Adventures of Sinbad and Layla

Competing

"Okay, Esra, I really should go now," Omar said as he parted from the kiss.
She pouted softly. "Do you have to?"
"Please don't look at me like that. You know I can't stand to see you upset." He sighed. "Besides, Queen Layla's invited me to have dinner with you all tonight."
"How do you feel about that?" she asked as she stroked his beard.
"Nervous but okay. I guess I'm more worried about your dad."
She smiled and ruffled her fingers through his hair. "Hey, he likes you. We've officially been a couple for a month now."
"I know but I feel like he's always testing me."
"What do you mean?"
He smiled awkwardly. "I don't think I should tell you. He's your dad and it's not right."
"Pleeeaaase?"
He sighed, unable to say no. "Well, when I was on duty the other day, he asked me when your birthday was."
Esra snorted as she held back her laugh. "Oh, my god."
"Oh, and another time he asked me how to calculate tax."
"I'm sure he doesn't mean anything by it."
He smiled softly. "I know he doesn't. He just wants to make sure I'm worthy of you and I'm going to continue to prove it to him." He held her face. "And now I really need to go or else I'll be late. I love you."
"I love you too."

He quickly pecked her lips before rushing out of her room. Esra laughed as she watched him run out.

The last month had been so amazing. She felt so free after telling her parents about him and everyone was so great about it. She was surprised that her dad was so okay with it but her mom told her that she would sometimes hear him threatening Omar in his sleep. At least he was supportive when he was awake.

***

That evening, Omar and Esra made their way to the dining hall together. Sinbad and Layla were already there. Sinbad sat at the head of the table and Layla sat adjacent to him to his left. Omar began to feel nervous again. It was his first time dining with them and he just prayed he didn't do something stupid.

"Good evening," he greeted before bowing.
Layla smiled. "Good evening, Omar. Relax. You're not on duty."
He stood straight. "But I-"
"Layla's right," Sinbad said. "Relax and enjoy the evening. Take a seat."
"Thank you, sir."

He sat down on the other side of Sinbad and Esra sat beside him. Soon, the food and drinks were served onto the table. Sinbad poured Layla some wine before offering some to Omar.

"Oh, no thank you," he declined. "I don't drink."
Sinbad smiled. "Very good."

As he poured himself a drink, Esra wanted to facepalm. He really was testing her boyfriend. Thankfully, the rest of dinner was perfect. It was a relaxed evening with talking and laughter. Even Sinbad enjoyed Omar's stories. Once the dishes were taken, they relaxed with some pistachio tea.

"So, how is everything going?" Layla asked.
"It's beyond anything I could have asked for," Omar said. "I feel incredibly blessed to have Esra in my life. And also a wonderful family. As you know, my family were killed but I see you all as my own."

Esra gently squeezed his hand under the table as Layla looked at him sadly. Sinbad sat forward, holding his tea in his hands.

"Listen, Omar, I understand what it's like to be alone. Layla and I both do," he said before smiling softly. "If you ever need anything, anything at all, do not hesitate to come to us."
Omar was warmed by his words. "Thank you."
Sinbad nodded and looked at Layla. "Oh, great," he sighed. "She's crying." He turned back to the boy. "Look what you did, Omar."
Layla lightly hit Sinbad's arm and sniffed. "Shut up. They're happy tears."
"Aw, mom," Esra smiled. "I love you."
"I love you too," she smiled through her tears.

Just then, the generals returned from their day off. It became rowdy as they all wanted to speak to Omar at the same time. He managed to get through all of their questions, they were pretty general. Although he was confused as to why Sharrkan asked him how many fingers he was holding up. But then he noticed Sinbad nod to Sharrkan making him realise that it was another test.