Granting Favors (Twisted Wonderland | Azul x Jamil)

Chapter 2: Dream of Falling

Summary: Azul gets invited to a sleepover at Scarabia to watch the anticipated meteor shower. He takes the opportunity to figure out how to repay both Kalim and Jamil for their favors. Unexpected things occur and Azul and Jamil get to know each other better. 

Word Count: 4,982

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"Your History notes, then," Jamil said in annoyance when Azul wouldn't stop asking him if he needed anything; he said they might as well use their time together to figure out how he could repay Jamil for the flying lessons.

"For the test tomorrow? Not a problem. I will give you a copy before the next class starts."

"Azul!" a voice shouted.

The sun was still high up, and Jamil had to squint at the tall figure jogging towards them.

"We're almost out of the special food and drink set," Floyd slowed down and walked beside Azul. "Should I send some employees out to buy more supplies? We'd have fewer people to wait tables, though. And the Lounge is kinda packed."

"Just tell customers that they can pre-order the special set if the supply runs out today," Azul replied. "We might lose more money if we're short on staff."

"Ya got it!" Floyd adjusted his fedora to shield his eyes from the sun.

"Wait, why didn't you just call me?" Azul frowned. "Did you run all the way from Mostro Lounge to ask me that?"

"Heh-heh," Floyd scratched the back of his neck. "I misplaced my phone somewhere this morning. And no one else in the Lounge had your personal phone number, Jade was in the library." He seemed to notice Jamil for the first time. "Oh, you're hangin' out with Sea Snake!"

"We're just going to Kalim," Jamil said, looking at his watch. Kalim should still be with the Light Music Club; they usually hang out around this time.

"You're gonna ask him what favor he wants in exchange for what happened this morning?" Floyd asked Azul.

"Naturally," Azul seemed to instinctively brush his hand over his injury. "Now go back to Mostro Lounge, at least one of us should be there."

"Alright. See ya later, Sea Snake!" Floyd said and ran off.

"The three of us aren't enough to handle Mostro Lounge," Azul turned to Jamil. "It has gotten more popular, and on some days like today, none of us could stay there and manage it for long because of our busy schedules."

Jamil sighed internally; he had a feeling he knew where Azul was going with this.

"Have you thought about my offer for you to join us? We could use someone with your knack for planning."

I knew it. "Like I've told you every time, Azul, no. I don't wanna join you. Why do you keep pestering me, anyway?"

"Because you're clever, Jamil," Azul said matter-of-factly. "It was merely weeks ago when you almost took over Scarabia. I believe I had also expressed then how much I admired the strategizing involved in that."

Jamil clenched his teeth; he didn't like being reminded of his Overblot. It was horrible and he sometimes still had nightmares about it. He was just grateful that his dorm mates had forgiven him now, with the help of Kalim, of course.

Still looking straight ahead, he answered, "You and those twins figured out my strategies easily enough."

Azul chuckled smugly and adjusted his glasses. "Well, I never said you were cleverer than me."