You hear a knock on the door. You look up from examining the photos you've taken. Standing up from the couch, you walk to the door. Upon opening it, you're surprised to see Jamil.
"Oh, hi Jamil."
"Hello, Y/N." Jamil smiles warmly. "I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me to the marketplace. Kalim asked me to make him this dessert and we don't have enough ingredients."
You tilt your head. "And you wanted to invite me to go with you?"
Jamil shrugs. "Thought it would be an easier trip if I had someone to help me. If I invited Kalim, he'd just buy everything he sees."
You laugh. "Yeah, that definitely sounds like Kalim. I didn't have anything planned for today so I'd love to join you."
Jamil smiles. "Im sure you'll like it at the marketplace."
"Definitely! Just let me grab my jacket and shoes." You run into the foyer and grab your jacket off the hook and rush to put your shoes on.
Slinging your bag on your shoulder, you walk outside and close the door. "Lead the way."
Using the Dark Mirror, you quickly make it to the marketplace. It's bustling with activity. Stands line the streets with people selling their products and shoppers milling around.
You scoot closer to Jamil. "It's really busy here."
Jamil holds your hand. "Don't worry. I won't let you get lost."
Jamil leads you through the stalls, confidently walking to the one he needs.
"So what dessert are you making?" You ask.
"Kalim asked to have orange saffron cakes." Jamil says as he examines an orange. "They didn't have enough oranges at the school and they didn't have semolina, which is a key ingredient."
"I have no idea what that is but I do enjoy a good cake." You sheepishly laugh. "I pretty much like any dessert."
Jamil chuckles. "I'd love to make some for you."
"Oh, you don't have to." You wave him off. "You already have to make them for Kalim."
Jamil looks to you through the corner of his eyes, smirking. "Well, how about this? You help me with the prep work and I'll give you some to take with you."
You smile and hold out your hand. "You got yourself a deal."
Jamil chuckles and shakes your hand. "Glad we could come to an agreement."
After shopping for the ingredients, you head back to the school through the Dark Mirror. You make your way to the kitchen with Jamil. He sets the bags on the counter and starts unpacking them.
"I'll have you zest the oranges while I roast the semolina." Jamil instructs.
You nod. "Got it."
You grab the zester and start scrapping the oranges. Jamil flawlessly preps the batter. Once the oranges were needed, he combines them and pours the batter into a baking sheet. Jamil puts the sheet into the oven and sets a timer.
"Now let's prepare tonight's dinner." Jamil turns to you with a grin.
"What are you making?" You ask.
"WE are making Mansaf. A traditional meal with cooked lamb with a yoghurt sauce and rice."
You quirk an eye. "We? I never made anything like that. How am I supposed to help?"
Jamil waves a hand. "That's easy. I'll show you."
Jamil pulls out various pots and pans, dragging you by your shoulders to the large stove. "Here, you'll make the yogurt sauce and I'll cook the rice and lamb."
He places the needed ingredients on the counter next to you. You rub the back of your neck. "I think I would ruin the sauce."
Jamil chuckles. "That's why I'll stay right next to you. First, pour these ingredients into the sauce pan."
You follow his instructions, carefully to pour the right amount. You turn the stove to the correct temperature and start mixing.
Jamil nods. "Just stir until it starts to bubble then just turn the heat off. Simple as that."
You sheepishly laugh. "Doesn't sound too difficult."
Jamil smiles before turning to his tasks. You continuously stir the sauce, occasionally watching what Jamil is doing. He cooks so skillfully, all without batting an eye. It's almost like watching magic.
Jamil notices you staring. He smirks. "You're pot is boiling over."
You snap out of your trance. "Oh, shoot!"
You quickly turn off the heat and stir the sauce, praying it didn't burn. The sauce finally calms down and doesn't look to bad, at least, to your knowledge.
"I think I saved it." You say hopefully.
Jamil grabs a tasting spoon and brings some of the sauce to his lips. He stares into your eyes as he tastes. You feel like you're on a cooking competition.
Jamil finally smiles. "It's pretty good. Not burned at all."
You sigh with relief. "Oh, thank god."
Jamil chuckles. "Was something distracting you?"
You rub your arm, feeling your cheeks redden at the thought that you were staring at him. "Yeah, I guess you could say that."
Jamil steps closer. "And what was this distraction?"
You step back but bump into the counter. "Uh, it was nothing, really."
He places his hands on either side of you on the counter, trapping you in. "It wouldn't do to be distracting while cooking." Jamil glances to your lips. "The kitchen can be dangerous."
You feel your heart racing as Jamil stares into your eyes. "Jamil..."
He starts to lean closer but the alarm goes off, making you jump. With a final smirk, Jamil turns to the oven. You place a hand to your heart.
"Looks like the cakes are done." Jamil places the baking sheet on a hot pad. "They need to cool before we can drizzle the syrup on them."
You step closer to examine the cakes. "They smell incredible!"
"Glad you think so." Jamil smiles.
After adding the finishing touches, the cakes and the lamb dish turned out perfectly. You inhale the delicious smells filling the kitchen.
"I'm glad I didn't burn the sauce." You laugh.
Jamil chuckles. "I wouldn't worry too much about it. Even if it was burned, it's not hard to make another."
You smile appreciatively. "Glad I could help."
Jamil grabs a couple containers and packs the food into them, then handing them to you. "Here, as promised."
You look to him curiously. "I thought we only agreed on the cakes? Isn't this supposed to be Kalim's dinner?"
Jamil only smiles. "I accidentally made too much. Though Kalim likes to have his feasts, he should have regular portion sizes occasionally."
You laugh. "Well, thank you. I really appreciate this."
Jamil nods. "Of course. Allow me to escort you back to your dorm."
"Absolutely." You smile brightly.
Standing outside your door, you turn to Jamil. "Thank you for bringing me along. I had fun."
Jamil holds your hand and brings it to his lips. "It was my pleasure, Y/N."
He places a kiss along your knuckles. "I hope you enjoy the rest of your day."
Jamil departs and you step inside Ramshackle. You set the containers of delicious goodies on the coffee table.
Grim appears by the stairs. "What's that amazing smell?"
You smile. "I helped cook dinner with Jamil."