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The Scalding Sands stretched endlessly under a warm, golden sunset as Jamil led Y/n down the quiet streets of his childhood neighborhood. The modest homes were lined with simple decorations—woven tapestries hung over doorways and clay pots overflowing with vibrant desert flowers. Compared to the grandiosity of Night Raven College, it was a stark contrast, but Y/n found it charming.
"You didn't have to agree to this, you know," Jamil said, his tone low but tinged with nervousness. He glanced at her, his sharp gaze softened by uncertainty.
Y/n smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face as a warm breeze blew past them. "Why wouldn't I? You've met my friends—and Grim. Fair's fair."
Jamil sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's different. Your friends are... eccentric, but you're their center. My family? They're relentless. They'll question everything about you."
Y/n nudged him gently with her shoulder. "I've handled overblots, cleaned up ghosts in Ramshackle, and kept Grim from burning the dorm down—mostly. I think I can handle your family, Jamil."
His lips twitched, almost forming a smile, before he shook his head. "We'll see."
The Viper family's house stood near the edge of the neighborhood, its small frame lit by the soft glow of a lantern. The walls were plain but well-kept, and the smell of spices and fresh bread wafted through the air.
Jamil pushed the door open, and Y/n was greeted by the cozy atmosphere inside. The living room was modest, with a well-worn rug and mismatched furniture. A tapestry hung on one wall, depicting a sprawling oasis under a crescent moon.
"Jamil!"
A whirlwind of energy shot into the room, and Y/n barely had time to process the young girl clinging to her arm. Najma, Jamil's younger sister, grinned up at her, her dark eyes sparkling.
"So this is her, huh?" Najma said, looking Y/n up and down. "You're way prettier than I expected! How did Jami get you to date him? He's been talking about you nonstop."
"I don't talk about her nonstop," Jamil muttered, his ears turning red.
Najma ignored him, turning her full attention to Y/n. "I'm Najma, the fun sibling. Jamil's super boring, so I'm here to make up for that."
Y/n laughed, her grin matching Najma's. "Nice to meet you, Najma. I've heard a lot about you, too."
"Good things, I hope," Najma said, tugging Y/n toward the dining area.
"Don't overwhelm her," came a firm yet kind voice. A woman stepped into the room, wiping her hands on an apron. Ayesha Viper had sharp features softened by years of care, her gaze observant as she looked Y/n over.
"You must be Y/n," she said, her tone calm but assessing.
Y/n bowed her head slightly. "Yes, ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for having me."
Before Ayesha could respond, a quiet figure appeared behind her. Rami Viper, Jamil's father, nodded politely in Y/n's direction. He said nothing, but his presence was steady, grounding.
"Come," Ayesha said, gesturing toward the dining table. "Dinner's ready."
The table was small, with dishes of lentil curry, spiced rice, and roasted vegetables neatly arranged in the center. Y/n noticed how the portions were carefully served, ensuring everyone had their fair share.
"It smells amazing," Y/n said as they began to eat.
"Thank you," Ayesha replied, her tone polite but curious. "It's simple food, but we take pride in it."
"It reminds me of Ramshackle, actually," Y/n said with a small laugh. "Not the food—Grim and I aren't exactly chefs—but the way everything feels warm and lived-in."
"You live in that old dorm by yourself, don't you?" Najma asked, her tone curious. "What's that like? Jamil said it's haunted."
"It's definitely haunted," Y/n replied, grinning. "But it's home. Besides, I've got Grim to keep me company—when he's not being...difficult."
Najma laughed, leaning forward eagerly. "You have to tell me about the ghosts! Are they scary?"
"Najma," Jamil interjected, his tone sharp. "Let her eat."
"It's fine," Y/n said, smiling at him. "I don't mind."
Ayesha raised an eyebrow. "Jamil tells us you've been involved in some... dangerous situations at Night Raven College. Is that true?"
Y/n hesitated, glancing at Jamil before answering. "It's true, but it's not as bad as it sounds. I've had help from my friends—and Jamil. He's always been there when it mattered."
Ayesha's gaze flickered to her son, who shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"And what drew you to Jamil?" she asked, her tone softer but still curious.
Y/n smiled, her eyes meeting Jamil's. "He's hardworking, loyal, and always looking out for others—even if he doesn't want people to notice. He's taught me a lot about perseverance and strength. I admire him."
Najma snickered. "Wow, she likes you and she thinks you're cool. That's a first."
"Najma," Jamil groaned, glaring at her.
"What?" Najma said with a grin. "It's true!"
A small smile spreads across Ayesha's face.
—
As the meal wound down, the initial tension had all but disappeared. Najma had latched onto Y/n, asking endless questions about Ramshackle and life at Night Raven College. Ayesha seemed more at ease, even sharing a few stories about Jamil's childhood.
"And then he spilled the entire pot of stew all over himself," Ayesha said, chuckling. "He tried to act like it wasn't hot, but he was hopping around the kitchen for five minutes."
"Mother," Jamil muttered, his face turning red.
"It's endearing," Y/n said, nudging him playfully. "I'll have to remember that the next time he tries to lecture me about composure."
—
When it was time to leave, Ayesha walked them to the door, her expression softened by the evening. She placed a hand on Y/n's shoulder, her voice warm. "You're welcome here anytime. It's clear you care about Jamil—and that you've had a positive influence on him. Thank you."
Najma threw her arms around Y/n. "Come back soon, okay? And bring Grim next time—I want to see if he's as gross as Jamil says."
As they stepped out into the cool night air, Jamil let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"They liked you," he said, his tone almost disbelieving.
Y/n grinned. "I told you it would be fine."
Jamil looked at her, his dark eyes soft with something unspoken. "Thank you," he murmured. "For putting up with all of this."
Y/n reached for his hand, intertwining their fingers. "Your family is wonderful, Jamil. They remind me a little of Ramshackle—full of heart, even if things aren't perfect."
He smiled, his expression unguarded for once. "I love you, Y/n."
She leaned closer, pressing her lips against his before pulling away. "I love you too."
The stars above lit their path as they headed back to their own corner of the world, the warmth of home following them every step of the way.
