goldencharms | FOR INFY!!!

[Well, Kalim won't be drinking anything unless he does first, of course. But it's fine as long as the waiters bring the pot right to the table for them to pour their own cups, isn't it? As long as they can keep an eye on it while they talk, there's nothing to worry about.

Jamil places his order while Kalim reads his card--a fragrant jasmine tea, as it turns out--, raising an eyebrow at him incredulously. As tactless as always..... but that aside, really? What kind of question is that?]

What? Obviously not. What would even give you that idea?

[ Kalim's all but forgotten about having others taste test for him, so it's genuinely not on his mind. Instead, he frowns at the card in front of him.

Were they all lies? ]

Oh... It was just this.

[ he offers the card for him, smiling sheepishly. ]

I was wondering if the third one was true, and who it was about if so...

Let me see that.

[Jamil takes the card to read over himself, jaw tightening subtly. There are some very choice words he could say about this slander.....

Instead he just huffs dismissively, dropping it back onto the table. That idiot..... If they had been paired together randomly, then the last one was clearly a personal dig at him being "overbearing" or some such nonsense, as if his caution wasn't constantly justified at every possible turn. And if this had been deliberate, well..... the who should be obvious, right? The card had been given directly to Kalim, after all.

Not that it's true even if that is the case. He's not obsessed, after all. It's his job to worry about Kalim--and even when he's off the clock, how is he supposed to stop thinking about him when Kalim won't leave him alone? He doesn't exactly get much peace and quiet or time to himself. Ugh, of all the things they could have written..... Why pick something so embarrassing?]

They're trying to turn everything into an innuendo to get people excited to meet each other, that's all. It's probably just a comment on Scarabian mindfulness and planning.

Oh...

[ does he look a little relieved? he doesn't mean to, but there's that brief flash of... something ]

That makes sense.

[ he says, giving Jamil all the grace in the world. there's supposed to be tea drinking he knows, but he's still a little surprised when something actually comes to the table, and his eyes widen. ]

Oh! I wouldn't trust anything they give you to eat or drink.

Think of it like clickbait on Magicam. These aren't even worth the paper they're printed on.

[Kalim never has been able to hide his feelings worth a damn, has he? Of course he's going to notice that momentary shift, ridiculous as it is. Why would Kalim be worried that he's obsessed with anyone, anyway? Classes and club meetings aside, it seems as though they're hardly ever apart these days. Does Kalim really believe he has time for other commitments in his life right now, especially ones he wouldn't already know about the moment they developed? Honestly, it'll be a miracle if he ever manages to get into a romantic relationship, at this rate.

The flash of alarm in his eyes when Kalim warns him, though--it's certainly not proving the card wrong, in either sense it could have been meant in. Has Kalim been subsisting off tainted food and drink for months? How badly has it hurt him already? He doesn't look thin enough to have been starving himself the way he used to..... Ugh, this never would have happened if he'd been around to cook. Unbelievable.]

How do they tamper with it? Are you alright? What have you been eating and drinking, in that case?

Just trust me, it isn't worth it!

[ he says, more insistently, immediately putting his hands out to block the pot as much as possible. The last thing he wants is for Jamil to find himself in the state he was on the first day. The idea makes Kalim uncomfortable in ways that are hard to describe.

If he has to be there... Kalim wants him to have the awareness for every moment of it. To make his own choices, and to not feel like anyone has manipulated him into anything. ]

It makes your head go-- funny. And you can't really think through what you do.

[ he could describe it more clearly, or answer any of his other questions. But Kalim is more concerned about dissuading Jamil from drinking than anything else. ]

So that's their angle.

[What a wretched pack of scum, claiming this is some sort of innocent social engagement only to drug and manipulate strangers who couldn't possibly know better. Just how badly have they hurt Kalim already? How many times? What exactly have they forced him to do?

Jamil's voice is tightly controlled to force down the anger, but he does reach around Kalim's hands to take the pot--and set it on the next table over, spout pointedly facing away from them, rather than give into the unseemly impulse to fling it onto the floor and watch it shatter. Observation be damned, if the refreshments are drugged, then this is more important than remaining inconspicuous.]

How do you feel? You didn't breathe in any of the steam, did you?

Eh?

[ he stares at Jamil, confusion on his face, ]

Don't worry, don't worry! That... isn't that strong!

[ he falters, and then finishes much more self assured. And more relaxed now that the pot is away from them. Jamil is safe. He won't drink it, and then there won't be any awkward situations. ]

I've been cooking for myself! I want to make something for you, too. I'm no where near as good as you, but you've been cooking my meals for so long, I really want to try to make something for you too. Lilia will be glad to see you, and I really want you to meet Ruby, too!

[ his questions: forgotten. the fact sheets: forgotten. He just wants to share every little thought that has popped up inside his head. ]

You've been cooking?

[That's..... one way to avoid being drugged, he supposes, but somehow it doesn't really make him feel any better. Kalim isn't supposed to handle knives or fire for a reason. At least he doesn't seem to be sporting any bandages, and he hadn't seen any cuts, burns, or blisters..... But still!

And yet..... He genuinely can't decide if it's better that Kalim risks the kitchen, or that someone like Lilia cook for him. He's heard horror stories about the kitchen abominations Lilia is capable of producing, ones that frankly beggar belief. How ill would Kalim get, trying to eat that man's culinary disasters? Every possibility he hears about is worse than the last.....

How is he even supposed to feel about the idea of Kalim cooking him something, anyway? It's just..... unnatural. It makes him feel uncomfortable in a way he's not sure how to articulate--so he won't. At all. Maybe if they just move past it, Kalim will forget about the idea entirely, and he won't have to say anything.]

I'm..... glad you've had a friend to keep you company, at least. Who's Ruby?

She's the other submissive contracted to Lilia.

[ Kalim doesn't know any of the turmoil going on under the surface for Jamil. Instead, he just assumes that this is all brought up as natural curiosity. After all, there was a lot for him to talk about with his life ere.

About how they were definitely equal now, and he didn't want Jamil to worry about being employed. Because there was no way he could, and also... he wouldn't be allowed to. They were different statuses now, after all. Something that might be a relief, Kalim hopes. To free Jamil from having to worry. ]

She's not good at cooking either, so I do a lot of it! I've learned a lot about the sort of stuff you've had to go through. And now, you don't have to worry at all! That's great, right??

So you're contracted to Lilia.....

[What a master to have..... He's not sure what to make of this new information, honestly. A careless, chaotic man like Lilia sounds like an absolute chore to serve. Then again, he's clearly far sharper than he lets on, and he's difficult to read, not to mention a quite capable mage and fighter..... what a dangerous man. At least he's fond of Kalim. For all his eccentricities, Lilia has probably done an adequate job of keeping Kalim safe. He hopes.]

What are you talking about?

[Idiot..... As though he'd ever be able to just stop worrying. Why does Kalim assume he would, just because he's learned how to operate a stove? And why does he think he suddenly knows him now, just because he's been forced to be a Submissive? He doesn't know a damn thing about him. How could Kalim possibly understand what he's gone through, or how he feels? The very notion is absurd. He's just.....

They're just too different. Kalim's not that kind of person, and never will be.]

[ he blinks at that response, and glances down, trying to think of what he wants to say, before settling, ]

Well, the idea of the al-Asim heir doesn't matter here, right? And Rook told me I should try to embrace being a submissive to understand everything you have to deal with...

[ so, he did.

to varying degrees of success. ]

So, here, it doesn't matter what things are like back home. You don't need to worry about me at all!

[ he says it so cheerfully, certain this will free Jamil up. Maybe he'll even be happy! Kalim hopes he'll be happy... he just wants them to be equals... but he'd take their positions switching at the very least, if it would make Jamil happy. ]

[How meddlesome. Should he be grateful that Rook tried to step in on his behalf, or just annoyed? The man is almost as hard to read as Lilia in some ways. But he can admit that maybe it would be..... useful for Kalim to get a little perspective on his job, if it means Kalim's a little more conscientious about staying out of trouble and not giving him so much extra work. Just because Rook had tried doesn't mean that Kalim had gotten the point though, does it?

He never seems to get the point, even if he's apparently suddenly trying to. Why is Kalim always so..... so..... ugh! What a damn fool! What is this fresh nonsense? As if he could ever just forget what they're going back home to..... Wouldn't it only hurt worse, pretending that none of it mattered, only to need to pick right back up where they'd left off? Just like that brief taste of an independent school life, going up in smoke in a matter of weeks..... How is it that Kalim so cavalierly asks for the moon and stars, without the slightest idea that they might be impossible to pluck out of the sky? Why can't he just be reasonable for once?]

Don't be ridiculous, we can't just forget where we come from. Or do you seriously mean to tell me you've already given up hope on making it home?

Not at all!

[ he says, oblivious to all of the internal turmoil Jamil's shifting through. ]

Just, it doesn't make sense to pretend things are like they are at home while we're here, right? It's not like I could pay you or anything, so... You don't have to worry about it.

Excuse me?!

[It feels like he's been punched in the gut. Is Kalim saying he's replacing him?! With Lilia, of all people?! Of all the reckless, irresponsible, short-sighted, brazen, arrogant, stupid--!! How does he think he's going to manage on his own without anyone helping him? Is Lilia even responsible enough to handle everything Kalim needs? What the hell does he expect to say when he gets in over his head and inevitably comes crawling back to him in utter defeat and humiliation? "Haha, sorry, my bad! Could you give me a hand with this? You always know just what to do!"

Of course he knows what to do. He has more knowledge and experience than anyone else ever has or ever will. What makes Kalim think anyone else is capable of fulfilling those duties?]

You can't just fire me, you aren't even the contract holder to begin with! Do you have any idea what kind of trouble there would be if I shirked my duties just because we got kidnapped?

Huh?

You would??

[ the answer is... no. ]

But I've been fine so far! And this isn't like normal at all! So, I don't think anyone would know.

[ and he wouldn't tell them. ]

Out of the question. Just because it's been relatively safe so far doesn't mean it will continue to be; there's no predicting the behavior of scumbags who have somehow pulled off kidnapping hundreds of people like this.

[Oh, they'll know. Anything that happens to Kalim, any injuries, any discrepancies..... He'll be the one who has to answer for them. And if he's being held accountable, that risks the rest of his family being held accountable, too. It's just going to be a mess all around, one he needs to be present for to prevent as much as possible.

He just..... can't let Kalim get hurt. That's all there is to it. It's so simple and obvious, even Kalim himself should be capable of understanding. Right?]

Ah....

[ what does he say to that? he can't help it: he's confused. Jamil should've been excited for this, shouldn't he? A chance to not have to worry about him?

Kalim's smile is a little awkward, and his posture torn between tight and fidgety, and slumping in defeat. He wants to push back, wants to tell Jamil he doesn't want him to worry. But he already has, and Jamil's already told him no.

What can he even do at this point...? ]

I-- okay...

[ he nods, acquiescing. he can't deny that there are dangers. ]

[Whew..... That takes care of their first problem. He wouldn't be able to watch over Kalim properly, if he wasn't still in a position to stay close. But that's a relatively small hurdle to clear, considering everything else they have to contend with, isn't it? There's no possible way they can rely on outside rescue in a situation like this; how would Crowley and the other professors have any idea what had happened, let alone be able to do something about this when they've apparently been brought to another dimension entirely? They have no choice but to rely on themselves, and their fellow hostages.....

If they even can organize or conspire in any meaningful way without arousing suspicion. How are they supposed to get useful information? Is it possible to insinuate himself into this "LIER" organization that had brought him here? Maybe gain enough trust to be able to search their facilities, or use Snake Charmer on someone to interrogate them without getting caught?]

We'll figure something out. In the meantime..... what have they done to you? What has life been like for you here?

[ kalim just picks himself back up once the conversation continues, his posture relaxing like they hadn't just had-- he doesn't even know what to call it. Maybe it really was just normal.

But it didn't feel normal.

Still, he wasn't going to dwell on it, or it would ruin the rest of the conversation with Jamil most likely. ]

What do you mean? It's been great!

[ he answers, impossibly chipper. ]

I get to work at a potion shop. Ruby and Lilia are a ton of fun to hang out with! Oh, and since Cater's here, we've been able to do Pop Music Club shows too! I really like it!

Great?

[Forgive him if he's a little skeptical that anything about this godsforsaken situation could possibly be great. Isn't that just like Kalim, to have unwarranted optimism about the most dangerous potential predicaments? Even so, he can't help but be a little surprised, hearing Kalim's actually employed.....]

It sounds as though you're staying busy, at least. Are--

Finished already? Here you go, boys.

.....Thank you very much.

[Jamil smiles, but there's something sharp and cold in his gaze as he stares at the waitress' retreating back. So they noticed that they weren't drinking, did they? Whoever "they" were. Why push the refreshments so hard, without giving them a chance to demur? Will they even be allowed to leave, if they don't properly partake and socialize as they're expected to?]

Thank you!

[ Kalim echoes, with sincerity. After all, that person hadn't done anything wrong. Still, he doesn't make a move to get anything to drink, instead pulling his feet up into the chair, sitting in a butterfly pattern, rocking lightly.

idly. not paying attention ]

Yeah, I'm definitely staying busy! Did you know Idia runs a cafe, too?! It's wild, I expected that from someone like Azul, but I was totally surprised when I heard he was running it. Lots of our classmates work there!

[ really... he's one of the only ones who doesn't. ]

Idia? Since when would he choose to be in charge of anything?

[Idia hates talking to people. Employees, customers--isn't dealing with that sort of thing all far beyond the tolerance levels of a shut-in like him? He's not sure if he's incredulous or impressed. Is Ortho running it all for him?

Well, that's none of his concern. Whatever Idia is doing to push outside of his comfort zone or not, maybe Idia being a business owner will come in handy somehow? Jamil pours himself a cup of tea in the meantime, looking past Kalim as he stirs in a generous spoonful of sugar--downright conservative, by Kalim's tastes, but enough that he should be able to identify the effects of whatever substances might have been added to it. It's probably in the tea, though, isn't it? Not everyone takes theirs sweetened, after all.

Now, to see if he can spot who or what may be monitoring them (and how many other pairs, throughout the restaurant?) to make sure they were drinking as they've been told to.]

Just how many classmates have been brought here? Why target Night Raven College in particular.....?

Uhh, let's see...

[ Kalim is distracted for a moment, but he still seems apprehensive about Jamil drinking the tea. But... everyone else is drinking it, and nothing's happened yet. So maybe he's overreacting...

He exhales softly. ]

A lot of people... Right now, there's Lilia, Silver, Cater, Idia, Floyd, Jade, and Rook. I don't know if they're targeting NRC or if... that's just how it is. There's a lot of people from all over here.

Nine people, now..... That's a significant amount, for a campus of our size. I can't imagine that's a coincidence, if they're capable of taking people from countless different places, even different dimensions. So why.....?

[Jamil raises his cup and takes a deep breath of steam, slow and deliberate, calculating as he keeps an eye on their surroundings. No difference in scent that he can detect. A deep, measured sip, cup lingering against his lips to blatantly show his obedience to whatever LIER agents or cameras might be watching, gaze sharp and focused as he analyzes the drink and his own bodily reactions. The taste is what he would expect, the consistency and mouthfeel are fine, the color of the tea is normal. As far as he can tell, anything they've added is colorless, odorless, able to dissolve into hot tea perfectly without leaving any telltale traces behind.

Now, how does he feel? He feels..... fine, mostly. A gentle, lingering warmth spreading through him, more than he would expect from a simple tea. A subtle..... looseness, if he had to describe it aloud? His muscles feel a little less tense, his chest a little less tight, his mind a little less dark and tumultuous. Were he not paying such intense attention, would he have even noticed? Or would he have simply chalked it up to being relieved to be able to finally relax, after such a stressful transition? Still, his head doesn't feel "funny", as Kalim had described it. His thoughts are lucid. He has full control over himself, as he sets his cup back down on its saucer.]

There's some sort of fast-acting sedative I can't identify, but even drinking in moderation, it should still only be a mild dose. An attempt to keep us complacent, no doubt.

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