Damn.
Looks like Aahmes is really pissed right now! He even called me idiot in Arabic!
He-he-he, I haven't actually seen him really angry, but I know he's pissed when he starts talking in a different language. In fact, I've already been called ahmaq, connard, stronzo, and arschloch before, plus other synonymous words meaning asshole.
I finally decide to get out of bed and put on a t-shirt before going to the kitchen.
"What are you wearing?" he asked as soon as I sat by the dining table in my shirt and boxers.
"Work clothes!" I grinned at him.
"Professor..." a face palm. At least he won't be able to drag me to the meeting if I'm dressed this way. "Go eat your breakfast!" he sighed before heading back upstairs.
"Uy, nice, I love your longsilog!" or rather, frank wurst, fried rice and poached eggs.
Aahmes is used to eating rice now, although he still prefers his dinner rolls. I start my breakfast by savoring the deep aroma of his invigorating coffee.
"Ahh... my Habibi's brew is simply the best! Nothing ever comes close."
"Here, put these on."
Aahmes returned later carrying a four piece suit.
I guess he really plans to drag me to that meeting!
"Don't wanna. It's too hot. I prefer what I'm wearing right now!"
"Do you want your niece to see you looking like a slob?" he said in his signature dead pan voice and face.
"I don't mind. They're used to seeing me like this."
"Well, it is not okay for me," he took hold of my shirt and pulled it up. "Hurry up and change."
"Habibi!" I gasped. "What are you planning to do to me?!"
He completely ignored me and started pulling at my boxers!
"Ah! Rape! Rape!" I laughed.
"If you don't take those clothes off, I will really rape you," he said seriously.
Damn, that made me shiver! But he's starting to look real pissed, so I let him have his way.
"Bring your tie along. We need to leave now," he instructed me after tucking my polo shirt in.
I slept in the car along the way. I was planning to get more sleep in the lab, but Aahmes dragged me to the top floors to attend the company meeting.
"I knew it..."
"I prefer to go to meetings with you, professor," he said while buttoning my shirt to fix my tie. "Don't worry, you can take a nap after the meeting. I will wake you before your niece arrives."
"That is, IF the meeting ends early."
"Don't worry, it is just a short meeting about the company funds." He even pulls out a comb to fix my hair.
"Good morning, Dr. Abdel, you look dashing today as usual."
We were both interrupted by Dr. Hilario with Dr. Perez by his side, both grinning at Aahmes like drooling hyenas.
Hmm, I guess Pretzel had already forgotten about yesterday.
"Prof. Antonio, it is good to see you, also."
I was surprised when he greeted me. At least he seem to be able to see me now.
"I'm glad that you decided to join us in the meeting," said Higad with a fake smile.
"I couldn't say no since my Habibi insisted," I replied with a yawn.
"Professor, let us go to our seats," Aahmes pulled at me once more. "The topic for today will include the additional budget I requested for our SGT kits, I would like you to be there when they release it to us," said he.
"Ah, is that why you wanted me to come?" I sat behind a sign with my name on it. "You could've done this on your own. You're the one who took care of everything, after all."
"How perfectly true."
I glance at Pretzel who sat to my left.
"Why Doc, how sweet of you to sit beside me," I told him with a sarcastic smile, "Don't you usually sit in front of us?"
"Actually, I would much rather sit with Dr. Abdel, but since you suddenly decide to attend the meeting, then I guess I don't have a choice," he said while looking at Aahmes.
"Oh my, Habibi, I had no idea I was being such a bother! I didn't know Dr. Perez was actually courting you!"
Aahmes merely glared at me and went back to preparing the documents he brought with us.
"As a gentleman, I think it only prudent to tell you that I don't plans to back off," Pretzel whispered beside me.
"To back of what?" I asked with a wondering gaze. "The back of the door? The back of the chair? Or perhaps the back side of Dr. Hilario?"
"I mean, that I have no plans of backing out," he repeated, his face looking darker.
I looked behind him where two assistants were currently sitting.
"Well, it looks like there's no moving back with those two assistants behind you."
"I'm serious, professor!" he snapped at me. "I plan to take Dr. Abdel away from you. Let that be fair warning. I'll do everything for him to realize that he could only be happy with an alpha like myself."
"Okay," I stifled a yawn.
"I'm not joking, professor!" he insisted.
"Okay. Good luck."
In reply, I face Aahmes and held his hand.
"Habibi,"
"Don't call me Habibi," he whispered back.
"Pretzel looks sad. Wanna change seats?"
"W-who are you calling 'Pretzel'?!" Pretzel frowned at me.
"Ah, you don't like Pretzels? Do you prefer Cheese Curls, then?" I asked him. "You're not blond, though."
Pretzel glared at me. He opened his mouth, thought otherwise, and sighed.
"Name calling won't get you anywhere, professor," he said.
"Oh, but I'm not trying to go anywhere," I replied, "I'm not some asshole who likes to force myself where he's not wanted, after all."
His stare got deeper.
"So, if you don't like Pretzels and Cheese Curls, do you prefer, Curly Tops?"
I gave him my most innocent smile and heard someone laugh. I look past him and saw Ms. Montez, the head of advertising, cover her mouth and clear her throat subtly.
I don't have a nickname for her since she's never bothered me before.
"I should have known better than to argue with you," Curly muttered.
"We're arguing?" I looked shocked. "I thought we were exchanging words of endearment, I even gave you a nickname since I've grown so very fond of you!"
He decided not to reply anymore.
"Professor, the meeting is about to start," said Aahmes.
"Okay, change seats with me." I stand up and pull him towards the table.
"No, professor, you should be the one to seat in front," he complained.
"I'm afraid I'm not feeling so well," I said loudly, "I leave everything to you. I'll just sit behind you to cheer you on."
"Professor..." he frowned at me.
"Please? I think I had a tummy ache from that Curly Tops1 I ate earlier."
I suppress a grin as I watch Curly clench his fists.
Aahmes gave a deep sigh before giving up and finally settling on my seat.
"Is everyone ready for the meeting?" Gadxilla called from the front.
The people in the room quieted down as the meeting commenced. I sat slouching on the back, yawning as I settle in a comfortable position.
I'm sure my Habibi can take this on his own.
1Curly Tops – a local chocolate brand