m okay, just- uh- Can we scent before we go?” asks Jamil softly, looking as though he’s forcing the words through his teeth, which means there’s a more personal reason that he doesn’t want to voice or is upset about.

“Of course, sweetheart. Come here,” replies Silver softly as he holds out his hand, knowing exactly where to go for the privacy he thinks Jamil wants.

He has a feeling he knows what scenting Jamil wants, and he’s almost certain that it’s not the typical wrist scenting. Silver knows this because the urge to rub their neck glands together is beating through his veins.

Jamil takes his hand with a softly whispered, “Okay.”

Then Silver leads them out of the hall and down the longer hallway until they reach the t-intersection, then he ducks into the first empty room on his left.

“Do you want to do the mate scenting?” asks Silver softly as he shuts the door behind them and tugs down the blinds.

“Yeah, if that’s okay? I’d just feel more comfortable if we smelled like each other before going out and being surrounded by people. It’s- I know it’s dumb, but I just- Yeah,” Jamil stumbles over his words as he forces them out while attempting to explain why he wants to use their neck glands like mates and future-mates do.

“That’s perfectly okay, sweetheart. That’s what I figured, which is why we’re here. I’ll take my patches off first, and when you’re ready, you can too. And there’s no rush at all,” replies Silver easily as he carefully peels his patches off with one hand, not letting Jamil’s go because he wants to still provide physical comfort as well.

“Thank you, Alpha,” whispers Jamil as he takes in Silver’s scent, leaning forward as his eyes go half-lidded momentarily. But then he shakes himself back into focus and slips his own patches off with his free hand. “I’m ready.”

Silver hums before tugging on their joined hands until Jamil steps closer, wanting to let the Omega lead the scenting so it goes as far as he wants it to. He leans forward and waits, smiling softly when Jamil leans in and presses their glands together, then he’s biting his lip as their scents mix and mingle as their glands brush gently together. Silver almost gasps in surprise when Jamil switches and brushes the other sides together as well, fully mixing their scents together in a way that mated couples do closer to their heats/ruts. 

“I know you’re close to your rut, Alpha. Wanted you to smell like me,” murmurs Jamil slyly before he pulls back and smiles with a flush rising over his cheeks.

Silver shivers before he meets Jamil’s eyes and says, “I love smelling like you, sweetheart. Then everyone will know that not only am I yours, but you are mine.”

Jamil blinks three times as his cheeks heat up in a way that’s so gorgeous against his skin, and Silver smirks when the omega covers his face with one hand.

“Evil Alpha,” huffs Jamil, though it’s muffled by the hand still covering his face.

“Evil Omega,” replies Silver amusedly as he reaches up and tugs Jamil’s hand away from his face. “We should get going, but patches first, okay? And if you want to scent again, we absolutely can, okay?”

“Okay, Silver, and thank you,” says Jamil quietly, soft smile curving his lips as they put their patches back in place on their neck glands. “Let’s go check out that cafe, they apparently have a good curry. Kalim said they do, but I know he didn’t eat it. I think Jade or Trey tried it, but I’m not too sure which one actually did. I just know Kalim went out to eat with them at the cafe, and he told me the curry was good afterwards.”

“Probably Trey. Jade doesn’t like spice like that, which probably explains why Floyd seems to be into it,” replies Silver thoughtfully as they start walking, joined hands swinging between them as they move through the building towards the courtyard exit. “So, how was your day today? I know we didn’t get to see each other much since you had exams, and I had that presentation and training.”

“It was good. Exams went well, I think, and I beat Floyd in our one-on-one training. I fully blame that on Riddle though because he had to come give Floyd his jersey about halfway through, and it threw Floyd’s game off entirely,” explains Jamil softly, sounding excited before it mellows into complete exasperation as they make their way off campus. “I honestly cannot believe that Floyd is so entranced by Riddle when they’re not even courting.” 

“Oh, they’re not courting? I could’ve sworn Riddle said he’d given Floyd the gift that he had me help him learn how to make,” says Silver as his brows furrow because Riddle was supposed to give that to Floyd after the study session they all had in the library.

“Floyd was moping when Riddle left, like the usual moping, so I don’t think so. He also hasn’t screamed about finally being courted by his goldfishy which is what Ace and I are expecting. But- wait, Riddle asked you for help with the gift? What is it?” asks Jamil curiously as he tugs on their hands to make Silver meet his eyes, face entirely lit up in excitement.

“I can’t spoil the gift, Riddle made me promise, but I can say that it’s made from seashells that Riddle found at the beach and kept as a collection after hearing Floyd talk about loving to collect them. It took three weeks to get right because Riddle is a perfectionist, but he was supposed to give it to him after the study session. I’ll have to message him about that later,” explains Silver with a chuckle, adoring the way Jamil seems so invested in their friends' love lives even though he seems like he doesn’t care.

It’s nice to see Jamil in this light, and Silver’s grateful that he gets to be the one to see it.

“No, text him now. Floyd was really upset, and I’m kind of worried about him. Ace promised to take care of him since I left practice early, but you know how those two are together. Can you text him now, just really quick?” asks Jamil softly as he tugs Silver off to the side, out of the way on the sidewalk, and his brown eyes go big and pleading.

“You don’t gotta look all pleading, sweetheart, I’ll text him. If you’re worried, then I’m obviously going to try to fix it. Let’s just hope he’s not still riding,” murmurs Silver with a reassuring smile before he pulls his phone out and finds his PMs with Riddle.

Silver: I realized I didn’t check yet. Did you give your gift to Floyd?

“Now, it’s a waiting game. The cafe’s just up ahead, maybe he’ll text by the time we get there,” says Jamil thoughtfully as he tilts his head while Silver slips his phone back into his pocket. But then there’s a soft brush of lips against Silver’s cheek that has him whipping his head to the side to look at Jamil. “Thank you for checking with him for me, Silver. I really appreciate it.”

“Of course, Jamil. If I can help ease your worries or stress, I will do my best. Now, the cafe, are you ready to see if the curry tastes as good as your own?” asks Silver curiously as he arches a brow with a slight teasing tinge to his voice.

“Nobody's curry is better than mine except for my mom’s,” says Jamil decisively as he shakes his head before they share a chuckle while moving back onto the sidewalk to keep going. “What’re you gonna try? Did you check out the menu that I sent?”

“I definitely looked over it for like half an hour trying to decide what to eat for our date. And I think I’ve settled on the cheesy potato soup, but the tomato soup and grilled cheese looked really good too. I’m terribly indecisive when it comes to restaurants,” replies Silver with a slightly self-deprecating tone as his free hand comes up to rub at the side of his neck, fingers brushing just around the curve to the back of his neck under his hair.

“Don’t worry about it, I was indecisive at first too because their alfredo looked good too. I like creamy alfredo, but I also like curry. The only reason I decided on curry was because Kalim went there yesterday and brought some Alfredo back to the dorm for me since I got caught up in my studying,” replies Jamil with a shrug as they reach the cafe, smiling when Silver opens the door to let him through despite the way their hands fall away from each other. “I heard that was your doing, though.”

“Ah, I just told him to remind you to eat since you had stopped responding. When he said he was at the cafe, I asked him to grab something for you. I was gonna pay for it, but it’s Kalim. I do owe him one though because I refused to let him buy it for you just because I asked him to,” Silver feels beyond shy as he takes Jamil’s hand again and guides him towards an empty table that he’d called ahead to get reserved because he knows Jamil likes people watching, and this spot is perfect for it.

It’s in the corner with two windows on either side to show the entire street, so it’s perfect for people-watching for Jamil.

And Jamil-watching for him.

Silver pulls Jamil's seat out for him, making sure he gets the seat in front of the window so that Jamil can see, then he gets himself comfortable with a grin.

“You’re so thoughtful and sweet, and I know you put us like this so I could people-watch while we’re here. You’re setting the bar very high for yourself, beloved,” says Jamil knowingly as he smiles at Silver before a young man with blue hair and gray eyes walks up to their table with a notepad in his hand.

“Hey, I’m Mitch, and I’ll be your server today. What drinks can I get for you today?” Mitch’s voice is deadpan until his eyes meet Jamil’s, then he’s almost flirtatious in a way that has Silver repressing a growl.

“We’ll take two waters, and we’re ready to order as well.,” Jamil sounds annoyed, which eases some of Silver’s irritation, but Mitch seems to be shrugging it off as he jots down their drinks.

“Not like there’s much to jot down,” thinks Silver irritatedly as he crosses his arms over his chest while leaning back in his seat and looking out of the window to try to chill himself out.

“And what can I get you, darling?” asks Mitch flirtatiously as he steps closer to Jamil, almost leaning in his space.

“You can get my Alpha the cheesy potato soup, and I’ll have the curry as spicy as it can be.” Jamil sneers the words out, and Silver turns at the call to see him glaring at the waiter.

Jamil’s always gorgeous, but when he’s angry, it’s a sight to see.

“Well, I can get your friend the cheesy potato soup, but are you sure you want a spicy curry, darling?” Mitch’s voice is haughty but soft like he’s trying to be alluring.

“My Omega said he wanted the spiciest curry he can get, and I expect you to do your job rather than questioning him,” snaps Silver as a rumble of annoyance seeps through him, making Mitch jump three steps back. “If you can’t do your job, then you can find us a new waiter. Or you can get your manager. Whichever you’d prefer, Mitch.”

“U-Understood,” says Mitch as he quickly scribbles it down on the notepad before turning and practically running towards the counter.

“Well, that was fun. Are you okay?” asks Jamil as he turns to Silver, and Silver gapes at him in surprise. “What’re you looking at me like that for? You got territorial, and I know you don’t like that feeling.”

“Yeah, but you got flirted with beyond what you wanted, and you’re asking about me?” asks Silver in surprised confusion as he stares at the other man.

“Of course, I am. You know I’m okay. If I wasn’t, we would’ve left, and I probably would’ve lashed out. I’m okay, but you were uncomfortable through that entire thing. You also let your Alpha out some, which you don’t feel comfortable doing unless the situation requires it. So, yeah, I’m asking you if you’re okay beloved,” explains Jamil as he tilts his head to the side and reaches out his hand to Silver, smiling softly when Silver takes it even though it’s tense with worry.

“I- I’m okay, frustrated and unhappy that I did that, but I’m okay. It’s something Malleus mentioned, and I’ve seen him deal with it as well; the loss of control,” explains Silver with a defeated tone as his shoulders slump and his hold on Jamil’s hand loosens. It’s a good and bad thing that he struggles with. “I know it’s not just us that deal with it, but I also know we had to train our secondary gender to perform the duties that we do and keep in line at home. So, bits getting loose is- well, it’s not a good thing, even if it is technically good for our secondary genders being able to express themselves and prove our worthiness or whatever. I’m sorry for making a scene though, Jamil.”

“You didn’t make a scene, Silver, you stood up for me. He made a scene by blatantly ignoring my rejection of his advances and trying to question my decisions. You did not do anything other than step in when he ignored me, and I am grateful that you did because I highly doubt he’d have stopped if you hadn’t. I’m sorry that you had to get territorial,” Jamil’s arguing, but his face is so soft and filled with understanding and worry that Silver is ready to give in as soon as he speaks. He knows Jamil understands the struggle of a feeling and what he knows isn’t okay.

Being territorial of your den or nest, perfectly okay. Being territorial of your pack, expected. Being territorial of your partner, that’s expected, but mainly frowned upon because it makes some feel as though they don’t have control where they want it. Most of the time, it’s controllable, but when you are close to a rut or a heat, it’s expected that you lose control.

Silver hates feeling like he’s overstepping his bounds or silencing someone’s voice just because he has the need to protect and defend. He’s struggled with it since his presentation, and it’s still something he expresses annoyance over.

“I appreciate you checking in, reassuring me, and explaining why it was okay. I’m sorry because this took such an odd turn. If you want, we can get the food to-go and head back early,” offers Silver as he puts it out there because it needs to be said that they can end this right here if Jamil doesn’t want to continue after what’s happened.

“I’d rather we eat together, and maybe check in with Riddle because I just remembered that you messaged him. But also, maybe tomorrow, since it’s another off day for both of us, we can talk about the territorial thing and other worries, boundaries, and concerns?” offers Jamil softly as he lightly squeezes Silver’s hand in his until he looks at him and sees the soft smile awaiting him.

“Okay, I- I’d very much like that, and tomorrow sounds like a plan. It’s definitely a discussion we should come back to since we had it at the beginning of our courtship,” Silver’s agreement is quick and soft before he adjusts to tug his phone out with his free hand.

“Perfect, we can decide where and when to meet when we reach campus. Did Riddle respond?” asks Jamil with an approving hum before a throat clears and forces them both to turn their attention to their surroundings.

“Here are your waters,” The woman standing in front of their table looks both angry and tired, and Silver wonders if it has to do with Mitch or them.

“Thank you very much,” murmurs Silver as he takes the glasses from her to set them on the table and starts removing their straws to put them in their cups.

When he hears Jamil’s snort, he looks up in confusion only to see him nod at the woman. Chancing a glance at her, all he sees is pure shock and confusion written all over her face as she stares at him.

“Is something wrong?” asks Silver after clearing his throat.

“No, I- uh, nope. Nothing’s wrong at all!” Her voice cracks as she speaks, but the woman powers through with a quick wipe of her hands against her black apron. “Your food will be out shortly, but is there anything else I can get while I’m here?”

Silver and Jamil share a look before Jamil shakes his head and says, “No, I think we’re good. Thank you though.”

“Alrighty then, I will be back soon with your food,” says the woman with a smile before she turns and practically jogs behind the counter and heads into the kitchen.

“What do you wanna bet that Mitch told her we were nightmare diners?” asks Jamil with an amused tone as he arches a brow and meets Silver’s eyes again.

“Oh, he definitely did. Though it was aimed more towards me judging by her surprise and confusion. Probably claimed I was an asshole or something, but that wouldn’t surprise me. What does surprise me is that she didn’t question us, she just took off to the back instead,” replies Silver in agreement as he lightly pushes Jamil’s drink closer to him after plopping a red straw into it for him. “Oh, and Riddle did respond, by the way.”

“Oh, definitely. She’s probably back there questioning him right now. What I wouldn’t give to be a fly on that wall,” says Jamil with a sigh before he straightens up in his chair and leans his elbows on the table to move closer to Silver with curious eyes. “He did? What did he say?”

“He said that he gave the gift to Floyd and got rejected, but he thanked me for helping him,” Silver’s voice loses steam as he stares at the message because he knows, without a doubt, that Floyd wouldn’t reject Riddle. Even without knowing the man through Jamil and his own time with him, he knows that Floyd sees Riddle as his mate. “That doesn’t make any sense.”

“No, it really doesn’t. Maybe I should message Floyd and ask if Riddle tried to give him anything besides his jersey recently?” asks Jamil softly, sounding just as dumbfounded as Silver feels.

“Yeah, maybe, but Riddle didn’t even explain how it went down or anything which means he thinks Floyd knew and genuinely rejected him. This could spell trouble. I’m going to tell Lilia to message Cater,” murmurs Silver as he and Jamil pull their hands back to send their respective messages to the others and voice their concerns.

“I hope that it was a misunderstanding, or even just a straight up miscommunication. This is going to get bad quickly if it’s an actual rejection. Mostly me smacking Floyd for spreading his despair through my nest when he complains about Riddle never wanting him back, if he actually rejected him. I’m going to kick his ass if that’s the case,” says Jamil as he sets his phone on the table, screen facing the ceiling, and Silver follows suit with a deep sigh of his own.

“It doesn’t make any sense for Floyd to reject Riddle. He’s been claiming Riddle as his mate for as long as I’ve known him, and he’s never been shy about it. It had to have been a misunderstanding or miscommunication, or both,” Silver feels himself getting upset because he knows what misunderstandings and miscommunications can do to a courting or potential courting. One look at Jamil, and he knows his future mate is thinking the same thing. “If there wasn’t, then there’s genuinely no reason for Riddle to be feeling rejected unless Floyd meant it..”

“Which isn’t possible because Floyd has wanted Riddle for ages,” says Jamil as he shakes his head, the confusion sits between them as they sit in silence.

Jamil’s eyes are locked on the window while Silver’s eyes are locked on him. Jamil’s eyes soften as they trail from one person to another, even locking on a car or two as it passes, and Silver feels himself melting at just how soft Jamil looks as the sun shines in the window, illuminating him gently. This is what Silver has found himself adoring, the sight of Jamil just being Jamil and observing people.

“Here are those meals, my dears,” says the woman with a soft voice as she approaches them with two plates in her hands.

Jamil turns and his brows furrow until he registers the bowl on top of the plate, and Silver snorts when he sees the flash of embarrassment on his face.

“I thought the same,” murmurs Silver when Jamil looks at him with a frown.

“Thank you, ma’am,” says Jamil as he takes his plate while Silver takes his own.

“No problem at all, and I want to apologize for the waiter you had previously. I don’t know what happened, but I know what I was told was wrong or out of context. Now, you let me know if I can do anything else for you,” says the woman, and Silver finally catches her name tag hanging on her apron, Malia.

“Thank you, Malia, we appreciate it, and I think we’re good right now. But thank you again,” murmurs Silver gently as he nods at her, smiling when Jamil murmurs his own thanks as well.

“Of course, I’ll check in again soon! Please enjoy,” says Malia sweetly before turning and moving to another table.

“That was a complete personality change. He definitely lied to her,” mutters Jamil before he looks at his bowl and grins. “I cannot wait to see how good this curry actually is.”

“He probably did, but there’s nothing we can do about it except explain. I don’t see a point in it currently, but one will reveal itself if needed. As for the curry, I’m sure it’s delicious. I don’t think Kalim could lie to you, not even if he tried, but you’ll know soon enough,” replies Silver with a sigh because he hopes he doesn’t have to explain the situation, but he will if it’s necessary.

He’d rather let things be as they are, and it seems like they will be.

“I don’t think it’ll be needed, judging by what she said, but we’ll handle it if we need to. No overthinking, Silver. Right now, we should try our food,” says Jamil softly, the understanding in his voice reminding Silver that Jamil knows how often he thinks himself in circles.

“Yeah, we should-” Silver’s fingers wrap around his spoon just in time for his phone to buzz abruptly. “I should see what that’s about since only a few numbers are set to actually get through.”

Silver picks his phone up to find a message from Lilia that says, “Riddle is okay, but he got dangerously close to a drop. We went to talk to Floyd and found out that Floyd had rejected Riddle because of a deal that Azul made. The situation has been resolved, Riddle is awake, and they’re talking.”

“What’s wrong?” asks Jamil with worry in his voice, so Silver just hands his phone over and tries to process. “I am going to end that octopus. What kind of moronic deal did he make that would screw over Floyd and Riddle? And why would he risk that when he cares about Floyd?”

“It sounds like it wasn’t supposed to happen, but it’s been handled. I don’t know how to feel about that though,” murmurs Silver with a tilt to his head, wondering why Azul would risk that.

Azul likes to have the advantage, which means making sure he knows everything he needs to know before he makes any deals, so this isn’t adding up.

“I’ll know more when I get my hands on him, and he won’t like it. But we’re on a date, and since the situation has been resolved, we should put it behind us. I wanna enjoy this,” says Jamil with a soft voice as he passes Silver’s phone back.

“You’re right. We deserve to enjoy our first date rather than stress about them right now,” replies Silver in agreement as he nods and slips his phone back in his pocket.

Out of sight, out of mind should help with that.

“So, how was your training session with Sebek last night?” asks Jamil curiously as they finally start to eat.

“It went well, but Sebek has definitely improved. He gave me some trouble. It made the win much more satisfying,” replies Silver with a soft grin as he eats his soup.

“I really should come watch one of your training sessions, I’m sure I’d learn a lot from it,” says Jamil with an odd tone that has Silver looking at him.

There’s a faraway look in his eyes, one that leaves Silver wondering until he watches Jamil shake his head, clear his throat, and flush as he stares at the curry he’s eating.

Jamil wants to see Silver training.

Jamil likes the idea of it.

“You could definitely come watch, maybe even participate, one day.,” replies Silver softly, a little flirtatiously because he can’t help it. But then he clears his throat and dips his spoon back into his soup. “How’s that curry?”

“I’d love to do that,” replies Jamil with that same tone, but then he clears his throat again. “The curry is amazing, could use a little more heat, but it’s great!”

“I’m glad you like it so much, Sweetheart. So, how was your return with Kalim?” asks Silver softly as he approaches the disappearing act Jamil had made in the middle of the day two days ago.

He’d texted Silver three hours later than an emergency had happened, and he’d needed to return with Kalim. He never explained further, and Silver never asked because he was certain Jamil would tell him if it was important.

“It was fine. There was another assassination attempt on Kalim’s mother, but we figured out fairly quickly that the attempt was more to draw Kalim back home than to actually kill his mom. We handled it fairly quickly, but I definitely wish we hadn’t been fooled so easily,” explains Jamil with an almost defeated sigh even though everything turned out okay.

Silver understands though, and he reaches out his hand and squeezes Jamil’s when it lays on his.

“I’m sorry that happened, Jamil, but I’m glad things turned out okay. But now you know for next time, and maybe there’s an alternative way that you can handle situations like this? I’m certain we can think of something,” replies Silver with understanding in his voice.

He’s heard the stories from his father about attempts made on Malleus’ mother, about the fear that would course through his father only to find that the attempts were made to get to Malleus more than to kill his mother. Silver's certain he can help his omega find a plan that can keep the defeat out of his voice and keep the attempts on Kalim’s life more manageable while they’re at school at least. Breaks are much harder, but Silver can still probably come up with something.

“Yeah, I’m sure we can. Thanks, beloved,” murmurs Jamil as he squeezes Silver’s hand with a soft grateful smile curving his lips. “Well, now that we got that out of the way, and I am sorry again for not telling you when it all happened, how is your soup?”

“My soup? It’s good, very creamy. I do wish there were more potatoes in it, but it’s pretty good. Do you want to try it?” asks Silver with a soft smile as he holds up the spoonful of soup he was going to eat before Jamil’s question. “Also, don’t worry about not telling me. I knew you’d mention it if it was important, or when you were ready.”

“Are you okay with that?” asks Jamil as he tilts his head curiously.

Silver just grins before taking his hand back to hold it under the spoon as he carefully reaches it out to Jamil and says, “Try it, Sweetheart.”

Jamil gets a shy look on his face before he leans forward to take the offered bite, humming once he pulls off the spoon, “That’s pretty good. It could probably use a little more cheese, but I can see why you wanted to try it.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it, Sweetheart,” replies Silver a little breathlessly before he takes his spoon back and dips himself out a new spoonful, staring hard at the spoon to try to control the effect that feeding his omega had on him.

“Can I have your hand back now, beloved?” asks Jamil amusedly as he taps his fingers gently against the table.

“Oh, yeah, of course!” replies Silver as he reaches out his hand and takes Jamil’s, face heating up at the embarrassment of his own slightly loud response.

“Thank you, beloved,” says Jamil as he holds Silver’s hand before turning back to his food.

Things go quiet after that, with them trading bites and speaking up occasionally about the food and exams and even some places they want to visit. But it’s easy for Silver to just sit there, eat his soup, and watch Jamil people watch as he eats as well, especially when Silver manages to finish his meal first. Their waitress comes by a couple of times between them returning to their meal and when Jamil finishes eating, and Silver asks for the check when she drops by after Jamil finishes his meal.

“This has been amazing, Silver, thank you,” says Jamil softly after the waitress drops off the check.

“I’m glad you’ve had a good time, sweetheart,” replies Silver as he counts out his money and slips it into the check as well as settling a ten on top of it for their waitress. “Do you have anywhere you wanna go, or would you rather head back now?”

“Would you be up to checking out the book shop across the street?” asks Jamil curiously as he points out the window next to him to the Books A Lot shop.

“I think that’s perfect. I could do with some more books to read before bed, so we should definitely check it out,” replies Silver as their waitress comes back over. “Oh, the ten on top is for you, okay? Thank you for being so wonderful.”

“Oh, thank you. I- You didn’t have to do that, I appreciate it so much though,” says Malia with a surprised tone as she picks up the checkbook and the ten on top. “I’ll be right back with your receipt.”

“You deserve it and thank you!” replies Jamil as he reassures her with a smile. Malia just ducks her head with a smile and hurries away, but Silver grins as he looks at Jamil. “What? It’s the truth.”

“I’m not disagreeing with you, sweetheart, but I am very much adoring how reassuring and caring you are,” replies Silver softly, adoration filling him as he looks at his omega.

“You’ve been making me blush this entire time,” sighs Jamil with a soft smile and a shake of his head. “But I adore how reassuring and caring you are too, so I guess that makes us even.”

Silver feels his cheeks heating up at that as he sputters, “I haven’t done anything.”

“Yes, you have, Alpha, and you know it because it’s one of the many reasons I adore you,” replies Jamil knowingly as he winks at Silver, making his face heat up more in response. “You and I both know that you didn’t have to give her that tip when you added a tip to the money you put in the checkbook as well, but I’ll drop it since she’s coming back. What books are you gonna be looking at?”

“That was a small tip to even things up, of course I had to give her a proper tip. I- okay, I’m not gonna say anymore cause you’re smiling at me like I’m proving your point,” sighs Silver with an amused shake of his head as he lets his thumb brush over Jamil’s fingers. “I’m gonna be checking out some history books on everyone’s homes, but I’m also going to check out some more mystery books.”

“Here is that receipt and thank you again for dining with us today! I hope you have a wonderful day!” says Malia brightly as she sets the receipt down before grabbing their empty drink glasses and heading away again.

“Sounds interesting, and I can give you some of the ones on Scalding Sands if you want. I have several from home since I’ve spent most of my life learning more about the history of my home. I also have a couple on the Savanna that I can get from Kalim, if you’re interested in that as well, but obviously you can buy them at the shop. I just wanted to offer,” Jamil becomes shy as he rubs the back of his neck with his free hand and looks away while Silver folds the receipt to put in his wallet for safekeeping.

“I’d really appreciate it if you could let me borrow those books when I’m ready for them. I only have to grab a couple from the shop, if you do. I have four books that I don’t have, and those were on the list. I also want to read up on the Coral Sea and the Shaftlands,” replies Silver with a soft smile as he stands and holds out his hand to Jamil, nodding when Jamil glances at him with an uncertain look. When Jamil takes his offered hand and stands, Silver breathes a sigh of relief. “Let’s go check out that shop.”

Jamil hums a quiet “Okay,” while squeezing Silver’s hand in his gently before letting himself be led out of the cafe and across the street to the book shop. Once they’re inside, Silver lets Jamil lead him back towards the fantasy section.

“So, fantasy is your reading poison, then?” asks Silver as he realizes that he hadn’t asked Jamil what he was going to be looking for.

“Fantasy, Romance, and Mysteries are my favorites,” replies Jamil almost shyly as one of his fingers traces the spine of a book.

“Ah, we run pretty similarly then,” says Silver softly as he watches Jamil’s head whip up, those brown eyes filling with surprise as they meet his own. “I’ve been a Romance, Mystery, and Fantasy reader since I was younger. I got into History a year or two before I came to NRC, but those three have been my genres for years.”

“Learning something new about you is becoming one of my favorite things in the world to do,” says Jamil softly, almost like he’s in awe of the new information.

“I feel the same,” replies Silver with a wink before he clears his throat. “I’m going to head two rows over for the History books, but I shouldn’t be long.”

“Okay, see you in a few minutes then. We can meet in the Mystery section down there,” offers Jamil with a grin as he nods towards the Mystery section that’s about four rows away.

“Sounds perfect, see you there in a few, sweetheart. Make sure you pick out a book before then, okay? I’ll pay,” replies Silver with a grin before he leans in and brushes a kiss to Jamil’s cheek and heads towards the History section.

Silver takes almost no time to find the two books he’s looking for, and he chances a glance towards the Romance section to find Jamil looking between two books. He takes a moment to take the other in again, loving the way he can see the clear indecision written across the man’s form, even if he can’t completely see his face. He smiles gently before walking over to him, making his steps loud enough to be heard, but not to disrupt anyone.

“Oh, I thought we’d meet over there?” asks Jamil when he chances a glance up and looks at Silver in surprise.

“I was just checking on you and noticed the indecision, sweetheart. I wanted to tell you to just get both,” replies Silver with a soft smile as he nods at the books in Jamil’s hands.

“Are you sure? I could always see if one of them are in the library at school,” replies Jamil in uncertainty as he tilts his head and looks at the books while Silver lets their shoulders brush as he leans closer.

“Yeah, but if you get it now, then you don’t have to worry about anyone checking it out or it not being there. Plus, if you get it at the library and like it enough to want to add it to your collection, then you’ll be mad that you didn’t buy it when you had the chance. Get it now, and you can always give it away if you’re not a fan,” replies Silver easily as he comes up with some reasons why it would be better to get the book now, wanting to reassure Jamil that it’s okay to just buy both.

“True,” says Jamil as he tilts his head, gently leaning against Silver as he takes a moment to think things over. “Well, I guess I’ll think about it more. I’ll bring ‘em both with me just in case,and make a decision before we check out.”

“Sounds like a plan,” replies Silver with a soft smile before he turns, his two books held against his side.

Silver moves to walk, only for his hand to be caught in Jamil’s, and he ducks his head with a soft smile as his cheeks heat up at the move.

“Let’s go find some Mystery books to take home!” says Jamil brightly as he squeezes Silver’s hand lightly before tugging him along as he takes the lead.

Silver chuckles as he moves with Jamil, following his omega to the Mystery section and grinning wide when Jamil finds three books that he’s been looking for. He’d been searching NRC’s library for two months trying to find them only to immediately spot them after turning into the section. 

“I wasted two months when they were probably here the entire time!” huffs Jamil as he looks at them and adds them to his pile.

“Hey, at least you found them. Now, you don’t have to wait for the Library to order them cause you can get them here,” replies Silver with a smile as Jamil grins at his little stack of books.

“Yeah, I guess, but I can’t get all of these-” starts Jamil, seemingly dimming as he looks at his stack before looking at Silver.

“You can, and you will. I wanna buy things for you, sweetheart, and books are included. Besides, I told you I would be paying, and I worked my butt off to get the money to make our date special. I want you to get your books, and I’m going to get mine,” replies Silver as he lets go of Jamil’s hand to press his pointer finger to soft lips to cut Jamil off. His need to reassure his omega forces the words out of him faster than his brain can think them, but there’s no regret.

Jamil stares at him with wide eyes, clearly surprised by his mini outburst and probably his finger pressing to his lips, but then he seems to melt as he says, “Okay, Alpha.”

Silver shivers at the feeling of Jamil’s lips moving against his finger before he pulls away, feeling embarrassed by his own move.

“Good, now, keep looking. If you find another book you want, then you should get it,” replies Silver quickly as he feels his neck heat up to match his red face.

He turns and makes his way a little bit down the aisle, eyes locked on the books as he tries to find something interesting and forget the way Jamil’s lips felt against his finger. His Alpha is screaming to kiss his omega, to take his omega to his den and hide him away from the world, but he’s also screaming to provide for Jamil, give Jamil everything he can and make sure he’s happy. Silver hates being this close to a rut, hates how his Alpha wants so much and how hard it is to sate him without feeling like he’s being too much.

“You’re being the best Alpha I’ve ever known, so please don’t overthink. I have never been treated so wonderfully by anyone, and I’m so grateful that you’re the one treating me like I’m worth it. Silver, I know you’re close to your rut, so please… Know that you're being wonderful, my Alpha,” Jamil’s voice is soft, breath ghosting over Silver’s ear and neck as he whispers the words that Silver needs to hear, sounding so honest that even if he wanted to, Silver can’t feel disbelief.

Silver feels his Alpha relax, feels the rumble of appreciation shake through his chest, and Jamil noses just above his scent patch as he presses entirely against Silver’s side.

“Thank you,” murmurs Silver softly, dejection starting to sour his mood. “I’m sorry. I’ve messed up so many times with my own insecurities and fears, and I keep screwing this up.”

“Stop that, Silver,” says Jamil seriously as he moves to press his back to the shelf so he can look Silver in the eyes as his hands come up to cup Silver’s face. “You have feelings and insecurities, and I do too. We’ve both done stuff, said stuff, that has left us worried about how it’s going to affect our date, but it doesn’t mean that either of us have screwed this up. I think this is the best date ever, and it’s only the first date I’ve ever gone on. Do you think our date has been good?”

“Of course, I do. It’s been an amazing time, and I’ve gotten to see you, talk to you, and just be with you. It’s the most amazing date, and I almost can’t believe I planned part of it,” explains Silver seriously, needing Jamil to know that he’s having more fun than he can believe because he’s with Jamil.

“Then you haven’t screwed anything up, and neither have I. So, stop apologizing, and stop thinking that you’re going to mess anything up. You couldn’t mess this up if you tried because I know you want us just as much as I do. I know that you want me just as much as I want you, and that means that we’re in this for the long haul. We’re together, Silver, and I expect us to last because I want it more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life. Do you hear me?” asks Jamil seriously as he bares himself to Silver, brown eyes shining with vulnerability and tears that make Silver’s heart ache because he’s made Jamil emotional.

“I hear you, and I l- I adore you so much. I do want you. I do want us, I crave it like you wouldn’t believe, and I can’t see a future without you in it which is insane considering this is our first date. But it’s the truth. It’s you and me for as long as you want it to be, Jamil,” replies Silver reverently, meaning every single word that’s coming out of his mouth and needing Jamil to believe it with everything he has in him. “I’m sorry that we keep doing this apologizing thing, but I’m glad that we’re talking it through. Thank you, so much, for bothering because you don’t have to, and you know it. Thank you for being you, Jamil Viper.”

“I should be saying that to you. I’ve never gotten so attached to someone before, not like this, but I’m so glad it’s you, Silver. You and me forever, that’s where I see us,” says Jamil as he leans in, gently pressing their foreheads together like he needs the closeness. When Silver’s hands find purchase on his hips, fingers pressing gently through the fabric of his top for him to feel, Jamil sighs deeply with a soft purr. “Let’s get our books and head out. I want to be alone with you, properly alone, maybe cuddle and watch something, just you and me before your rut.”

“Alright, sweetheart, let’s go,” replies Silver easily as he tilts his head back slightly, letting their noses brush gently back and forth a moment before pulling back entirely.

Jamil takes his hand, and they head to the front to check out, Silver getting his two books while Jamil gets five, and Silver pays quickly to hurry them through. When they get outside, they share a glance before Silver steps forward and holds out his free hand to the taxi rounding the corner. They slip inside, and Silver tells the driver where to go, smiling softly when Jamil purrs happily and leans into him. As soon as the car stops, Jamil is slipping out as Silver pays, then they hurry through campus to the building and into the Mirror Hall.

“My dorm, or yours, sweetheart?” asks Silver as they reach the hall only to chuckle when Jamil tugs him through Scarabia’s mirror. “That answers that question.”

“We’ll go to my room, my actual room. It doesn’t have my nest because it’s for when I’m not in the mood for nests, and you’re probably too close to your rut to be in my nest without it setting you off early. But I have my projector set up in there, so we should be okay,” explains Jamil as he leads the way through the Scarabian dorm, nodding to people who call out his name without stopping.

“That’s fine, sweetheart, whatever you want,” replies Silver meaningfully as they reach a hallway and Jamil slows down. “You okay?”

“I’m okay, just ready to be able to cuddle with you is all. I’m kinda sad though because we definitely can’t take our patches off again, not with you being this close to rut,” says Jamil with a soft pout as they walk down the hall to the room at the end that Jamil tugs them to a stop at.

“Next time, sweetheart, I promise. Now, what’re you thinking we should watch?” asks Silver easily as he follows Jamil into the room and towards the bed that Jamil quickly flops on.

“I’m thinking we can watch a documentary, but I can’t choose. Should we watch the Maleficent documentary or the Jafar documentary? Those are the only two I haven’t watched yet, but I dunno which one to choose,” sighs Jamil as he sets up his projector that’s set at the end of the bed on a bench.

“We should watch the Jafar documentary then, and we can watch Maleficent’s another day,” suggests Silver with a soft smile as he settles at the head of the bed, letting his legs stretch out as Jamil fiddles with the projector.

The video starts to play on the projector, just opening with the normal statement, “This is the Twisted Wonderland History Channel.”

“I liked your choice, so that’s what we’re sticking with. Are you okay with me cuddling close?” asks Jamil softly as he climbs up the bed and settles on the bed next to Silver, leaving a sliver of space between them like he’s unsure.

“Sweetheart, if you wanted to sit in my lap, I’d let you. I’ll be comfortable no matter how you wanna cuddle, just as long as I get to be close to you and feel your warmth, I’m golden,” replies Silver easily, cheeks heating up yet again at his own words, but he wanted Jamil to know that if he wants to be as close as sitting in his lap, that’s perfectly fine with him.

Jamil’s cheeks go a little pink, and Silver smiles softly at the sight but stays quiet as he focuses his attention on the documentary as it opens up with a brief history segment about Jafar. 

Silver smiles to himself when Jamil does clamber his way into Silver’s lap, gently pushing his legs apart so he can settle between them and lean back against his chest. He hums as he wraps his arms around Jamil’s middle, and when Jamil starts purring, Silver feels like he’s won. They get through the entire documentary like that, just sitting together, Jamil’s purrs being matched by Silver’s rumbling chest, and it’s perfection.

When Silver has to leave, Jamil insists on walking him to the mirror hall. Silver takes Jamil’s hand and walks beside him with a soft smile as they head back through Scarabia. Stepping into the mirror hall, Silver is pleasantly surprised to find it empty, a rather rare sight considering it’s the weekend.

He turns to Jamil, and finds Jamil already looking at him with this wanting in his brown eyes, so he softly asks, “Sweetheart, what’re you looking at me like that for?”

He hopes it’s because of the kiss that he promised to give him at the end of their first date, but he doesn’t want to get his hopes up.

“Will you kiss me, beloved?” asks Jamil softly, facing him fully as he looks at him with hopeful brown eyes that Silver is losing himself in.

“Whenever you want, sweetheart. You never have to ask,” replies Silver easily as he cups Jamil’s face with both hands, thumbs brushing across his cheeks.

Jamil’s eyes flutter closed, and Silver leans in, nudging their noses together before he tilts his head and brushes their lips together. It’s a soft, barely there kiss, hesitation making him pull away after that brush, but then Jamil sighs. It’s like a switch flips as Silver steps forward and brings their lips together again, slotting them together when Jamil gasps in surprise. He keeps the kiss short, moving to pull away, but Jamil’s hand comes up to grip his sweater and tug him back as he presses up into the kiss more. One of Silver’s hands fall to Jamil’s side, tugging him closer as Jamil’s lips part slightly and their tongues meet in the middle as Silver does the same. It pulls gasps from both of them, but they can’t seem to stop kissing, stop getting used to the feeling of each other’s lips and how sweet it is to finally feel them against their own.

Laughter shatters the moment, making them jerk apart, flushes curling across their skin in a light pink that warms them inside. They’re breathless, smiles curving their reddened lips, and it was so innocent that they shouldn’t be so flustered already, but they are.

“I’ll see you after your rut, Alpha,” murmurs Jamil softly, sweet as he presses his lips to Silver’s cheek as talking reaches them, sounding closer than the laughter did.

“See you then, Omega,” replies Silver as he kisses Jamil’s cheek as well.

Silver watches Jamil walk into his dorm’s mirror, and his rut can’t come and end soon enough. He goes through his dorm mirror and feels like he’s floating all the way to his den, not even stopping to say hi to anyone as he goes. He’s completely lost in this sweet feeling.