"Be my darling!"

That morning was definitely...something. First thing٫ you woke up to being nearly squished to death. During the night٫ you—somehow—ended up with Azul underneath you and squeezing you with what felt like a death grip. Jade had laid peacefully beside the two of you٫ but his arm seemed to have a tight grip around your waist. For Floyd and Grim٫ it was honestly surprising how similarly they slept: Sprawled out like the owned and paid for the bed. The difference was Grim was small enough to lay on top of you٫ and Floyd was not. So٫ the eel seemed to have settled for the next best option of sprawling his limbs over you. At least when you slept in Leona's bed٫ HE had the decency to give you breathing room. You started viciously wriggling around to free yourself٫ waking them up in the process.

Now٫ you and Grim were being brought back to prison. Unwillingly٫ you might add. The only reason you hadn't put up more of a struggle is because you knew these three borderline PSYCHOPATHS had a plan to mess things up٫ and you were kinda here for it. You and Grim٫ both٫ were really salty about everything.

"I still can't believe the Ramshackle pair fled to Octavinelle."

"And they stole the magic carpet. If the housewarden were to find out about this...Rrgh, what do we do?"

"I think we'd better take this to Vice Housewarden Jamil to start with."

"Hello, gentlemen. Mind if we pop by?"

With Grim in your arms and the magic carpet beside you٫ you followed Azul as he strolled before the two Scarabia members. The tweels followed behind٫ as if to make sure you and your fluffy companion didn't attempt to flee. You nervously adjusted your clothes٫ carefully balancing Grim so that you wouldn't accidentally drop him. Your current outfit that they dressed you in was a remarkable redesign of the Octavinelle House uniforms in a way that fit your clothing style. How they knew your clothing style was unknown to you. The creepier part٫ it was somehow your exact measurements when you don't remember ever getting measured...

"Good GRAVY, it's hot here. Feels like the middle of summer٫" Floyd groaned and began fanning himself with his hat. The two boys before you all looked thoroughly surprised.

"You're the Octavinelle guys who gave us a thrashing last night!"

"What do you want with Scarabia?"

"Permit me to apologize for what transpired last evening. It's only natural to believe and defend what's yours. But after I heard their story...It became clear to me that the two of them must've decided to act out and steal Scarabia's magic carpet. Once I realized my mistake, I took personal responsibility for the matter. I've brought them here to apologize in person for the trouble they've caused٫ and to return the magic carpet to its rightful owner٫ as well."

"Rgh... It ain't fair, I tell ya..." Grim grumbled. The carpet seemed to nod.

"W-well, uh..."

"Thank you for the...help?"

"Guys. It's about time for morning training. If you're late, Kalim will—Gh?!" Jamil froze at the sight in front of him.

"Why, Jamil! Hello there. How are you?" Azul greeted in delight.

"Azul Ashengrotto...and the Leech brothers as well? What are you doing here?"

"Our home isn't the most hospitable place in the wintertime٫" Jade explained.

"So we spend our holidays in the dorm! Aha ha!" Floyd laughed.

"Wh...What?"

"By the way, where might Kalim be? I'm here to return his magic carpet to him٫" the conman stated.

"Er, ah...lf you need to deliver something, I'll take it to him٫" Jamil offered٫ attempting to pass Azul and approach you. Your best guess was so that he could lead you back inside.

The former٫ however٫ was not so willing and stepped between the two of you٫ "Oh, but I insist! This magic carpet is a legendary artifact on par with national treasures. If it were discovered to be damaged later, Octavinelle would be held liable. We can't have that, now, can we? I would prefer to hand it to Kalim in person and have him assess its condition firsthand."

"Kalim wouldn't care even if it was damaged. Let me take it٫ and these troublemakers٫ off your hands, okay?" Jamil urged.

"Worry not—l won't even ask for my standard twenty percent finder's fee٫" Azul hummed.

"Consider that our way of apologizing for our uncouth behavior towards Scarabia last night٫" Jade added.

"We also brought a seafood pizza as a little present. You wouldn't want it to get cold, wouldja?" Floyd purred.

"The point is, I would MUCH prefer to deliver it in person. He's awake by now, I trust?"

"No, really, he's not feeling up for any—hey!

You can't just barge in, Azul!"

Jamil's words were of no use٫ though. Adult had already pushed passed him٫ dragging you along. Right behind٫ Floyd and Jade followed.

"Oh, hey, Azul. What brings you to our dorm?" Kalim wondered. With how calm he was٫ it was probably safe to say that the Housewarden was kept out of the loop about last night's escape.

"Hello there. It's nice to see you, Kalim٫" Azul greeted. "Goodness me! Scarabia never fails to impress every time I visit. It's a veritable winter wonderland outside, yet in here, the sun's so hot that it might as well be midsummer. You would have vacationers coming in droves if you opened up a resort here. It's an ideal location."

"You don't say? I don't really have the savvy for business stuff, but thanks for the kind words!"

"At any rate, I'm here today because I caught your magic carpet. I'd like to return it to you."

"Really? It ran off again? I'm sorry you had to deal with that٫" Kalim apologized.

"Oh, it's no bother at all٫" Azul reassured٫ "By the way, is Scarabia having holidays in the dorm this year?"

"Yes, that's right. Is Octavinelle doing the same?"

"Why, yes! Fancy that! In fact, what say we take this opportunity to improve relations between our dorms?"

"Wha...?!"Jamil yelped٫ finally catching up.

"It seems there are many things to be learned from Scarabia's unique studying style that was apparently adopted this winter٫" Azul went on.

"That's right! I would be positively honored to host Octavinelle's housewarden here in our dorm٫" Kalim exclaimed.

"....Kalim, I recommend against this٫" Jamil advised٫ finally grabbing a proper hold of you and pulling you away from Azul's side. His dragging caused you to stumble٫ almost making you drop Grim.

"Aw, why?" The housewarden whined.

"The whole point of our current training regimen is to catch up to the other dorms. If we invite the housewarden of one of those other dorms to join us, we're showing the enemy our hand٫" Jamil chided٫ taking Grim from your arms and setting him on the ground beside you.

"Oh, please. He's hardly an enemy. Besides, didn't you invite the Ramshackle residents?"

"Well, er...Yes..." The vice paused before continuing٫ "Look, Azul I'm saying this for your own good."

"You're absolutely right, Jamil. Other dorms are always going to be, on some level, our rivals in the grade standings. I'm afraid we'd best take our leave, boys. Kalim, Jamil, best of luck with your training٫" Azul wished and turned back around towards the Tweels. Then٫ he sighed٫ "Back to spending yet another holiday stuck indoors in the dead of winter, just the three of us. It's unavoidable, I suppose..."

"And after we worked so hard to capture that magic carpet and bring it back..." Jade added on.

"And it made a huge mess outta the Mostro Lounge in the process..." Floyd threw in.

The three let out a collective sighed and said in unison٫ "Alas..."

"Layin' on the guilt trip a little thick there, don't ya think?!" Grim gaped.

You noticed Jamil rolling his eyes as he inspected you٫ checking for signs of your condition having worsened or the three of them having done something to you. He seemed relieved at finding nothing for both possibilities.

"Not so fast!" Kalim stopped them.

"Here we go..." Jamil groaned٫ lowering hid head in defeat.

"Azul is one of the top magicians in our whole school. I think Scarabia would benefit greatly from having him over! Besides, turning away esteemed guests out of hand would bring shame upon the Asim family name."

"Why, Kalim! What a kind and generous soul you are! Naturally, I would be more than happy to share any insights I have with you٫" Azul generously offered.

"The two of us will be happy to assist with cooking and cleaning٫" Jade added.

"Yeah! We do it at the lounge anyway, so we're pretty good at it٫" noted Floyd.

"That would be great! And it would ease Jamil's workload٫" Kalim beamed.

"I don't NEED any help...Ugh, forget it. You're not listening to a word I say."

"All right, let's get ourselves ready for some special training! It's your dorm versus ours. Put your things away and come to the courtyard٫" the heir announced.

"Certainly. Do go easy on me, Scarabia gentlemen. Heh heh heh..." Azul mused.

❥

The whole day ended up as some weird game of tug-of-war or capture-the-prefect. Every few minutes٫ you found yourself being pulled away from someone by someone. You thought you might finally get some peace later that night. Turns out you thought wrong.

"Kalim was in a pretty good mood today٫" Grim happily pointed out. The direbeast was currently splayed out across your lap.

"Agreed. That was the 'regular' Kalim I know٫" Azul noted.

"When he's in a bad mood, he narrows his eyes and gets this scary tone when he talks٫" Grim explained.

Jade began question٫ "Are you certain that's what's happening here?"

"Whaddaya mean?" Floyd asked٫ plopping down next to you on the bed and leaning his weight against your side.

"You're prone to mood swings yourself, Floyd. Kalim doesn't give me that same impression٫" the former stated٫ "I suspect a different root cause at play."

"Jamil said it was brought on 'cause of their lousy dorm standings in Spelldrive and the exams٫" Grim remembered.

"Really? Since when does Sea Otter care about that?" Floyd wondered٫ now leaning his head on yours٫ much to your dismay.

"Sea what now?" Grim questioned٫ already giving the eel dirty looks for stealing his you-time.

"He means Kalim. Floyd likes to give people nicknames based on sea creatures٫" Jade explained and sat next to you٫ as well. "In your case, Grim, you have a cute, round little silhouette. Which is why he calls you Sealie. It's a term of endearment."

"I ain't round! I'm full-bodied, thankyouverymuch!"

"And 'Little Shrimpy'?" You asked.

"Well٫ shrimp do tend to have quite the symbiotic bond with eels. Plus٫ you're quite small and adorable like them٫" Jade cooed. You groaned.

"Sea Otter's always bangin' on a drum with a grin on his face. Reminds me of those fuzzy sea scamps٫" Floyd added. You couldn't disagree.

"He does have a generally sunny disposition. I can't imagine his demeanor would shift so drastically over something as minor as unimpressive grades٫" Azul thought aloud٫ "I agree that the root cause is likely to be something else entirely. If we want to get to the bottom of this, we'll need to get to know Kalim better. Jade, would you mind having a little 'talk' with him?"

"Consider it done. Jamil would be a harder target, but...Kalim might be willing to 'talk' openly with me."

"Then I think I'll play with Sea Snake in the meantime٫" Floyd volunteered.

"Excellent idea. I'll join you for that٫" Azul offered.

"Heh heh heh..."

"Their smiles ain't reached their eyes once this whole time..."

"I think I'd feel less threatened by another overblot..."

❥

Knock! Knock!

You waited patiently at Jamil's door٫ hoping he'd answer and had not already gone to sleep. Azul and Floyd made you be the one in front of the door so that Jamil wouldn't immediately slam it in your faces. Once it was open٫ Azul made sure he was first to enter.

"Good evening, Jamil٫" he greeted.

"How's it hangin'?" Floyd joined.

"Mind if we drop in?" Grim asked as a formality٫ but was already through the doorway.

"Sorry for the crowd٫" you apologize.

Jamil seemed to looked at you with pity before facing Azul٫ "What do you want?"

"When Kalim gave us a tour of the treasury, we spotted a board game I've never seen before٫" Azul went on٫ "I asked Kalim to explain the rules, but it's still not quite making sense to me."

"It's this wood board with little divots, and you put gems in 'em or something? How's that work?" Floyd bluntly asked٫ showing the game in his hands to Jamil.

"Ah, I recognize the board. That's a popular game in the Land of the Scalding Sands٫" Jamil noticed.

"As a member of the Board Game Club, I'm always looking to try new games. Would you care to play a round with me?" Azul wondered.

"Aha ha, me too! I wanna see what you've got, Sea Snake٫" Floyd excitedly cheered.

"The great Grim never misses out on a competition!"

"Pleaseee٫" you pleaded٫ clasping your hands together and attempting to give your best puppy eyes.

"Kalim's gone to bed. I don't see why not٫" Jamil relented٫ "My dorm room doesn't have enough space for all of you, though. Let's play in the lounge."

❥

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑶𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒊𝒅𝒆:

"I'm sorry about this, Kalim. I wasn't expecting you to already be in bed for the night. This can wait until tomorrow, honest. I know it's selfish of me to ask to see the treasury again..."

"No worries! It's totally fine! What did you want to see?"

"I was curious about the tapetries and carpets further in the back. You don't see many textile handicrafts under the sea, you know. I've always been fascinated by Scalding Sands culture. After all, what could be further from the bottom of the ocean than a world of arid sands?"

"Ooh! Speaking of carpets, I've got one with colors that would be a perfect fit for your dorm. It would be a shame to let it keep gathering dust in the storeroom. Why don't you take it back with you?"

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely! And here we are."

Kalim opened the door٫ allowing Jade entry to the room full of visible wealth.

"Ahhh...It's even more amazing when I study it up close٫" Jade admired٫ "Kalim, what's this lovely peacock green fabric?"

"Oh, that's woven out of silk٫" the housewarden replied٫ "Long, long ago, back before yandere and darlings were recognized٫ and when they first reformed the law stating that royalty could only marry royalty...There was a princess who wedded a common man raised in the slums. She often wore that color. It's a popular color among men and women alike in the Scalding Sands."

"Incredible. If the mer-princess fascinated with the human realm were to see these treasures, she'd have been desperate to have them all٫" Jade joked٫ "It can't be easy keeping track of so many luxuries."

"I leave all the organizational stuff to Jamil. He airs them out on occasion."

"Jamil is quite the competent right-hand man, isn't he? Azul was saying the same thing٫" the mer commended.

Kalim chuckled in proud delight٫ "Heh heh! Isn't he, though? The guy's pure amazing. It was Jamil who taught me magic and tutored me. He was a way better tutor than any of the ones my family hired. Oh, and he's a great dancer, too! Not that he does much of that around others..."

"If he's that competent, why doesn't he speak up to you about what you've been doing?"

"Huh?"

"Keeping students from going home on a long holiday and forcing them into harsh training every day...I strain to imagine you doing such a thing. So why?"

"Oh...Well...It's because we really needed extra training, I guess...?"

"You 'guess'? It was your decision, wasn't it?"

"Yes. It definitely was, but...I've been...spacing out a lot lately."

"Why is that?"

"Jamil says it's probably fatigue from me becoming housewarden as a sophomore."

"Come again?"

"I've always had this habit of nodding off when I start working my brain too hard٫" Kalim thought back٫ "My tutors and Jamil were always on my case about it."

"What are you finding difficult at present?"

"Our loss in the interdorms, our bad grades in the exams...My responsibility...Remedial measures...my darling wandering around on their own...When I dwell on those, lend up just spacing out. Ha ha, I'm a pretty lousy housewarden, huh?"

"Wasn't it your decision to keep the students over the holidays for special training?"

"I, um...I think it was."

"Another noncommittal answer. Hmm..." Jade hummed. "Ah...Ow!"

"Hm? What's wrong?"

"Sorry, I think I got a speck of something in my eye. Could you take a look at it for me?"

Kalim got closer to Jade٫ even going on his tiptoes to look better.

"Are you all right? Here, let me see. Which eye?"

"My left eye. That's it, look in my left eye...Don't be afraid. I want to help you٫" the eel purred before chanting٫ "Shock the Heart."

"...Huh?"

"I'm going to ask you some questions, and you will answer them honestly. Do you know..."

❥

𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑻𝒐 𝒀𝒐𝒖:

"WOO! I win! That's three for me!" Floyd celebrated٫ startling you from you half-conscience state.

Seeing this٫ Jamil softly rubbed you arm٫ coaxing you to calm back down as he congratulated his opponent٫ "You're tough competition when you're focused, Floyd."

Earlier٫ when your little group started setting up the two gameboards on the floor٫ Jamil lit some incense that he claimed would keep any unwanted bugs out. For something to keep bugs away bugs٫ its aroma sure was calming. From what you guessed must've been a mixture from the scent and the day's events٫ you felt yourself growing exhausted. Jamil noticed your fatigue rather quickly and let you rest against his shoulder instead of laying on the hard ground. Every so often٫ you'd point out a move that he should make whenever you paid enough attention.

"Mrgyah! I lose again! You're relentless, Azul."

"That brings me up to five to zero. I'd be an affront to the Board Game Club with anything less, of course. Meanwhile, Jamil's at...two to three, I see. Even with the additional help٫" Azul jabbed.

"Hm? Oh, yes. It's been a while since | last played. I suppose I've gotten rusty٫" Jamil remarked٫ "Back in the old days, Kalim would spend hours a day making me play with him, insisting on going until he won a game. Despite his middling skill. Imagine that."

"Ah, I see٫" Azul replied before muttering٫ "Mm, yes, that would explain it."

"Explain what? You sure love your cryptic little asides٫" the vice remarked.

"Forget I said anything. So, you and Kalim essentially grew up together, correct?"

"We've been together for as long as I can remember, yes. Speaking of which, you three Octavinelle boys have been friends since childhood, I hear?"

"Thaaat's what they say!" Floyd replied٫ messing with the game pieces.

"What's that s'posed to mean? You're talkin' like you're not even one of 'em٫" Grim retorted.

The eel went on at his request٫ "We've been classmates ever since we started elementary school...But personally, I barely knew Azul existed until just before we started middle school. So I wouldn't exactly call us childhood friends.

"You barely knew your own classmate existed until you graduated?" You sleepily muttered٫ "You've got a serious case of tunnel vision..."

"I was a rather quiet boy myself. I hardly ever stood out in class٫" Azul admitted.

"You stood out in other ways, though. Not many guys could claim to be as cute and round as—"

The octo-mer quickly shut Grim down٫ slapping a hand over his furry mouth.

"Grim, I believe we've been over this multiple times. You are NOT to dredge up the forbidden lore!"

"You make it sound like some convoluted videogame storyline..." You grumbled before yawning٫ earning a snicker from Jamil.

"Yet here you are now, presiding over them as housewarden. You have a curious relationship٫" he pointed out.

"Y'think? I just do what Azul says 'cause it's more fun that way٫" Floyd wondered with a grin.

"I strongly doubt Jade or Floyd have any binding allegiance to me. This is all an elaborate game of pretend to them٫" Azul shrugged.

"Your relationship is getting more confusing by the minute٫" Jamil commented.

So they were in denial about...whatever they are to each other. You didn't really care to think about it٫ either.

"If I made a poor choice as leader—or even simply a boring one...They would turn on me instantly and seize the housewarden seat for themselves. Not that I'd lose if they challenged me, of course."

"We ain't got any plans to challenge him, either...for now, anyway. Aha ha!"

"They'd probably also make him into their pet octopus٫ too..." you sarcastically muttered٫ earning another chuckled from Jamil.

"So essentially, the three of you are all equals in each other's eyes٫" the vice summarized.

"Yeah. We stick with him now 'cause it's fun. If it stops bein' fun, we drop him like a bad habit. Easy٫" Floyd answered٫ "It ain't like the vice housewarden is the housewarden's servant or nothin'. It's a pretty normal relationship, if you ask me."

"Normal, you say. I suppose that concept is lost on me. I've always been loyal of the Asim house. And that will likely never change."

"Oh, hey, guys. Are you still gaming?"

"GAH!"

Jamil's little outburst reset your progress from the last time you were startled from awake from nearly falling asleep.

"What's this? Ooh, Mancala! That takes me back. I used to play it for hours on end with Jamil."

"I thought you went to bed, Kalim. Why would you..." Jamil cleared his throat٫ "I've told you not to wander around by yourself. What if someone abducted you?"

"You're such a worrywart, Jamil. Chill. Jade's been with me the whole time٫" Kalim reassured.

"Wait, JADE?"

"Yes, hello. I've been keeping Kalim company."

"Y-you..."

"Kalim is so generous. He's been teaching me aaall sorts of things..."

You felt Jamil's once gentle grip on you quickly tighten.

"Answer me. What did you do to Kalim?"

"What did I...do? I was just having a pleasant conversation with him. Isn't that right, Kalim?"

"Yep. I was just showing him around the storeroom."

"Gh...!"

"Oh yeah, Jamil! You know that silver and blue carpet we brought with us when we came here? Do you know where it is? I couldn't find it for the life of me."

"We're leaving, Kalim٫" Jamil firmly stated and stood up.

"Huh? Why?"

"Back to your room, now!" The vice housewarden fussed before standing you up and grabbing you by the arm like he did Kalim. "And it'd be best not to leave you alone with those three..."

"Whoa! Okay, okay! You don't have to pull my arm out of its socket! Sorry, Jade. I'll get you the carpet some other time!"

"Certainly. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of each other very soon..."

"Hey! Bring Little Shrimpy back!"

Jamil ignored them while dragging you and Kalim away and back to Kalim's room. He made Kalim get back in the bed and even found a spare set of pajamas for you to wear to sleep. Out of respect٫ Jamil made sure to look away and made double sure Kalim wouldn't peak while you changed.

"Sorry٫ but this is the closest we have to another spare bed٫ and I trust Kalim far more than those three٫" Jamil apologized.

Kalim٫ on the other hand٫ seemed ecstatic. He had even started chanting "sleepover" until Jamil shut it down.

"If neither of you get any sleep٫ I may need to change up everyone's sleeping arrangements٫" the vice warned. You both nodded and watched as Jamil left for the night.

It didn't take long for Kalim to fall asleep٫ snuggling against you and nuzzling his face in your chest. When you were sure that he was completely unconscious٫ you took out you phone and read through the plan details the others sent you. Wait٫ how did they get your number...?

❥

You barely recognize your dream٫ almost mistaking it for still being in the dark bedroom. The skies looked so dark and ominous...You were only able to distinguish the two when the adviser from your previous dreams appeared before you with a lamp in his hand and his foot on another's face.

Soon٫ your view panned over to what must've been a palace with a large٫ dark figure looming over it.

A man's voice called out٫ "Genie, stop!"

"Sorry, kid. I've got a new master now٫" the genie apologized٫ his voice full of remorse.

The scene changed to the once-adviser as he stood on a hill٫ looking down below as his feathered companion proclaimed٫ "Kneel and pay tribute to the great sorcerer Jafar!"

At the order٫ the old sultan and who you believe to be his daughter appeared٫ bowing before him.

"Now where were we? Ah, yes—abject humiliation!"

Suddenly٫ the scene changed. The sorcerer was now between the princess and a street rat and declaring٫ "He is no prince, and that's a fact. Now that he's unmasked, do you recognize your prince? It's Aladdin! His punishment? Eternal banishment...from this life! Farewell, 'Prince Ali'!"

You could hear the man's maniacal cackles as he flung a tower of the place—with the boy still inside—far away using the magic of his staff. With that final act٫ the dream started to fade.

❥

"Good morning, you two."

"Go away..." You groaned at the wakeup call٫ desperately trying to pull the blankets over your head to shut out the light.

You felt Kalim turn his head a bit from where he was laying it on your shoulder to get a better look.

"Mm...Izzat you, Jamil? Morning..."

"No, it's Jade. Though our names do sound a bit similar. Heh."

"Wait...What? What are you all doing here?" Kalim wondered٫ now perfectly awake.

You٫ on the other hand٫ not so much. You tried hiding back under the covers٫ but Jade wouldn't allow that and scooped you up.

"I've brought some tea to wake you both up and each a change of clothes. Now٫ please rise and shine٫" he instructed.

"Huh? Wha? What's going on? Where's Jamil?" Kalim questioned٫ frantically looking around.

"Don't worry. We're perfectly capable of helping you get dressed without him٫" Azul reassured.

You had just begrudgingly took your change of clothes to dress yourself when you heard a knock on the door before it opened.

"Kalim. ___. It's time to—what?! Azul? Jade? Grim?! What are you doing in Kalim's room?!"

Jamil gaped at the sight.

"My hench-human's here٫" Grim quipped٫ but was practically ignore. You patted his head.

"Ah, good morning, Jamil! You're welcome to sleep in today. In fact, I encourage it٫" Azul insisted٫ "We'll be taking care of Kalim starting now until the end of break."

"What?!"

"After our chat last night, I realized something٫" the conman began٫ "Who's the busiest guy in this dorm? Who works the hardest by far? It's you, Jamil!"

"We've been taking advantage of Scarabia's hospitality during our stay, you see. So we'd like to pay it back somehow٫" Jade added on.

"You can call us the Jamil Support Squad!" Grim cheered.

"O-of all the ridiculous...I mean, no, I couldn't possibly ask you to..."

"Oh...Ooh...OOOH! That's BRILLIANT!" Kalim exclaimed٫ "I've been thinking for ages about how I wish I could make Jamil's job easier!"

"Your compassion is a touching thing to behold, Kalim. Would that Azul could take a page from your book٫" Jade retorted.

"Ha ha ha. You just had to get in a dig, didn't you, Jade? Anyway, allow us to handle matters here. You can kick back and take it easy, Jamil٫" Azul continued to push.

"By all means, take them up on it, Jamil! This is great for you!" Kalim agreed.

"Run along now, Jamil. Go back to your room and catch up on your sleep٫" Jade started to physically push.

Now dressed٫ after having done so in a private corner while they were distracted with eachother٫ you helped pull Jamil out the door. Once getting him into the hall٫ the was quickly shut again.

"What in the world is going on here?"

"Maybe it's a sign you're working too hard. How about going back to bed?" You urged٫ trying to nudge Jamil in the direction of his dorm room.

"I can't just rest٫" he denied٫ "I'd better at least see to breakfast..."

"But Jamilll٫" you whined٫ following right behind him.

❥

"Hey, minnow. That ain't been seasoned yet, so don't run it out."

"S-sorry, sir!"

"The vegetables in the oven are done."

"Those are already dressed, so plate 'em and get 'em on the table."

"B-breakfast is already made?!" Jamil yelled in shock٫ causing you to flinch slightly. "Did you do this, Floyd?"

"G'morning, Sea Snake! Yup, me 'n the minnows took care of it. Azul was goin' on about how much he wanted to help you٫" Floyd confirmed. Then٫ with only a few large steps٫ he already started squeezing you in his arms and singing٫ "G'morning٫ Little Shrimpy!"

"Yeah. Morning..." you replied٫ trying time push him off.

"But...But I can't put our guests to work٫" Jamil stated٫ pulling you away from Floyd.

"We ain't exactly guests, remember? We're trainin' buddies٫" the eel corrected.

"But Kalim can only eat food prepared by me. It could be poisoned٫" Jamil added.

Floyd laughed٫ "Ha! That's an even more unbalanced diet than what I eat. And I ain't poisoned anything here, by the way. If you don't trust me, test it yourself. If it gets Jamil's Poison-Free Seal of Approval, I'm sure Sea Otter will eat it right up."

"You have a point, but still..."

"Vice Housewarden, could you taste-test these grilled vegetables?"

"I think this soup came out nicely. What do you think, sir?"

"Rgh...Fine. I'll test them all myself٫" the vice relented٫ "Actually, are we prepared for our morning oasis trek? Usually, breakfast comes AFTER the march."

"Ah, about that. As housewarden of Octavinelle...I've given my fellow housewarden Kalim an alternate proposal."

"Wh...What?! You can't just do that!"

Thank whatever divine being is out there for Azul's sudden entrance٫ because you were about to threaten to kill yourself or something if you had to do that trek again.

"Rather than aerobic exercise like long-range walking...You'll see far greater gains in strength and stamina from proper indoor weight training٫" Azul elaborate٫ "Scarabia's desert is a terribly hot place, you know. We wouldn't want to risk anyone getting heatstroke...Again."

"Oh٫ poor Little Shrimpy didn't deserve that~," Floyd playfully cried٫ suddenly cradling against his chest from where you stood٫ despite your blatant distaste. "In fact, there's a huge fountain in the courtyard. If you wanna build stamina, how about swimmin' in that? It'd be more fun, too."

"Agreed. I can tell you from experience that swimming is a far better way to burn fat than walking."

"So...We don't have to go on those marches anymore?"

"We're safe, Vice Housewarden!"

Correction: they were safe. With a certain three around٫ swimming was just as dangerous for you. You were getting no where near that water if any of them got in.

"It's also worth mentioning that skipping breakfast can make you more easily fatigued and distracted. Not that overeating helps either, of course."

"Good morning!"

You nearly yelped upon being basically suprise tackled by the dorm's overly enthusiastic housewarden.

"Ooh, breakfast is done already?" Kalim rested his chin on your shoulder as he observed the meal prep٫ wrapping his arms around you from behind.

"Hot diggity! That looks delish!" Grim cheered as he bounded behind Kalim.

"Floyd's in fine form today. It comes out considerably worse when he's not in the mood...٫" Jade followed.

"And Sea Snake's already poison-tested your portions, Sea Otter. Go on and dig in!" Floyd urged.

"Bon appetit!"

"Ooh, this is wonderful soup!" Kalim praised.

"Ain't it? That's a Coral Sea staple. It's packed to the gills (heh) with seafood٫" Floyd snickered٫ "C'mon٫ Little Shrimpy. Open wide~." The eel cooed as he tried to make you let him spoon feed you.

You vehemently shook you head٫ backing away as far as you could. In the corner of your vision٫ you noticed Jamil silently watching from the side.

❥

"First, the key to ancient incantations is memorizing vocabulary٫" Azul explained.

"I'm aaawful at memorization. It puts me to sleep٫" Kalim whined.

"Then I've got the perfect study method for you: recitation while walking٫" the octo-mer suggested.

"It's a good study method for people with shorter attention spans٫" Jade elaborated.

"Sounds like it'd be just as great for me!" Grim pointed out.

"Does it work on Floyd?..." You snickered under your breath.

"All right, let's all try it together, guys٫" Kalim announced.

"Yes, sir!"

❥

"Proper exercise is critical to honing a more efficient mind for study. However, overstraining yourself will have an adverse effect٫" Azul detailed.

"Mock battles are a good way to exercise while venting stress٫" Jade added.

Floyd laughed٫ "Aha ha! I'm in the mood to cut loose, so count me in! Hmmm, who to fight?"

"All right, split into teams of five and let the melee begin!" Kalim declared. "You'll watch me٫ right٫ ___?"

You agreed to appease the walking sunshine. This time while training٫ he seemed to be intentionally making his moves look more flashy٫ looking back over at you every so often just to make sure you saw. Some of his dormmates even looked to occasionally be losing on purpose for their housewarden's dramatic performance. At some point٫ Floyd joined in on Kalim's dramatics٫ making his moves just as exaggerated. The whole show was very entertaining to everyone there٫ even Azul and Jade. Jamil٫ however٫ didn't look all too amused.

"Aha ha! Mock bottles really are fun. And they're a great way to gauge the results of your training٫" Kalim beamed.

"Yes, Housewarden!"

Not too far away٫ you noticed Jamil let out a strained sigh. You couldn't help but wonder what was wrong.

❥

Now in the school cafeteria٫ everyone watched Azul as he spoke.

"There's one main reason we've grown as well as we have٫" he lectured٫ "And that would be...our diet, of course! It's about getting the nutrients you need—not too many and not too few. This helps your afternoon performance."

"Cooking is an essential life skill for gaining an understanding of food and developing a healthy diet٫" Jade elaborated.

"Maybe I should start cooking every now and then...I wouldn't have to worry about poison if I prepared meals myself٫" Kalim thought aloud.

"Don't. You'll injure yourself again٫" Jamil scolded.

"Okay, Sea Otter. You're in charge of stirrin' the pot٫" Floyd instructed.

"Keep an eye on that soup and make sure it doesn't boil over, would you?" Jade asked.

"Sure thing! Glad to help٫" Kalim happily agreed.

"What about me?" You skeptically asked٫ looking up at the twin eels as they assigned tasks.

"You٫ my dear٫" Jade purred٫ picking you up by the waist and sitting you on the kitchen island٫ "...just sit here and look adorable as always."

The eel booped your nose٫ making you subconsciously scrunch up your face.

"All right, everyone. Let's make this a meal to remember٫" Jade announced.

"Yes, sir!"

"Okay, I'm going to make the best-tasting soup ever!" Kalim declared٫ already in front of an empty pot on the stove.

"I worry about having you cook on your own. I'll help٫" Jamil decided.

"No need to fret, Jamil. We will aid him٫" Azul assured.

"You just sit back and relax with ___," Jade insisted.

At Jade's mention of you٫ eyes were back on you for a second. It was bad timing٫ though٫ because you were currently snagging a bite of one of the ingredients. You quickly shoved it in your mouth.

"Yeah٫" you agreed through your chewing٫ covering your mouth with one hand and patting the counter beside you with the other.

Jamil let out an amused breath at your antics before finally relenting٫ "Fine..."

You ended up being the involuntary taste tester. Anytime something needed to be sampled٫ they had you taste it. They even insisted on feeding you themselves. It got to a point where Jamil started to limit them on how often they could make you taste test something.

"Scalding Sands cuisine is delicious. Perhaps we should add some to our menu٫" Azul thought aloud٫ "Though it might be difficult to procure ingredients and learn to cook them properly."

"I'll help with that! I'd love it if everyone knew how great our food is٫" Kalim offered٫ "I can get all the spices and have one of my family's chefs come to instruct you."

"That would be grand! Let's work out the wording of the contract later."

After what felt like forever٫ the food was just about done.

"Nice one, Sea Otter. You're better at this than I expected٫" Floyd praised.

"Ha ha! You think so? I guess you never know until you try٫" Kalim chuckled٫ "Okay, it's almost done. Just a bit more!"

You held onto Jamil as he helped you off the island counter. Still٫ he was weirdly quiet. It was almost like he was staring past you at something٫ his gaze cold.

"Jamil...?" You called below your breath.

You voice seemed to snap him out of his daze. The usual warmth in his expression returned as he looked back down at you to ask what it was you needed.

"I—...Thank you..."

You couldn't bring yourself to ask about it. You've long learned expressions like that often end with violence...

"You're welcome٫" Jamil replied with a soft smile٫ placing a hand on your head.

"Done!" Kalim announced٫ "Wow, even I can make a simple soup, huh? Aha ha!"

"All you did was stir the pot..." Jamil grumbled with a sigh.

❥

"Ahhh, that was fantastic٫" Kalim sighed in delight.

"Pausing after a meal to take a light walk stimulates the brain and improves your study efficiency in the afternoon٫" his fellow housewarden informed.

"You know a lot about this stuff, Azul. I'm impressed٫" the heir commended٫ "And here I was just pushing for frantic hard work with no real direction. I think I've put my students in an unfair position. You're a sophomore housewarden just like me, but I'm woefully behind."

"Everyone makes mistakes٫" Azul reassured٫ "Our vacation's only half over. There's still room to make up for lost time."

"With a training camp this helpful, staying at school doesn't sound so bad٫" one of the Scarabia students commented.

"Yeah, agreed. The only chance we get to spend time with you guys is when we're at school٫" another joined in.

"It feels like I'm waking up from a nightmare..." a third added.

❥

"Scarabia's got a lot of people good at astrology and ancient incantations, right?" Azul questioned.

"As they tell it here, the Sorcerer of the Sands specialized in divination, and this dorm is populated by students who embody his spirit٫" Kalim explained٫ "I'm not good at either thing myself, though. Aha ha!"

"I hear the Sorcerer of the Sands successfully utilized a man-made device for fortunetelling that required natural energy٫" Azul remembered٫ "The study of astrology took shape relatively early when compared to other fields of magic...He was so far ahead of his time. I suppose his successes played a major role in that."

"Ooh...The Great Seven never fail to impress!" Kalim praised.

"Oh, it's almost three o'clock. Let's get in a bit more studying, then take a break٫" Azul suggested٫ getting dramatic whines from you and Grim.

"Shall I prepare some tea?" Jade offered٫ a hint of mischievous in his eyes.

"No, I'll handle it. I'm the farthest along with my assignment, after all٫" his housewarden decided٫ obviously also suspicious of the eel's antics.

"Allow me to help٫" Jamil urged٫ already standing up٫ as well. He obviously wouldn't take "no" for an answer.

"l'd appreciate that. Shall we be off, Jamil?"

As they walked out٫ you realized there was no one left to help you with your own work. The rest were either too dumb or too aggravating. Damn it...

❥

"The students' completion rate for these assignments is up fifteen percent from yesterday. Those are some statistically significant results٫" Azul noted٫ "___ and Grim told me Kalim was going through drastic mood swings...But he's been acting pretty calm since we arrived. Isn't it nice that Kalim's regained the faith of Scarabia's students?"

"...No. No, it isn't٫" Jamil muttered under his breath.

"It's not?"

"No offense, but I can't let you people stay in Scarabia any longer. It's time you went back under the sea٫" the vice stated.

"Pardon? Where did this come from, Jamil?Have I done something to offend you?"

"You really don't get it? Does the sad look on my face mean nothing to you?"

"What...?"

"...You made eye contact with me. Fool٫" Jamil grinned and began to chant٫ "The one you behold is your master. When I ask you a question, you will answer. When I give you a command, you will assent. Snake Charmer."

"What?! Gh...My head! Rgh..." Azul groaned.

"The pain will last as long as you resist. The sooner you give in and submit, the easier it will be for you. Go on, I'm waiting."

"Rrrgh...Urgh..."

"Azul, who is your master?"

"My master is...you, O mighty Jamil. I await your command, Master."

"Heh...Ha ha...Ha ha ha ha ha!" Jamil cackled٫ "You thought I was a mediocre magician, but you were sorely mistaken—an embarrassing misjudgment for the housewarden of Octavinelle. But really...Because of you, all my carefully laid plans have gone up in smoke. All I needed was a little more nudging from the Ramshackle visitors, and the students would have kicked Kalim out. It was my way of getting Kalim ejected from his position without getting my own hands dirty. AND by his own darling to rub salt into the wound. Do you have any idea how much painstaking effort I put into laying the groundwork for that? First, you're going to take the twins and go home to the Coral Sea...Wait, hold on. Azul. You returned all your contractually stolen powers back to their original owners recently, right?"

"Yes, Master."

"Tch. So much for using you as my own personal genie of the Lamp. Your signature spell is quite a valuable asset...But it would be hard to keep you controlled long-term."

"Sir. I remember the contents of the contracts."

"What?"

"I remember all the secrets of the people I made contracts with. Their troubles. Their weaknesses. Their desires٫" mer repeated.

"What a twisted collection. I can see I made the right call not making friends with you٫" Jamil mused٫ "Does this intellectual cache of yours include Headmage Dire Crowley's secrets?"

"Of course, Master. I know one thing he would never want others to learn."

"Hah...Ha ha ha...That's it. That's it! It's all going to work out! You really are my genie of the Lamp, Azul!"

"Do you wish to know the headmage's secret?"

"Oh, absolutely. Once I have the headmage's weakness in my grasp, I'll finally be free. I'll kick Kalim out of school and become housewarden myself!" Jamil declared.

"And there we have it٫" Jade announced٫ slowly clapping as he strolled onto the scene٫ taking Jamil by surprise.

"So, you finally show your true colors! I bet you thought you were real slick, pullin' the wool over our eyes!" Grim fussed.

"How...How much did you hear?" Jamil questioned.

"All of it, from start to finish٫" Jade answered٫ "Your entire conversation from the moment you left the lounge...has been livestreamed to the world from Azul's smartphone."

"WHAT?!"

"Azul's Magicam livestream presently has five thousand active viewers٫" the eel continued٫ "It's trending online under the topic: 'A Certain Magicians' School's Dirty Little Secret.' It's your moment in the sun, Vice Housewarden. Naturally, all the dorm students are gathered in the lounge, watching you."

Footsteps rushed over to the scene.

"Vice Housewarden Jamil, is everything you just said true?"

"Have you really been deceiving us this whole time?!"

"Talk about a wolf in sheep's clothing!You're a fraud, through and through!" Grim called out.

"Y-you...You've got it all wrong. I..." Jamil stammered.

"Don't even try to talk your way out of this one. The mind control magic you used on Azul is hard evidence٫" Jade firmly stated٫ "Jamil...It's been you all along. You've been using your signature spell on Kalim and making him throw Scarabia into chaos!"

"Gh...!" The culprit scoffed٫ "I was trying to avoid escalating matters, but you leave me no choice. Azul, I command you! Subdue and restrain them all."

"...Yes, Master."

"Azul, no. You don't want to do this. Snap out of it٫" Jade begged.

"Pleading with him won't help!" Jamil pointed out.

"Yes. I am Jamil's loyal minion...or at least, you wish I was٫" Azul rebuked.

"What?!"

"Jamil, you said the funniest thing to me earlier. Allow me to return the favor. You thought I was an arrogant magician, but you were sorely mistaken. An embarrassing misjudgment for the vice housewarden of Scarabia—the dorm that embodies the spirit of mindfulness."

"What's going on? I know you made eye contact. I had you under control!"

"Please. I'm a competent magician. I always prepare for all eventualities before | act. Isn't that right, Floyd?" Azul called.

"I think you let your guard down a little too soon there, Sea Snake٫" Floyd pointed out٫ his voice much deeper than normal.

"MRAH! What's with your voice?!" Grim yelped.

"I signed a contract with Azul and got this rad deep voice for it. Whaddaya think? Do I sound all cool and grizzled now? In return, I offered Azul my signature spell, Bind the Heart."

"And if you don't know what that spell does, your face is going to crack when you hear this: It jams an opponent's magic and diverts it elsewhere٫" Azul elaborated.

"That's the magic he was usin' in the Coral Sea! The one that kept our magic from hittin'!" Grim shouted.

"Correct٫ Grim٫" Azul confirmed٫ "And after swiping it from Floyd—ah, correction. After taking it as collateral, I used it to evade Jamil's mind control spell. Then I pretended to be his thrall and got Jamil to spill his true intentions as he gloated."

"I gotta hand it to ya, Azul. You're real dastardly!" The direbeast commended.

"I prefer to be called an intellectual٫" the mer corrected٫ "At any rate, I quickly deduced that Jamil was the only person Kalim would care about enough to fight back against Jade's signature spell. And that was the underpinning of my whole plan."

"Ja...mil?" Kalim called out٫ hesitantly pushing forwards with his arms tightly secured around yours٫ almost like a security item٫ as you were dragged along by his side. "What is this? What's going on?"

"K-Kalim...___..." Jamil muttered.

"Y-you were controlling me? That can't be true, right? I've been having occasional blackouts lately where hours have passed the next time I come to...But those were just dizzy spells or me nodding off, right? I tend to doze off anywhere as it is. You've always gotten on my case for it. So please, say it isn't so. Tell me I was just nodding off٫" Kalim tried to reason.

His hold on your arm grew tighter and desperate as tears began to glisten at the corner of his eyes. You let him hold onto you with such desperation٫ just this once٫ and even rubbed his arm. Aside from the boy's repressed sobs٫ the hall was silent. Including Jamil.

"Mind-controlling me, plotting to expel me...You would never do any of that. Jamil, you're...You're the last person that would ever betray me, right? After all, we're best friends, right?!"

Jamil began to chuckle. Then٫ it became a laugh. Soon٫ he was outright cackling like a madman.

"H-hey...What's wrong?"

"Oh, I'll tell you, Kalim. I'll tell you EXACTLY what's wrong٫" the vice snapped.

"Huh?"

"You've been the same for as long as I can remember. Oblivious, gullible, foolish...AND I HATED IT! You trot along merrily in ignorant bliss, utterly blind to my suffering! Every time I see you smile, it makes my skin crawl! I'm sick of it! There's no point in maintaining my facade now. You have no idea how many days I've spent wishing that you would just go away. But that ends today! Myself, my family...I don't care about ANY of it anymore!"

"W-wait! Jamil!" Kalim called out.

"The one you behold is your master...When I ask you a question, you will answer. When I give you a command, you will assent! Snake Charmer!"

"Agh...!"

The Scarabia students all began to groan in collective agony.

"Wha—did he just mind-control the whole dorm at once?!" Azul exclaimed.

"All of you, eject Kalim and the Octavinelle guests from the premises!" Jamil ordered.

"Yes, Master."

"Jamil?!" Kalim shouted٫ now positioning himself in front of you.

You watched as the others fought off the mind-controlled students٫ but they just kept coming back.

"Incredible. He's controlling all these targets at the same time AND making them do separate things! Mediocre, nothing. He's easily one of the top magicians in the entire school, to say nothing of Scarabia!" Azul praised.

"Do you wanna beat him or do you wanna kiss his ass?! You can't do both!" You argued from behind Kalim. Just because you don't have magic٫ it doesn't mean you can't backseat duel.

"D-don’t be lewd!" He fussed back.

"I keep squeezin' em but they keep gettin' back up. Are they zombies or what?!" Floyd complained. There was no way hell that you were gonna get used to that terribly deep voice.

"Jamil, please, just stop! You can have what you want! You can be housewarden! I'll go home to my family!" Kalim begged.

"What? You thought that would work? My spell won't be broken so easily...Not as long as you exist in this world, Kalim!"

"Jamil, you're courting danger! If you keep using your signature spell like this, you'll exceed your blot tolerance level and—٫" Jade tried to warn.

"Shut up!" Jamil interrupted٫ "Don't you order me around! I'm through following others' orders! I'm going...TO BE FREE!"

You all watched in horror—well٫ you more so in irritation at another—as the large٫ shadowy figure of a snake appeared behind Jamil. As he laughed٫ blot began leaking from him like blood from a fresh wound. Jamil tugged off his hood٫ embracing the blot as it started to drench his whole being until there was only the gooey substance. Even as the last bits of his natural form were smothered٫ Jamil had a maniacal grin on his face. Soon٫ he reemerged in another form. A form similar to the the sorcerer in your dreams...

"What in the world? J-Jamil just transformed?!" Kalim yelled.

"The very air around us is changing. It's just like what happened with Azul..." Jade observed.

"He's overblotted!" Azul pointed out٫ "And right on winter break with no prospects of backup from any corner. This is quite the conundrum.

"Did he turn into another one of those dark berserkers?!" Grim shouted.

"Again?!" You screamed. Crowley was a big٫ fat liar. He said these things were rare٫ but you're currently face to face with number four٫ right now!

"The negative blot energy is swelling up٫" Azul warned٫ "Everyone, steel yourselves!"

"Come. I'll wrap this up. I'm through living like this٫" Jamil declared.

"We need to bring him to his senses, and fast. Once his magic runs out, he's done for٫" Azul reminded.

"GYAAAH! A giant monster! I'm scared!" Grim yowled٫ scurrying over to hold onto your leg for comfort. You've both seen overblots before٫ so you had no idea why he was so scared now. To be fair٫ the snake hair WAS pretty freaky.

"Jamil! Please, come to your senses!" Kalim pleaded.

You watched from behind as the others did their best to defeat Jamil. Much to your terror٫ their best wasn't enough this time. Unlike the overblots before٫ your team was at a significant lack of people. Soon٫ they were on their last legs.

"I have no need for an incompetant king or a con artist. Your personality flaws give me ADEQUATE cause...To send you packing on a one-way trip to the ends of the earth! WHOOPEEEEE!"

"NO!" You screamed٫ hearing the others' shouts grow more and more faint. Wait٫ how come you were still here?

"SO LONG! MWA HA HA HA HA! Ex-Housewarden Kalim!" Jamil cackled is sinister delight.

You cowered behind a nearby pillar٫ attempting to be as silent as possible. You had no idea if you were left behind on purpose or on accident٫ but you were not keen on finding out which one it was.

Once Jamil calmed down from his laughing fit٫ he still managed to keep a smirk on his face.

"Now٫ why don't you come out from behind that pillar?"

You froze. The question was definitely more of an order. He looked over his shoulder and directly at where you were trying to hide.

When you didn't come out from your hiding place٫ due to fear freezing you in place٫ Jamil ordered a handful of the Scarabia students to drag you out and hold you still in front of him. No matter how much you struggled٫ their grip was just too tight.

"What do you want with me? Aren't you gonna send me off with the others?" You questioned٫ trying your best to bite back the overwhelming fear inside of you.

"Feeling feisty٫ are we?" Jamil mused٫ tapping the bottom of your chin with his fingers. "Why٫ I'd never do such a cruel thing to such a precious darling. Oh٫ I have other plans for you٫ my diamond in the rough."

Your eyes widened in horror. At the shock of his discovery٫ you began to demand٫ "H-how do yo—?"

"Details٫ details..." He interrupted٫ even trailing off as he did. The boy ran a finger down your jaw until it reached your chin. Then٫ he took a hold of it and tilted your head to have you look him face to face. "You're quite easy to read when paid enough attention. It's quite cute٫ really."

"So٫ what did you mean by 'other plans'?" You asked٫ desperately biting at your inner cheeks and lip to calm your nerves.

Jamil scoffed and looked away with slight disdain in his expression٫ "Kalim's always gotten everything٫ and I've always been left with nothing. Everything I've loved has always been taken and given to that spoiled bastard...So٫ it's only fair I should get something for myself٫ and even better if its his."

"Huh—?"

Jamil looked you directly in the eyes before chanting٫ "The one you behold is your master. When I ask you a question, you will answer. When I give you a command, you will assent. Snake Charmer."

Your head started to violently throb. You winced and groaned in pain. In response٫ Jamil moved his hand to your cheek٫ gently stroking your skin with his thumb.

"It'll all be alright٫" he cooed٫ "Just give in and the pain will be all gone."

Your pained groans soon devolved into pathetic whines.

"There you go. Good girl/boy٫" Jamil praised٫ "Now٫ who is your master?"

"My master is...you, Jamil. I await your command, Master."

"Perfect..."

𝑻𝒂𝒈𝒔:

"Falling asleep already, darling?" Vil's voice, a silky murmur, dances around you, teasing tone making you smile.

Your eyelids flutter open, just enough to catch a glimpse of his flawless features, illuminated by the warm glow of the afternoon sun. You mumble something incoherent, nuzzling closer into his warmth. Vil chuckles, a sound as melodious as a chime.

"Do you find my company that relaxing, mein Schatz?" He teases, his tone light and playful. His fingers continue their soothing path, tracing patterns that lull you into the embrace of sleep, your eyelids slowly close as you mumble something intelligible.

You manage a faint smile, the corners of your lips barely lifting. "Mmm... too comfortable," You murmur, your voice thick with the haze of impending sleep, the soft scent of his perfume, the way his hands moves, the duvets covering you, as you two continue to cuddle in his bed.

Vil's laughter is a gentle caress, his fingers now brushing your cheek. "Then rest, my dear. I'II be here when you wake up."