Chapter Text
CHAPTER 1: Absolutely not
“After all I’ve done for you? Not even a consideration?”
“The only thing you’ve done is annoy me, absolutely not” Jamil spat out in Azul’s direction, in which the male student only put on a sheepish smile, his composure slowly faltering in the presence of Jamil's stubborn insistence against his attempts to transfer him into Octavinelle, the dorm he was housewarden of. Sure, Jamil was the vice-housewarden of Scarabia, but surely there are other candidates for the spot? He worked so hard, and it'd be a shame if his talents weren't put to good use...
“How cold-hearted of you! I simply wish for you to expand your horizons and find beneficial opportunities using you- I mean, for you! Would you truly not at *all* consider my generous offer?” Azul hummed, clapping his hands together in a praying position, his expression one of mingled feelings swirling in his eyes hidden behind a businessman's impeccable, if not unnerving ability to conceal his true feelings. Jamil stared a moment, the irritated furrow of his brow only deepening as he crosses his arms Infront of his chest. He takes a deep inhale, as if preparing to spew every word that's brewing in his mind in one, spiteful breath.
“I have Kalim to watch over, you know that. Either way, absolutely not. I refuse to associate with you” He firmly states, before turning on his heel and attempting to walk away from Azul’s schemes. Azul’s eyes widen before he quickly shakes his head as if the physical motion could rid him of the fact that he himself isn’t sure of his true motives. He simply NEEDS Jamil in the same dorm as him, absolutely despising every moment of not having something he wants in his greedy clutches. You only live once; you missed out by NOT being greedy! And greedy he was, greedy for any attention he could snatch up from Jamil and every little glance that goes towards him. He could practically live in his attention alone, for business purposes, of course.
“Jamil! You must reconsider! There are such wonderful benefits to transferring! You haven’t even heard me out-” he began, beginning to speed walk after him, picking up the pace as he got closer to the boy who constantly shut doors in his face. Finally, he managed to block Jamil’s path, spreading his arms wide to prevent him from leaving. Jamil attempted to sidestep and go past him, clearly disinterested in whatever cheap pitch he'd wrap in lies and ensure no benefits on Jamil’s side of the agreement. Truly, though, Azul was willing to take negative repercussions in return for Jamil’s acceptance of his offer, and stood by that fact, even if he didn't quite realize the lengths he would take himself. Azul followed his movements, a determined expression on his face as he tried to push Jamil back with his sheer will, and with how hard he's trying, he may even get the stubborn vice-housewarden to move a centimeter. Jamil's eyes sharpened as he realized truly how insufferable his interaction was going to be for him.
“Azul, move” Jamil sharply demanded, reminding Azul of how increasingly bold and more honest Jamil has become ever since his overblot. It was truly tragic just how he's became “crueler” towards Azul and everyone else after realizing the depth of his autonomy he can now explore, courtesy of the blot that had once consumed him. Azuk for is part, is truly not appreciating the fact that Jamil has come to the realization that boundaries exist and that he can set the troublesome, invisible walls right Infront of him, inevitably separating Azul from him.
“Well then, how about I treat you to a meal of your choice at the Mostro Lounge for...considering my offer? Simply a bit of compensation in my end, I expect nothing in return!” Azul offers, clearly resorting to desperate measures if he's willingly giving out free items without the other party giving something in return or announcing the other party to be in his debt. Jamil pauses, his eyes meeting Azul’s with an almost smug smirk, a knowing glint in his eyes as he contemplates the measures he's going to, leaning down ever so slightly just to rack up Azul’s nerves, opening his mouth as if to refuse the offer, before he truly decides to respond.
“A free meal? Well, it would be a nice change of pace from constantly cooking and practically living in the kitchen...” He murmurs, acting as if he's double thinking his decision, standing back up right to his full height and staring up at an invisible, particularly interesting thought towards the ceiling purely to rile up Azul. Azul, not wanting his plan to keep Jamil near to be squandered, quickly butts into his fake reconsideration. His nerves jittered as if a wildfire had broken it inside of him, stepping closer with a faltering smile, truly beginning to look distressed.
“No! No no no no! No take backs! You agreed, did you not? Come on then, overthinking does you no good” he hums, quickly grabbing ahold of Jamil’s wrist, just short of holding his hand, and mentally curses every object he's ever touched in his 17 years of living, his cheeks dusting pink beneath the fog he’s built up in his glasses, clenching his jaw tight as he mentally questions why it's so incredibly frustrating but rewarding to chase after Jamil. Chasing is what dogs do, dogs whine, they cry, they endlessly bark and refuse to accept their presence isn't wanted! He can only imagine how he looks in Jamil's eyes(The enemy is closer than you think)
“Very well, there no need to hurry...It's not as if I have any big reason to run from you...for now, of course” Jamil reassures Azul without meaning to, causing the other man to loosen his grip ever so slightly, focusing on regaining his composure in the sight of such unfamiliar, inconvenient predicaments he finds himself tied up in when near Jamil. The path they wake is quiet, fading summer skies painting the world a light orange hue, the color of the intricately woven carpets and tapestries in Scarabia dorm they pass through, the other students peeking glances at the unlikely pair only known for squabbling and attempted striking deals now borderline holding hands, Azul dragging Jamil behind him, looking as if his cortisol has spiked to a record high, while Jamil seems relatively amused and calm, simply staring at the back of Azal's head, adoringly aware of his frazzled state, before he snaps himself out of the fond daze he found himself in, the sudden shift seeming to harshen his mood just a bit, as he attempted to tug his hand back from Azul’s grip, only to pause halfway and sigh, allowing his wrist to stay in the confines of Azul’s hands, simply accepting his fate for the time being.