Work Text:
The classroom is empty when Jamil enters except for Kalim, who stands in the center, fiddling with a projector. He’s changed out of his uniform into something oddly formal. Besides the crisp white clothes, Jamil notices his shirt is buttoned up all the way. His jewelry is also different. Normally, Kalim slips on whatever he fancies that morning, but the gold hanging from him, while simpler than usual, all seems to match.
The machine hums to life and Kalim mumbles a happy little tune as he pulls up a slideshow. It takes him a moment to realize Jamil is in front of the door, but once he does, he rushes to pull out a chair for him. “Thank you for coming.”
Jamil raises a brow. “What’s all this about?” He approaches the chair and pauses. Years of instincts drilled into him by his parents are screaming that this is in no way proper, but Kalim is looking at him so expectantly, like a puppy begging for scraps. He sits.
“Presentation is important when offering a proposal.”
“And this proposal involves me… how, exactly?”
“I’m glad you asked.” Kalim smiles and clicks to the next slide.
“Reasons why we should get married” fills the screen in curly handwritten letters.
Jamil blinks.
Once.
Twice.
Yet every time he opens his eyes, the same words are plastered on the screen before him.
Kalim clears his throat. “I have called you here today, habibi, to make a deal with you.” He clicks to the next slide. “As you know, in two years I will take over as head of the family. You and your family will be released from servitude, as promised, free to do whatever you please. And one of those things you could do with that freedom in young adulthood is get married. I happen to be one of the people you could get married to."
“Now, I know what you might be thinking.” Click. “Why would you marry me, of all people? To answer this question, I have compiled the following list of reasons.”
“Reason number one: companionship. We’ve known each other for most of our lives and been through many things together. Think of how long it would take to build up that kind of bond with someone else. Additionally, while there is a lot we know about each other, there is also much to learn, so things wouldn’t get boring between us.”
Click.
“Reason number two: finances. You want to travel, see the world, but it can get costly. Wouldn’t it be nice to go wherever you want for however long you want without having to worry about funds? Your family would also be well taken care of. And, as first spouse, you and our children will have special inheritance rights. Simply put: you’ll never have to worry about money ever again.”
Click.
“Number three: affection. For most people, physical affection is an important part of relationships. As you know from our daily interactions, this is something I gladly provide on a regular basis. Once married, this would expand to include things such as kisses and bedroom activities if and whenever you desire.”
It’s not often Jamil is left speechless. If anyone were to walk in, his soul would promptly leave his body. But this whole thing is also kind of… cute? It’s nice seeing the focused side of Kalim. In moments like this, he can actually picture the other boy in the future as the charismatic businessman at the head of the Asim family.
Click.
“And in case you’re wondering, ‘Kalim, this is a very nice presentation, but what if I don’t like men?’ Do not worry, my dear, I’ve thought of that as well. First, we get married. Then, I have a second marriage to a woman. But the secret is: she will actually be your wife. You’ll choose someone you like and then you two can spend time together and do married people things with her while the two of us remain best friend married. My only request is that we have a sleepover at least once a week because I will miss you if you spend all your time with her.”
Click.
“Conclusion: I love you and would like to spend the rest of my life with you. For the reasons provided, I believe it would be beneficial for both of us to marry each other.” Kalim relaxes and beams a smile at him. “So, what do you think?”
“I…”
What does he think?
It’s a golden opportunity; people would kill to marry into the Asim family. It would also be good for his parents and Najma, to be free and taken care of for the rest of their lives. His parents had him young, but he still worries about their future, when they aren’t able to take care of themselves like they do now. Wouldn’t it be nice to give them a peaceful future where they can pursue a life outside of serving others?
But he’s spent his whole life putting his family first. He did as he was told to keep them safe because the Asim palace is all the Vipers have ever known for generations. They’re the only ones with their own little house in the servant’s quarters. Getting cast out meant more than losing a job; it meant losing their home and everything they’ve ever known. He’s not sure they’d even be able to afford a house in the city.
What does he want? Maybe if he hadn’t shoved down anything resembling a crush on Kalim, it would be easier to sort his warring thoughts.
It would be practical.
Is this a trick?
Doesn’t he deserve something nice? After all he’s been through?
The plan is decent. Is it decent enough to commit to? They’re only 18-
“Jamil?” Kalim fiddles with his bracelets. “You can say no; it won’t hurt my feelings. I know you have… complicated feelings about me. I just,” he sighs, “wanted to put the idea out there, before you’re gone forever. Plus, I figured it would make it easier to move on if you just rejected me outright sooo…” His voice trails off.
It triggers something defensive in him. “Why did you think I was going to say no?”
“Well, you’ve been really quiet which is usually a sign someone is thinking of a way to let you down gently-” Kalim pauses, eyes going wide in realization. “Wait, does that mean…?”
Jamil huffs and looks away. He’s too bright right now. “I might be inclined to accept, given certain conditions.”
“Anything you want, habibi! Your wish is my command.”
The words make him blush. Hastily, he pulls up his hood.
“It might be acceptable for someone like you to marry more than once, but I’m not going to share you with anyone, understand? You’re mine.”
Kalim nods.
“Good.” He could continue, but Kalim is trembling. He opens his arms. “Come here.”
Kalim does not launch himself at him like Jamil expected. Instead, he delicately settles in his lap, like a dove. Jamil strokes his hair as the other boy babbles into the crook of his neck. They can talk more about this later.