#4252

[damnfandomproblems]

Fandom Problem #4252:

Finds some cool gijinka art of non-human characters

"Wow cool! I really love this person's interpretation of these characters, they did a great job of translating these designs into human traits and really captured the--"

Post continues with a long angry diatribe about how other artists do their gijinkas WRONG and theirs is the ONLY correct interpretation because (reasons that devolve into their own personal headcanons and "coding" arguments)

[michaelgabrill]

Sols 4250-4252: So Many Rocks So Little Time

Earth planning date: Friday, July 19, 2024 As usual with our weekend plans, we are packing a lot of science into today’s three-sol plan. I had the fun of planning a complex and large set of arm activities as the Arm Rover Planner today. Since we did not drive in Wednesday’s plan, we still are […] from NASA https://ift.tt/WO6p3S4

[ibn-ibrahim]

“Regret is repentance.”

It was narrated that Ibn Ma’qil said:

“I entered with my father upon ‘Abdullah, and I heard him say: ‘The messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Regret is repentance.” My father said: ‘Did you hear the Prophet (ﷺ) say: “Regret is repentance?” He said: ‘Yes.’”

Sunan Ibn Majah 4252

[daily-prompts]

Prompt 4252

Your house spirit has started messing with you. You’ve tried everything to get back in their good graces. Now you need to call in the big guns: asking your Grandmother’s advise.

[lovemesomeeddiemunson]

The Proposal - Part 2

Summary: When Steve Harrington is threatened with deportation, he blackmails his long suffering assistant, Eddie Munson, into marrying him. Steddie! The Proposal Au, Modern Au, Part 2 of 7. 4252 Words

Series Warnings: Blackmail. Food mentions. Mentions of unhealthy relationship with food. Cursing. Self harm (by means of tattooing.) Homophobia. Death of a parent. Abandonment by parents. Shitty parents. Homophobic parents. Parents with entitlement. Classism. Eventual sexual situations (no actual smut!) Brief allusion to a panic attack. Minor spoilers for Flight of Icarus.

Authors Note:  It should be noted that this is a fully completed fic, I've just broken it up for ease of posting. I can be motivated to post faster, if readers find themselves engaged.

Also, credit and praise to @steddiecameraroll-graphics for the D20 crown header used from here on out - fyi, I’m obsessed.

Additional thanks and love to @be-my-wonderland for her help with the Italian translations.

When Eddie and Steve arrive at the immigration office, Steve immediately bullies his way past the line and to the front counter. 

Charming the disgruntled with carefully placed Italian, he offers more than one apologetic “Mi scusi,” the words flowing from his lips with a smile that makes several people swoon...

Eddie may or not be among them.

Once Steve’s secured his standing in line with his ill-gotten means, he then directs that same charm to the employee working the counter as he tells her, “I need you to file this fiancé visa for me, please.” 

After taking and looking over his file, the older woman addresses him, with an inquisitive, “Mr. Harrington?”

“Yes.” Steve nods.

She gestures for him and Eddie both to follow her, pushing her glasses up her nose as she instructs. “Please come with me.” 

As they leave the front counter, she leads them into an office where Eddie sits down as they wait by themselves. Steve’s still standing, lurking over by the door, glued to his phone, typing like there’s no tomorrow. 

Business as usual, his fiancé is. A thought that unsettles Eddie even more deeply as he whispers “I have a bad feeling.” 

His words precede a slight commotion outside, where both men can hear bantering coming closer to where they wait. 

The woman who had brought them in earlier appears to be conversing with an absolute mountain of a man, who can be heard insisting, “Flo we’ve discussed this…mornings are for coffee and contemplation…coffee and contemplation!”

Yanking open his office door to deal with his uninvited guests, Eddie nearly jumps out of his skin. With a donut and a coffee in hand, the immigration officer crosses the room as he greets them with a flat tone.

Introduces, “Hello. I’m Jim Hopper.” As he moves to sit behind the desk, setting his pastry and coffee down and scratching at the scruff of his beard. “And you must be Steve and Eddie. Sorry about the wait.” 

He lets out a small chuckle, before letting the file he holds fall onto his desk with no care at all, dismisses, “It’s a crazy day today. You know.” 

“Oh, of course, of course. We understand.” Steve has lowered his phone, but still cradles it in his hands as he spouts nonsense. “And I can’t tell you how much we appreciate you seeing us on such short notice.” 

Steve smiles at him, and Hopper smiles back. Both of them are as fake as the plastic chair that Eddie’s sweating into.

“Okay.” Hopper gets right to it then, looking over the file briefly.  “So,” He flips it shut with a noisy snap. “I just have one question for you.” 

Uh-oh. 

Eddie decidedly does not like the sound of that, trying to keep his expression neutral. Unsure if he’s succeeding.

“Are you both committing fraud to avoid his deportation so he can keep his job as a music producer?” Hopper asks sternly, looking pointedly at Eddie.

“Where did— Where did you hear that?” Eddie finds himself asking instead of answering, while Steve makes a sound that sounds scandalized at the suggestion. 

Oscar worthy. Truly.

“We had a phone tip this afternoon from a man named…” Hopper starts, looking down at his notes as Steve dramatically sighs, interrupting Hopper with a sympathetic smile. 

“Would it be a William Hargrove?” He asks him.

Hopper looks back up at them, “Billy Hargrove.” He finishes.

Steve shakes his head sadly. “Oh, Billy. Poor Billy. I’m so sorry.” Steve frowned, “Billy is nothing but a disgruntled former employee, and I apologize…But we know you’re incredibly busy with a long line of people to tend to. If you’ll just give us our next step, we will be out of your hair and on our way.” 

“Mr. Harrington, please.” Hopper gestures for him to take a seat. Steve does so warily. 

“Let me explain to you the process that’s about to unfold.” Hopper leans on his desk as the men both nod. 

“Step one will be a scheduled interview. I’ll put you each in a room, and I’ll ask you every little question that a real couple would know about each other.” He explains. As if that’s the easy part. “Step two, I dig deeper. I look at your phone records, I talk to your neighbors, I interview your co-workers.” He’s almost glaring at them now. 

“If your answers don’t match up at every point,” He points at Steve, “You will be deported indefinitely.” He turns to Eddie, “And you, young man, will have committed a felony punishable by a fine of $250,000. And a stay of five years in a federal prison.” He finishes. 

Eddie glances out the window of the office then, catching the sight of a handcuffed woman who protests loudly as she is escorted out of the building. Good God. 

Eddie can’t go to jail. He might look scary, but he’s not fit for prison. 

“So, Eddie.” Hopper continues, the other man’s eyes snapping towards him as Eddie inclines his head. 

“You wanna… you want to talk to me?” Hopper smiles, even winks at him, knowingly.

Eddie’s mind moves a mile a minute - he calculates, recalculates, and then he shakes his head in answer.

“No?” Hopper confirms.

Another head shake. “Well, not no…” Eddie clears his throat, “The truth is…” 

Steve’s eyes widen as he looks at Eddie. 

This is it. No turning back now. Eddie clears his throat, “Mr. Hopper, the truth is… Steve and I…” He turns to Steve, meeting his eyes, “…are just two people who weren’t supposed to fall in love… but we did.” 

Steve smiles at him in relief, nodding, before looking back at Hopper through his lashes. 

Eddie goes on. “We couldn’t tell anyone we work with, because of the record deal.” 

Steve’s expression flickers with surprise as the immigration officer probes, “Record deal?” 

Eddie nods, “Yeah.” 

“Your…?” Steve asks, staring him down.

Eddie beams at him. “We…We both felt that it would be deeply inappropriate, if I were to be offered a record deal while still holding the title of Steve’s executive assistant…” 

Steve huffs, masking it with a cough. 

“But with the wedding,” Eddie emphasizes the word for Steve’s benefit. A mild threat. “Coming up - well, I’m not going to be Steve’s assistant anymore. Right sweetheart?” He looks at his boss.

Steve is smiling, but there’s nothing behind his eyes. He’s trapped him.

Good.

“Yes.” Steve grits out.

Hopper clicks his pen. Seemingly satisfied. “So…Have the two of you told your parents about your secret love?” 

“Oh…” Steve laughed, “Impossible. My parents and I haven’t spoken in six years. Not since they found out I was bisexual and kicked me out of the house.” 

Eddie can’t help but glance at him. The way he says it so casually, the laugh that comes with it, how easy it was to say for him. Like it didn’t hurt…but Eddie knows better.

He finds himself taking Steve’s hand. Squeezing it. He thinks it’s the first time he’s ever intentionally touched Steve. It’s exhilarating. Especially when Steve looks down at the touch all soft, as if in awe.

“No brothers or sisters either.” Steve nods, like it’s nothing, like it’s not a big deal that he has no family to speak of. Hopper clocks it, hums softly. Asks Eddie, “And what about your family?”

“Mom passed. Dad is M.I.A.” He too tries to be casual. He can’t tell if he does it spectacularly or not, because Steve offers no condolence squeeze of his own, though he hasn’t dropped his hand. “I have an uncle though who may as well be my father...Despite accusing me for a very long time of wanting Steve, he doesn’t know that we uh, got together.”

Steve doesn’t like the look that Hopper gets when Eddie reveals that a man who may as well be his father wouldn’t be privy to such big news, and quickly interjects, “We’re actually going to tell him this weekend.” 

Eddie whips his head at Steve at that. He can’t be serious.

“It’s his 65th birthday, and we wanted to be there.” Steve explains. “We thought it’d be a nice surprise…and uh, as Eddie mentioned, he did suspect at least Eddie’s feelings for…quite a while.” Steve chuckles. 

Eddie wonders if Steve knows that his words ring with a word of truth, nonetheless perturbed at the implication, even as he watches his boss lie with so much ease. 

Hopper smirks, “And where is this surprise gonna take place?” 

“Eddie’s uncle’s home.” Steve gives Eddie a subtle glance, asking for assistance. 

“Where is that located again?” Hopper presses on. 

“Um…” Steve scoffs with a laugh. charmingly unprepared as he fixates on Eddie with a little quip of, “Why am I doing all the talking? It’s your uncle. Why don’t you tell him where he lives? Jump in.” 

Eddie grins sadistically, doing as he’s asked with glee. “Hawkins.” 

“Hawkins.” Steve confirms, looking back at Hopper. 

“Indiana.” Eddie finishes with a smile. 

“Indiana.” Steve repeats, and abruptly turns to him in surprise. Eddie is already looking back at him, giving his boss the sweetest smile he can muster. 

“Hawkins, Indiana. Real small-town America.” Eddie’s smile widens, sweetens.

“You’re gonna go to Indiana this weekend?” Hopper repeats, his doubts obvious. 

Steve nods, voice pained. “Yes.” 

“Yeah.” Eddie adds.

“We are going to Indiana. That’s where my little… that’s where my Eddie is from.” Steve is clearly thrown, and Eddie almost laughs in delight. 

Hopper sighs, “Okay. Fine. I see how this is gonna go. I will see you both…in two weeks.” He rips a piece of notepad to scribble on it, “At 11am, for your scheduled interview, and your answers better match up.” 

Hopper stands then, prompting both of them to do the same. They realize they are still holding hands, and drop them quickly. 

Steve’s already on his phone saying hello to someone as Eddie takes the piece of paper from Hopper with their scribbled appointment.

“Thank you.” He says, pocketing it as the officer teases him, “I’m looking forward to this one.” 

“We’re looking forward to this one.” Eddie replies as Steve greets the caller with an excited tone, waving a dismissive goodbye to Hopper and fleeing the room. 

“It’s gonna be fun! I’ll be checking up on you.” Hopper calls after them. 

By the time they’ve spilled out onto the street, and escaped the scrutiny of the feds, Steve is off the phone call, barking orders. 

“Okay, so, what’s gonna happen is we will go over there. We will pretend that we have been dating, tell your uncle that we’re engaged.” Steve continues to look at his screen, as if it’s all so simple. Making plans. “Use the miles for the tickets. First class, but make sure you use the miles. If we don’t get the miles, we’re not doing it. Oh! And confirm the vegan meal, okay? Because last time they gave it to an actual vegan, and they forced me to eat this gross salad thing, which was…” 

Trailing off, Steve looks up from his phone, blinking when he sees Eddie not taking him as seriously as he should be. “Hey, why aren’t you taking notes?” 

“I’m sorry, were you not in that room?” Eddie points his thumb at the building. 

“What? What?” Steve asks, looking genuinely confused as to what he’s worried about. 

Eddie blinks. Waits. It clicks a moment later.

“Oh! The thing you said about a record deal?” Steve nods with a smirk, “Genius! He completely fell for it!” 

“I was serious.” Eddie clenches his jaw, “I’m looking at a $250,000 fine and five years in jail. That changes things.”

Steve makes a face, “A record deal? No way.” 

“Then I quit, and you’re screwed. Goodbye Stevie, it really has been a little slice of heaven.” Eddie starts to walk away. 

“Eddie!” Steve calls back, chasing after him and oh boy does Eddie like that feeling. “Eddie! Eddie! Fine! Fine.” The other man halts, and turns back to face Steve. 

“I’ll give you a record deal. Fine.” Steve nods, agreeing to his terms even if it kills him. “If you go through with this weekend, the interview, and the wedding, I will give you a record deal. Happy?”

“Not in two years. Right away.” Eddie counters back, Steve rolls his eyes with a sharp breath. 

“Fine.” He huffs.

“And you’ll give me complete creative control.” He adds.

Steve pauses, looking baffled and conflicted, “Eddie…”

“Complete creative control, or I walk.” Eddie continues, “Also, we’ll tell my uncle about our engagement when I want and how I want. If I have to add lying to the man who saved my life in addition to this fucking shit show, then I want to do it on my own terms.” He feels really fucking good right now. Powerful even. So he demands, “Now, ask me nicely.” 

Steve stares at him, “Ask you nicely what?” 

Eddie smirks, “Ask me nicely to marry you, Steve.” 

“What?” He wrinkles his nose and Eddie shows his teeth. “You heard me. On your knees.” 

“Here?” Steve’s voice breaks and Eddie snickers, crossing his arms. Waits.

“Fine.” His boss finally grits out, kneeling down and holding out his hand expectantly for Eddie’s. Eddie is pleased, giving it over with a little wiggle of his fingers.

He’s kneeling like a beggar and not someone proposing, with both of his legs tucked under him, scowling so pretty that Eddie can’t stand it as Steve snarks, “Does this work for you?” 

“Oh, yeah. I like this.” Eddie nods in reply, smug, thinking to himself that Steve never needs to know exactly how much.

Steve is glaring daggers as he asks him flatly,  “Will you marry me?” 

Eddie offers a small shake of his head in answer. “No.” He’s firm. “Say it nicely. Say it like you mean it.” 

Steve breathes deeply, trying again, slowly drawing out his name as he asks,  “Eddie,”

“Yes, Steve?” Eddie smiles down at him. 

“Eddie, my darling Eddie.” Eddie has to ignore the way his voice lowers, pleading and yet commanding in a way that would have their roles reversed - Eddie on his knees - in a second. His answering tone he just manages to keep indifferent. “I’m listening.” 

“Would you, please, pretty please, with cherries on top, marry me?” Steve pouts, and his lips are so lush that Eddie might actually die.

Instead of doing that, or something equally embarrassing, Eddie purses his own lips, looking up, pretending that he’s thinking it over when really he’s trying to expel the mental image of Steve Harrington, evil incarnate, down on his knees for him. 

He caves then. “Okay. I don’t appreciate the sarcasm, but I’ll do it. Check your email for the travel arrangements.” 

Eddie turns to walk away, and then he pauses, turning back around.

“You know, that reminds me.” He grins wickedly. “You’ve never seen me outside of my work attire before.”

Steve looks wary, slowly rising from the ground and dusting himself off. “No, I have not.”

Eddie cackles. “Oh, Stevie, this is going to be so much fun. I’ll see you at the airport - I’ll be the one in black.”

Eddie is wearing black, to be fair. 

Painted on his nails without fear for the first time in six years. 

While previously he had always taken it off with remover before heading into the office on a Monday morning - or heading to do Steve’s errands on the weekend…Now he didn’t bother to conceal it.

Why would he? When he and Steve were so “happily engaged.”

So, yes. His nails are black. His jeans are black, ripped, a metal chain hanging from them with his old Hellfire Club shirt tucked in. Atop it he wears his black leather jacket, and his denim vest covered in hand-sewed patches. All of his rings adorn his fingers as he bounces on his white-Reebok clad feet.

Eyes peeled for Steve’s arrival, he’s positively giddy when the car he’d ordered approaches the curb. 

Waving it down, he greeted Steve’s chauffeur through the passenger window before going and opening Steve’s door himself. 

Once he does so, he makes a big show of kissing Steve’s hand as he pulls him from the town car, his boss’s jaw going slack at the sight of him as he exits it and rises to his full height, taking in Eddie’s appearance.

For a second. 

And then he composes himself, snatching his hand so he can rip the sunglasses off of his face and tuck them frantically into the collar of his dress shirt.

“You can’t be serious.” He says. 

Eddie stands his ground, taking a step back with a smile and extending the handle to the small suitcase he had with him on the curb with a click. “As the plague, baby.” 

Steve looks like he’s questioning his life choices - until Eddie turns to head to the terminal. “You’ll want to grab your things and hurry along, dear. We still have to check in.”

Surprised, Steve grabs his bags - way too many for a weekend trip but not if you weren’t expecting to have to carry them yourself - and scrambles after Eddie.

He’s clearly pissed when he catches up, his hands full as he reminds Eddie pointedly. “I am still your boss.” 

And, okay, yeah. So Eddie may have been pushing his luck lately. He was dependent on Steve to some degree in this arrangement as well, and it would definitely be worth it for the two of them to sit and hash out how their being fiancés would change their dynamic.

Soon. For now, Eddie grabs the bags. “I am nothing if not a good employee to my future husband.” He defends.

Steve forges on, unamused. They get through the check-in, and then they have some time to kill as Eddie settles his nerves with a rum and coke, courtesy of the private bar in the first class lounge. 

Before he can even move to pay for it, Steve slides his Black card over. Feeling generous it seems.

Eddie looks at him doubtfully, arms crossed as he leans over the bar. Steve isn’t smiling, just shrugs and explains only for him to hear. “My man wouldn’t have to pay for things.”

Surprised, Eddie takes his drink, rings clinking against the glass, unsure of what to say before Steve is leaving his orbit, wrapped up in his phone once again.

Eddie nurses the liquor until it’s time for them to board, finding their plush first class seats and settling into them, taking in all the amenities with barely contained awe.

Steve watches Eddie shed his denim vest and his leather jacket, getting comfortable and revealing the tattoos along his forearms, and he feels his mouth go dry. He swallows as he stares at his phone screen, unseeing.

Once he has to stow it, their phones set to airplane mode, Eddie commands Steve’s attention, pulling out a booklet.

“So, these are the questions that INS is gonna ask us.” Eddie says in explanation, “The good news is, I know everything about you, but the bad news is that you have two weeks to learn all this about me. So, you should…probably study.” 

Steve takes the booklet, skimming over it on his own, flipping through its pages, “You know the answers to all of these questions about me?” He presses. 

“Scary, isn’t it?” Eddie grins. 

“A little bit.” Steve replies, looking through them for a stumbling block before he quizzes his fake fiance. “What am I allergic to?” 

“Latex.” Eddie declares, no doubt at all in his voice, “And displays of emotion in the workplace.”

“Haha. That’s so funny.” Steve rolls his eyes. A little miffed that he got it right.

“Uhm… Here’s a good one.” Steve folds the booklet, “Do I have any scars?” 

“No, but I’m pretty sure you have a tattoo.” Eddie adds. 

“Oh, you’re pretty sure?” Steve shoots back with a huff of laughter. 

“I’m pretty sure. Two years ago, your dermatologist called and asked about a Q-switched laser. I, of course, googled what that is and found out that they do, in fact, remove tattoos. But you canceled your appointment.” He says smugly. Steve is baffled, and he presses on. “So what is it? A tramp stamp?” 

Steve doesn’t deny it, redirecting sharply. “You know, it’s exciting for me to experience you like this.” 

“Thank you.” Eddie replies. Focused. His eyes are locked on Steve’s and holy fuck, Steve doesn’t think he’s ever noticed how long his lashes are. “You’re going to have to tell me where it is though.” 

Steve turns his head to avoid eye contact, “No. I’m not.” 

“They’re gonna ask.” Eddie answers. “Come on. I’ll tell you all about mine - the ones you can see, the ones you can’t-” Eddie teases.

“We’re done with this question. We’re done with this conversation. Onto another question. Let me see, let me see.” Steve mumbles to block him out, making him sigh in defeat and sink down into his expensive seat. 

“Oh, here’s one. Whose place do we stay at, yours or mine?” Steve inquires, turning his nose up. “That’s easy, mine.” He answers without even looking back at him. 

Eddie is sufficiently distracted at that, tone clipped as he antagonizes him, “And why wouldn’t we stay at mine?” 

“Because I live in a penthouse on Central Park West.” Steve looks at him with pursed lips before turning back to the booklet again, “And you probably live in some squalid little studio apartment with a record player to impress your dates.”

Eddie’s tone is biting, a mocking smile on his lips. “You don’t have to sound so jealous about it, sweetheart.”

Steve stares at him unblinkingly. Asks, “What color is my toothbrush?” 

“Blue.” Eddie rolls his eyes.

Steve scowls - flipping through the book, pausing as he reads a question that makes him flush. He drops the book between them like it burned him. “Okay, that’s enough of that.” Steve says.

It makes Eddie curious so he grabs the booklet and starts looking for the offending question. Prodding and teasing him. “Oooooh what was it? Which question got you flustered?”

“Eddie.” Steve protests, his tone lacking his usual dictativeness.

“Was it sexual?” he wiggles his eyebrows. “Is the US government just itching to know how we perform the horizontal tango?” 

Steve glares. “If you’re not going to take this seriously-“

“I just assumed it would be like anything else with us.” Eddie cuts in. Steve waits for him to elaborate, and he lets out a huge breath, “We do it however the hell you tell me to.” 

Steve gawks at him, miffed. “That’s…you’re being unfair.” He settles on. 

“It doesn’t have to be a bad thing, Steve.” He soothes. And then thinks, fuck it. Lays his cards on the table.

“So, this is just me thinking off the top of my head - because I definitely haven’t spent a lot of time on this. Haven’t given any prior thought to - to how you might be. How we might be together.”

Eddie clears his throat as Steve gapes at him. Words spilling out. “No sir. Never ran your errands or emptied out your inbox and wondered, if after you’ve bossed me around all day, if you wouldn’t want to hole up in your office after everyone’s gone home and let me do the bossing around...Giving me the reigns to do whatever I want to you, just so you don’t have to be the man in charge. So you wouldn’t have to think and plan for a little while. Nooooo…I definitely didn’t spend way too long entertaining that thought, only to realize that it just doesn’t sit right. Because as much as I might like to imagine it - you - good and fucked, finally fucking satisfied, you’re way too mouthy and way too content bossing everyone around to give up all of your control when you go home, when you get taken to bed. So, it would have to be something more like what I said. Where you tell me what it is you want. What it is you need. And I, your ever humble servant, would be all too eager to comply.”

Steve’s voice is measured as he replies, “You haven’t thought about it, huh?”

Eddie steals Steve’s move as he rolls his eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself. We just…we spent a lot of time together.” He lies. Clears his throat. “So, do I have it right?”

Steve looks out the window - because of fucking course he has the window seat. He replies mockingly, “Yes, Eddie, once again, you have another one right.” And then, because he’s trying to kill him, Steve adds. “I keep control. I keep control and I tell my partners what it is I need. Even if what I need is to get railed like a cheap slut at the end of a long day.”

Jesus H. Christ.

It’s impossible to be smug. “I live to please.” Eddie responds, willing away the stirring in his pants at the thought.

Steve just sighs, rubs a hand over his face. “So…that’s, uh, one question answered about you, I guess.” 

Before Eddie can put his foot in his mouth - the flight attendant appears at their side, clearing her throat as she smiles and offers them snacks. 

The two men let her interruption end the conversation, Eddie popping his headphones in for the rest of the flight. Letting Metallica pour over his more loud thoughts until he gets his footing.

Series Masterlist

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[xerxesxerxesxerxes]

A simple translation of Rimbaud's simple sonnet. For the French and a short comment, go to https://alteritas.net/GXL/?p=4252

[sabrgirl]

what to do when you've committed a sin

oftentimes when committing a sin, it can be very easy to fall into a state of hopelessness, extreme guilt, shame and anxiety. The Prophet ﷺ said that "regretting (a sin) is repentance" (Sunan Ibn Majah 4252), and this shows that guilt is a good thing - a feeling that comes along with regret that drives you forward to ensure you don't commit the same sin again.

however, letting guilt and shame consume you entirely to the point where you've lost hope in Allah's Mercy and in yourself and end up sitting in a place of despair is not productive. as long as you're alive, you can still make amends and do good deeds in the hope of attaining the Pleasure of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ .

here is a response I've already made to someone asking me how to let go of shame for past sins, but these are things you can do (in general, of course) but after making a mistake/sinning:

salat al-tawbah (the prayer of repentance) immediately this is the nawafil prayer for when one falls into sin and it is usually two raka'ats. pray this immediately after committing a sin with sincere repentance, putting that guilt into this prayer and weep and ask for forgiveness. regarding this prayer, the Prophet ﷺ has said “There is no slave of Allah who commits a sin then purifies himself well and stands and prays two rakahs, then asks Allah for forgiveness, but Allah will forgive him". (Hisn al-Muslim 140). subhanallah.

sadaqah ◦ give money to charity, create a sadaqah box if you do not already have one and put money inside to increase your good deeds over your bad ones. "Know they not that Allah is He who accepts repentance from His servants and takes their charity, and that Allah is He Who is Oft-Returning with compassion, and is Merciful?" (9:104) - Surah Taubah itself. ◦ if it is a repetitive sin, then say to yourself that every time you commit the sin, you have to put a certain fixed amount in. for example, £10 every time you do xyz and you must put it in every time. keep it at a high amount and it will help you in the future to stop, Insha'Allah.

constant dhikr ◦ i cannot even truly express in words the benefits of doing istighfar in a way that will truly sum it up. it washes away the sins of man to the point where his heart will be purified. it is so important to immerse yourself in doing istighfar day and night as it can protect you and Allah is always prepared to hear the cries of taubah from His people. not a single soul can claim that they can absolve themselves of sin on their own, as only Allah's Mercy can release a man of his sins. Prophets were well aware of this fact, so they also continually sought forgiveness of Allah. make it a plan to recite أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ (astagfirullah waatubu alaiyhi, I seek Allah's forgiveness and I turn to Him in repentance) 100 times daily ◦ i also love the app Azkar - it has morning, evening, sleep and waking up dhikr's that you can just recite while reading them on your phone that has the arabic, transliteration and translation. it is so easy for anyone to follow and so helpful in remembering Allah daily - i highly recommend everyone to download this app

make an action plan after committing the particular sin, make an action plan moving forwards of something you're going to do to seek the Pleasure of Allah and His forgiveness. for example, you tell yourself/Him that you will now wake up for tahajjud every morning for the next 2 weeks (and actually do it) and ask Allah to accept this as an apology and to have Mercy on you. that way, you can even build it as a habit and continue after.

nawafil (voluntary) prayers along with the fard prayers start praying voluntary prayers, like: - 4 raka'at's before asr prayer (The Prophet ﷺ said: "May Allah have mercy upon a man who prays four before Al-Asr." (at-Tirmidhi 430) - tahajjud - 2 raka'at's after the 2 raka'ats of sunnah after zuhr - duha prayer (after sunrise and before zuhr time) etc. doing these extra prayers on top of the obligatory 5 daily prayers will give you more blessings and help you weigh more on the righteous side of the scale

reading Qur'an daily with lengthy recitation this has so many blessings. it's a form of dhikr, the remembrance of Allah, and it helps you to gain His pleasure by doing so. make sure to also read it with translation if arabic is not your first language / a language you understand so that you can listen to what Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is saying and reflect and act on it too.

may Allah, Al-Ghafoor Ar-Raheem, forgive us all for our sins, accept our good deeds and have Mercy on us all, Allahumma Ameen.

[bvrakah]

«regret is repentance»

It was narrated that Ibn Ma'qil said:

I entered with my father upon 'Abdullāh, and I heard him say:

"The messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said:

"'Regret is repentance.'."

My father said:

"Did you hear the Prophet (ﷺ) say:

"'Regret is repentance.'?"

He said:

"Yes."

Sunan Ibn Majah 4252

[chic-a-gigot]

Mon journal favori, no. 6, 15 juin 1931, Paris. Bibliothèque nationale de France

La fraîche composition qui illustre si heureusement la première page de Mon Journal Favori vous présente un très charmant ensemble pour les jours de vacances.

Le Pull-over (dont le Patron Favori porte le no. 4472) est au tricot et peut être exécuté en deux tons camaïeu ou différents, suivant le goût personnel. Les indications nécessaires à l'exécution se trouvent très complètes à la page 12 de ce numéro.

Ce Pull-over se portera sur la Jupe no. 4252, extraite de nos Patrons Favoris; elle s'exécutera en Tweed, forme deux plis piqués sur le devant. un métrage de 1 m. 75 en 140 sera très suffisant.

—

The fresh composition which so happily illustrates the first page of Mon Journal Favori illustrates a very charming set for vacation days.

The Sweater (Patron Favori number 4472) is knitted and can be made in two monochrome or different tones, depending on personal taste. The instructions are included in full on page 12 of this issue.

This Sweater will be worn over Skirt no. 4252, taken from our Patrons Favoris; It will be made in Tweed, forms two stitched pleats on the front. a length of 1 m. 75 in 140 will be very sufficient.

[reverthelp]

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Regret is part of repentance.”

Sunan Ibn Mājah 4252

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter XVIII - From Darkness into the Light

Chapter Summary: You and Aleksander finally find a moment to yourselves, during which he reveals to you what he already has to Nikolai. He also has a confrontation with his mother, who still believes he has ill intents. And at long last, Alina and Mal arrive to Os Alta.

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader, Alina Starkov/Mal Oretsev

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Nikolai Lantsov, Genya Safin, Baghra, Alina Starkov, Mal Oretsev

Word Count: 4252

A/N: Smut alert. If you don't like this or are underage, please, don't read from "'Yes', he says and goes down on you." to "'That was… wow,' you breathe out when Aleksander pulls out.". Enjoy! Inspired by prompts: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090100549/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090100511/ https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090100510/

Tag list (let me know if you want to be added or removed):

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

@drinix

Your heart is beating like crazy. Standing in the Darkling's chambers, you keep thinking about what has just happened. The Apparat and Yuri. The knife. People declaring you a Saint. Nikolai's promise…

Bring me Alina Starkov.

… Why?

Oh, I don't want her dead. We need her to win this. And besides… we have a long overdue… chat…

For a moment you thought he wouldn't agree. But he sent Tolya to get Alina and Mal at once. You can't wait for this meeting.

You shake your head. Now it's not time for this. You look at the door. And at that moment Kirigan walks in. He stops and for a moment you simply stare at each other.

'[Y/N],' he breathes out finally and rushes to you. He cups your face and kisses you like a man starved. You gasp and answer with the same fervour, tangling your fingers in his hair, which earns you a groan.

'Aleksander…' you sigh. He grunts and presses you closer to himself.

'Finally,' he murmurs. 'Finally, alone. It was driving me crazy. They didn't give us a single moment to ourselves in Lazlayon.'

'Well, they still don't trust us,' you remind him, playing with his hair. 'They feared we would be plotting. Or start a riot.'

'Or make out instead of working,' the Darkling hums. 'Because that what would have happened if they had let us be alone. I'd have been kissing you senseless and you wouldn't have been able to work on the antidote.'

'Well… seems like you have to make up for all the time we've lost,' you say, a mischievous glint in your eyes. Aleksander chuckles and presses a few kisses to your neck. Your breath hitches.

'Tell me what you want, milaya,' he almost purrs. 'I'm at your command. Whatever you need, I'll give you.'

'I want…' you start slowly, your hands going slowly down, until they reach his pants. He gasps when you push them inside and find his manhood.

'I want this… in here,' you finish, taking his hand and leading it to your core. 'I need it there. Please. I've waited enough.'

'You don't have to plead for it, lapushka,' Kirigan says, his voice husky. 'I'll give it to you there whenever you need it. I just waited for you to be ready.'

'I am now,' you whisper and kiss his jaw. 'Take me… Aleksander.'

In a moment, you find yourself in his arms. He barges into his bedroom and basically throws you on his bed. He stares at you with lust, quickly undressing himself. You get rid of your clothes as well.

'Mine,' he growls as he looms over you. 'All mine.'

'Yours,' you murmur, tracing his chest with your fingers, and look him in the eyes. 'And you're mine.'

'Yes,' Kirigan confirms, pressing a gentle kiss to your lips. 'Completely, utterly yours. As long as you'll have me.'

'Even forever?' you ask cheekily. But he becomes serious. He looks at you and gulps. You frown, confused at this sudden change in his mood.

'It may be more possible than you think,' he says quietly, staring at your amplifier. You touch it, slowly understanding.

'I'm… immortal now?' you ask with disbelief. Aleksander nods.

'I can feel it,' he says. 'Thanks to my nichevoy'a. They connected us. And… I can't exactly explain it… but I know you… you're like me now.'

'So…' you say slowly, 'unless I am killed… I won't be forced to leave you in the end? I won't leave you alone?'

The Darkling's heart melts. That is what is your first thought after he told you that you're immortal? He truly doesn't deserve you.

'Unless I'll drive you away,' he answers. You laugh.

'Never,' you say, shaking your head, and smile brilliantly at him. 'Good. I'm really glad, then.'

'Being immortal is not easy,' he warns you. 'You will watch everyone you care about wither and die.'

'But I won't be alone,' you say and entwine your fingers together. 'Neither will you. Not anymore. And immortality is not so scary if you have someone to share it with, right?'

The gaze of absolute adoration and devotion he gives you, causes you to blush furiously. He kisses you harshly, groaning into your lips. Before you can response, he pulls away.

'Yes', he says and goes down on you. You gasp and your eyes go wide.

'Aleksander!' you groan, bucking your hips. He pins them down. He devours you as if you were last meal. His lips and fingers know exactly where to press and how. He licks all your wetness, but ironically, the more he licks the more it leaks from you. His fingers stretch you, prepare you for him. You whine when you can't take it anymore.

'A little bit more, my love,' Kirigan says softly and you cry out when he pushes another finger in. 'That's it. Are you close?'

You nod, panting. He continues his ministrations for a moment longer. And when you feel you're about to cross the edge… he pulls out. You exhale shakily and look at him.

He stares at you for a moment, admiring your sweating face, your dilated pupils. He sees the desire in them. For him. All of that is for him. He's no longer alone. And he never will be.

'I love you,' he says softly. You smile at him. He sees tears glistening in your eyes. His heart clenches with guilt. He definitely should have told you about his feelings sooner.

'I love you as I've never loved anyone,' he declares, his voice serious. You cup his cheek and he leans into it.

'And I love you,' you say. He smiles at you and positions himself at your entrance. You both moan when he finally pushes in. He waits a moment, giving you time to adjust, and then starts moving. Slowly, at first. But he speeds up. Faster and faster.

'Aleksander!' you moan, throwing your head back. He groans and starts kneading your breasts. You gasp and push them into his hands, needing more.

'[Y/N],' he says in awe and joins your lips again. You put your hand on his nape and pull him towards you, wanting him closer. Wanting to become one with him.

His moves become sloppier. But he holds on. He doesn't want to end it yet. So, he slows down, which makes you whine in frustration. He can't help but chuckle.

'Something's wrong, moya milaya?' he asks teasingly. You glare at him and buckle your hips. He gasps. You smirk.

'Little vixen,' he growls and sucks on your nipple. He bites it gently. You cry out, your toes curling.

'Please…' you whisper. Aleksander would want to prolong it, to make you truly enjoy it. To treat you like you deserve. But at this moment he's relieved you're so close. He's been holding back for so long it hurts him to continue doing it.

'Together, my love,' he murmurs and speeds up again. You're both moaning and panting now. And finally, you reach peak at the same time, groaning each other's names.

'That was… wow,' you breathe out when Aleksander pulls out. He lays next to you, huffing.

'Yes… wow,' he agrees. You turn to look at him. He's staring at the ceiling, his expression pensive.

'What are you thinking about already?' you ask. He smiles wryly and looks at you.

'I love you,' he says, causing you to blink in confusion. 'And I'm happy. This feels… strange. I can't help but waiting for something bad to happen… and to lose you.'

'I'm here,' you whisper, joining your hands. 'And I'm not going anywhere. I promise.'

He smiles at you and kisses your knuckles. You shift a bit to be able to touch his forehead with yours.

'You promise?' he asks, forcing his voice not to crack.

'As long as you'll have me,' you answer sincerely. He grins.

'Forever, then,' he says.

'Forever it is,' you agree. Aleksander kisses your forehead and embraces you. You both close your eyes, content. And at peace.

*

Next day, you're in the workshop. Nothing surprising nor new. But this time, since the world already knows he's alive or at least everyone in Os Alta, Kirigan is there with you. Normally, you'd be happy to spend more time together. But the way he looks at you… is terribly distracting. And others glancing at you two doesn't help it.

'Remember what you said last night?' you finally ask, having enough.

'Which part?' the Darkling asks.

'About me not being able to work because of you,' you remind him, sending him a pointed look. He has an audacity to grin.

'I remember saying you wouldn't be able to work if we were alone, because I'd be kissing you senseless,' he says, causing you to blush. 'Neither of the conditions are fulfilled, so I don't see a problem.'

You force yourself not to look at others. You can't bear to stand their gazes.

'It appears all you have to do is to stare at me to distract me,' you say, causing him to smirk. 'Don't you have work to do? Or something?'

Before he can answer, Nikolai walks in. He locates you and marches straight to you.

'Perfect, I was looking for you two,' he says and clasps his hand behind his back. '[Y/N]-'

'You want to ask about my kefta,' you guess and hand him one of the papers on the table. 'Here is the design for it for other Grisha. And here… for uniforms of the army.'

You hand him another paper. Lantsov studies it, utterly fascinated.

'Amazing,' he murmurs. 'And what exactly does it repel?'

'Anything sharp that it's thrown at it,' you answer, shrugging. The King looks at you.

'Tell me more,' he urges you. You chuckle and shake your head.

'You do not want me to start talking about my projects,' you say. 'I can talk about it for hours. Just ask this one here.'

You point with your head at Aleksander. But he smiles.

'I'm afraid I'm a bad example, as I enjoy listening to you talking about things that are passionate for you,' he says. You blush again.

'And I really want to know how it works, it sounds fascinating,' Nikolai insists and looks at Kirigan. 'But first… would you mind checking on Grisha training? Zoya said she'd like to hear your thoughts about how they're doing.'

'Really?' the Darkling asks, raising his eyebrows.

'Well, not exactly, but I know that's what she meant,' Lantsov admits.

'Very well,' Aleksander agrees and walks to you. He presses a kiss to the top of your head and looks at your face, humming.

'What?' you ask, too late realising you're walking into a trap.

'You have lips,' he says, confusing you. 'And I have lips. Interesting…'

'Indeed,' you agree, not able to stop a smile forming on your face. 'We should test if they're compatible later.'

'Later,' Kirigan agrees, grinning, and walks away. You risk a look at the King, red as a tomato. But he's smiling.

'So, the kefta?' he asks, saving you from your embarrassment. 'What if Tamar throws her axe at it?'

While you're explaining your design to Nikolai, the Darkling hurries to the training ground with a spring in his step. Until he senses a familiar presence. He stops with a sigh. He waits a beat.

'Come out,' he says. 'I know you're here… mother.'

Baghra comes out of the shadows. She stares at her son grimly.

'What is your goal in all of this?' she demands. Aleksander scoffs and spreads his arms.

'I've missed you as well, mother,' he replies sarcastically. 'I've been well, thank you for asking. Well, besides the time I was dead.'

'You and only you are responsible for your death,' the old woman says, walking closer to him.

'I'm well aware,' Kirigan says. 'But I'm here now.'

'Yes,' Baghra says. 'What for?'

'Everything I want, I told to the King already. I don't have to explain myself to you.'

'Oh, but he can't see so clearly through your lies as I can. So? What are you really after? And what else do you want from that poor girl?'

'She is what I want. Nothing else matters but her. Now, excuse me. But our king has given me an assignment.'

He turns and attempts to walk away. But his mother grasps his wrist tightly. He tenses. Just like he was a child. But he isn't one anymore. He turns to her with a glare. She answers with one of her own.

'What is it in her that doesn't allow you to let her finally go?' she asks. He scoffs. He leans down, looming over Baghra.

'She's a mess of gorgeous chaos,' he says quietly, 'and you can see it in her eyes. She is… everything I've always wanted. And I warn you, mother… try to take her away from me… and I will feel no remorse in getting rid of you.'

'Do you really expect me to believe that you'll just let go of centuries of plotting for one girl?' the old woman scoffs. The glare she receives almost makes her shiver.

'After everything she's been through for me?' he asks. 'Yes.'

'What do you know what that girl has been through?' Baghra asks, getting back her confidence. But once again, the look in her son's eyes makes her freeze.

'I know they've informed you about… visions of me… that [Y/N] had,' he says slowly after a moment and she nods, confirming it. 'My nichevoy'a connected us. I was dead, yes. But thanks to a part of me being alive in Nikolai Lantsov, I was still here in a way. All the time I was by [Y/N]'s side. Yes, she could only see me at nights and not always. Because if I were to show myself to her every time that she fell asleep, I think it would have broken us both. But I was there. I watched her, sitting in that cell. I watched her losing herself. I watched her spirit slowly dying. I watched her being completely alone, scared and just barely alive.'

With every sentence he raises his voice and it becomes more passionate. Baghra's eyes go wide. She takes a step back against her own will. Aleksander pulls back, regaining his composure.

'So, don't question me what do I know about her sacrifices,' he says. 'Because I saw it. Every moment alone. Every moment she lied and manipulated, just so she could bring me back. I'm well aware of it all. I know that I don't deserve her. But I will gladly create another Fold if someone will try to take her from me. No matter who they'll be. And yes. If she doesn't want to rule by my side, if she just wants to have a peaceful life together with people she cares about, then damn it all, I'll give it to her. Because I'll choose her happiness over mine every time. And what's more, I know that with her by my side, it will be mine happiness as well.'

His mother stares at him, stunned. He challenges her with his gaze for a moment. When she doesn't say anything, he turns and walks away abruptly without a goodbye. She stares after him until he disappears behind a corner. Then… she smiles slightly.

'Maybe there's still hope for you,' she says softly, 'you stupid boy.'

*

Genya basically runs through the corridors of the Little Palace the moment she hears Tolya is back. She throws the door outside open and almost jumps down the stairs, then throws her arms around her dear friend.

'Genya!' Alina laughs, hugging her back. 'Oh, how I've missed you!'

'And I you, in case you haven't notice,' Safin says. Alina laughs again and the girls pull away from each other. They look at one another, noticing all the changes.

'How are… things?' Starkov asks hesitantly. Genya's good mood immediately dampens.

'They're… good,' she answers. 'At least for now. Hello, Mal.'

'Genya,' Oretsev greets her, nodding politely. Genya exhales slowly.

'Do you want to unpack first or do you want to get over it?' she asks. 'I know Nikolai is anxious to see you both, but you must be tired, so I'm sure he'll understand if you want to rest.'

'I'm afraid I won't be able to relax until I… see him,' Alina sighs. Safin nods in understanding and heads toward the Grand Palace.

'They have a meeting now,' she explains. 'Nikolai was informed you're getting closer and he thought it would be better if he was present during your meeting.'

'I think it's for the best,' Starkov agrees. 'If we're really supposed to work together, it wouldn't be good if we tore each other's throat right away.'

'Quite so,' Genya confirms. Two women chat with each other, excited to hear what the other has to say. Inside the Grand Palace, they meet Nikolai on their way to his chambers.

'Thought I heard your beautiful voice,' he says with a dazzling smile. 'Don't worry, he's still in my chambers. We're having a break. Wonderful to see you.'

'And you,' Alina says, hugging Lantsov tightly. 'You look well.'

'Thank you,' the King chuckles and pulls away. 'I definitely feel better than for the past months. Our dear Mal didn't want to start from meeting with him?'

'No, he's right-' Alina starts with a frown, turning. Her heart stops when she doesn't see her husband. She looks with panic at Genya.

'He was right behind us,' she says. But Safin gives her a troubled look. Because honestly, she can't be certain if Mal has followed them at all.

In the meantime, you finish the last batch of the antidote for today. You put it away and wipe the sweat from your forehead. You sense someone looking at you, so you look up. You freeze, seeing no other than Mal Oretsev.

'Here I am,' he says, spreading his arms. You raise your eyebrows.

'I can see that,' you say and clean your station, not giving him attention. He frowns and walks to you.

'I know you're the one that demanded Alina's presence here,' he says. 'And I understand why. You want revenge for her killing Kirigan. But if you want to kill someone, let it be me. I was supposed to die that day anyway.'

'Who says I want to kill anyone?' you ask, looking at him. He stares at you, surprised. You scoff and walk around the table. You face him and cross your arms.

'I wanted Alina here, because I know we're going to need her in the coming battle… or battles,' you say and shrug. 'True, maybe I want to take revenge on her. But I don't want anyone to die.'

'Then how are you going to take it?' Oretsev asks. 'Revenge, I mean. What are you going to do?'

'That's the most beautiful part,' you say and smirk. 'I don't have to do anything.'

'What is that supposed to mean?' Mal asks, frowning. You touch his chest and then poke it.

'She's already doing it for me,' you say. 'I knew it the moment you walked in her and asked me to kill you. You're missing it, don't you? Being the amplifier?'

Oretsev tenses. Oh, you've hit a nerve.

'You have nothing now,' you say quietly. 'Nothing but her. But it's not enough, no matter how hard you try to convince yourself. Your tracker's abilities were your greatest joy and source of pride. And she took it away. She took it away and didn't even allow you to leave, to finally get peace. What's more, to bring you back, she did exactly the thing she said she wouldn't. She used merzost.'

Mal takes a step back. He looks at you sharply, with a hint of surprise. You chuckle.

'Oh, yes, I know how she did that,' you confirm. 'I sensed it that day. And I wanted to tear her apart. For condemning Aleksander for his use of merzost and then doing the exact same thing. The difference? He wanted an army to fight with the king, so Grisha could finally be safe. And she did it so she didn't have to sacrifice anything. But there's always a price. And I'm gladly going to watch her pay hers.'

You stare at each other grimly for a moment. Then, you walk past him and head to the door. But before you can reach it, you hear hurried footsteps and a moment later Alina shows up in the threshold, panting. She glares at you and brings her hands together.

'Don't you dare hurt him,' she growls. You snort.

'I have no intention of hurting either of you,' you say, surprising Starkov. You walk slowly to her. You eye each other.

'Don't you want to take revenge of me for killing him?' Alina spats.

'Like I've just told your dear husband… congratulations by the way… of course, I want you to suffer for what you've put me through,' you answer and lean to her ear. 'But I don't have to do a thing to get what I want. You're already doing it for me.'

The Sun Summoner pulls away sharply. She looks at you with confusion, warily.

'And what am I doing?' she snarls.

'You're living,' you answer, stunning her even more. 'You're living and time doesn't touch you. Contrary to him. He's mortal. And you're not. One day you're going to lose him and you'll see exactly what I felt. Loneliness. Pain.'

'It will still take years,' Alina says angrily. 'Until then I may die very well myself. And you won't see me suffering from losing Mal.'

'True,' you agree, shrugging. 'But until then I'm going to satisfy myself with what's happening to your soul.'

'I beg your pardon?' Starkov asks harshly. Just then Nikolai and Genya finally catch up, both of them panting. They both freeze when they see yours and Alina's stand down.

'A few years ago, you'd have begged me not to touch him,' you say. 'And now? Now your first response, even though I was steps ahead of him, was to threaten me. Does that remind you of anyone?'

The Sun Summoner stiffens. You grin at her.

'I'm really going to enjoy watching you fall into his footsteps, while he finally gets the happiness he's longed for,' you say and wink. 'It was good to see you, Alina, Mal. I can't wait to work with you.'

You walk toward the door, leaving stunned Starkov behind you. Lantsov and Safin let you pass, watching you silently. No one says a word, until they no longer hear your footsteps.

'She's changed,' the Sun Summoner says quietly.

'Well, she's spent two and a half years in a cell,' the King sighs.

'Besides… who of us can tell we've actually known her before?' Genya sighs. Mal joins his wife and grabs her hand.

'Well, at least I think she was telling the truth about not wanting to kill us,' he says. Alina turns on him quickly.

'What were you thinking coming here on your own?' she scoffs. He cups her cheek.

'That I don't want you to die,' he answers simply. She stares at him for a moment. Then, she sighs and leans her forehead on his.

'I guess we should see him now?' she asks quietly. He nods. They join hands again and follow Nikolai and Genya. They expect to find Kirigan in Lantsov's chambers, but they find him outside the Little Palace, surrounded by little Grisha. They're hurling a question after question at him, and he tries to answer them all, laughing. Not far away you stand, smiling softly.

'Miss Starkov,' Aleksander says when he notices you. Children Grisha quickly fall silent, then scatter away. Alina separates from the group and faces the Darkling, her fists clenched. It's so weird seeing his face again, hearing his voice. She wasn't aware he still has such a hold on her.

'I'm truly glad to see you well,' he says and glances behind her. 'And my cousin as well. I'd apologise for everything but I know you won't believe I'm sincere.'

'No, I won't,' the Sun Summoner confirms harshly. Kirigan smiles wryly. He extends his hand to her.

'Can I at least hope we can put our differences aside and work together for the good of Ravka and all that we hold dear?' he asks. Alina eyes his hand for a moment, before she finally shakes it.

'For all that we care about,' she agrees. He smiles at her and she shivers. He lets go of her hand. Nikolai joins them and claps their shoulders.

'Now that we have this over with,' he says, 'I need you back, Kirigan, for our meeting.'

'Of course,' Aleksander says, his voice smooth. Lantsov looks at the Sun Summoner.

'You and Mal take all the time you need to rest,' he says. Alina nods. She watches the King and his peace advisor walking away, already immersed in a conversation. She turns her gaze away and it falls on you.

'See you tomorrow,' you say, noticing her look, and walk away. Genya and Mal join Alina.

'It's going to be hard, isn't it?' Oretsev asks. 'Working with them?'

'For now, it hasn't been bad,' Genya answers. 'But neither of us killed Kirigan, so…'

'Let's just hope they will keep their word,' the Sun Summoner says grimly. 'But if they try anything… I will kill them both this time.'

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/135403246

[ao3feed-itafushi]

How to Get Along With Your Boyfriend's Family: A Guide by Itadori Yuji

by Mel_Fushiguro "Why do you want to know how other girls feel?" Nobara narrowed her eyes and grabbed her hammer, lifting it. "Are you cheating on Fushiguro? Because I allow many things, but I'll not tolerate you cheating on him. I'll kick your ass, and then I'll tell Gojo, so he'll kick your ass even harder." "I'm not cheating on my beautiful boyfriend!" Yuji exclaimed, frowning at the accusation. "I just want to get along with his family. His sisters don't like me a lot, or at least two hate me, and I want to change that." --------------------------------------------------------------------- Or: Yuji thinks Megumi's family hates him. 50/50 Words: 4252, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Series: Part 6 of Gojo-Geto Family Fandoms: 呪術廻戦 | Jujutsu Kaisen (Manga), 呪術廻戦 | Jujutsu Kaisen (Anime) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: M/M Characters: Itadori Yuuji, Kugisaki Nobara, Fushiguro Megumi, Fushiguro Tsumiki, Gojo Satoru, Getou Suguru, Hasaba Nanako, Hasaba Mimiko, Ieiri Shoko Relationships: Fushiguro Megumi/Itadori Yuuji, Getou Suguru/Gojo Satoru, Itadori Yuuji & Kugisaki Nobara, Fushiguro Megumi & Itadori Yuuji & Kugisaki Nobara, Fushiguro Megumi & Fushiguro Tsumiki, Fushiguro Megumi & Fushiguro Tsumiki & Hasaba Mimiko & Hasaba Nanako, Fushiguro Megumi & Getou Suguru Additional Tags: Itadori Yuuji is a Ray of Sunshine, Itadori Yuuji Loves Fushiguro Megumi, Kugisaki Nobara is a Good Friend, Getou Suguru Lives, Parental Gojo Satoru, Parental Getou Suguru, Gojo Satoru Adopts Fushiguro Megumi and Tsumiki, Protective Siblings, Protective Gojo Satoru, Gojo Satoru Acting as Fushiguro Megumi's Parental Figure, Getou Suguru Adopts Mimiko and Nanako from AO3 works tagged 'Fushiguro Megumi/Itadori Yuuji' https://ift.tt/UNy4QBh

[ungarmax]

i wrote 4252 words today kind of on accident and i could have written more but i hadn't imagined anymore yet !!! i need to lie in bed and think about fanfiction !!! good night !!!

[martassimsbookcc]

• .package • Base game compatible • Collection file included • • 𝔻𝕆𝕎ℕ𝕃𝕆𝔸𝔻 • Ad-free as always at my website! 🤍𝕂𝕠-𝕗𝕚 𝕥𝕚𝕡𝕤 𝕛𝕒𝕣  | ℙ𝕒𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕠𝕟🤍 

【 ℂ𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕥𝕤 】 Mesh and textures: @sundays-sims​ | Original Sims 4 post: ⚪

• Polycount, buy category, price § and more useful information ↓ •

* Armchair: 4252 verts | 7516 faces >> Found under Living chairs | 200§ >>> Recolorable - 2 channels

* Bar Tray: 3996 verts | 4262 faces >> Found under Miscellaneous surfaces | 120§ >>> Recolorable - 1 channel >>>> 30 slots for Small/Medium/Large objects

* Candle: 592 verts | 876 faces >> Found under Table lamps | 5§ >>> Recolorable - 1 channel

* Candle Holder: 1490 verts | 2054 faces >> Found under Miscellaneous decor | 30§ >>> Recolorable - 1 channel >>>> 1 slot to place the candle

* Ceramic Dispenser: 3791 verts | 5659 faces >> Found under Miscellaneous decor | 110§ >>> Recolorable - 4 channels

* Patio Bench: 1940 verts | 2954 faces >> Found under Miscellaneous comfort | 190§ >>> Recolorable - 2 channels

* Patio Dining Chair: 2989 verts | 4506 faces >> Found under Dining chairs | 125§ >>> Recolorable - 2 channels

* Patio Dining Table: 832 verts | 884 faces >> Found under Dining tables | 550§ >>> Recolorable - 2 channel

* Pendant Lamp: 8701 verts | 12425 faces >> Found under Ceiling lights | 310§ >>> Recolorable - 1 channel

* Short Glass: 2087 verts | 3029 faces >> Found under Miscellaneous decor | 3§ >>> Recolorable - 1 channel

* Square Champagne Glass: 1684 verts | 2530 faces >> Found under Miscellaneous decor | 4§ >>> Recolorable - 1 channel

* Wall Lamp: 2132 verts | 2637 faces >> Found under Wall lamps | 130§ >>> Recolorable - 1 channel

[angeart]

upcoming hmtb chapters:

52. Bruised Souls and Shattered Hearts (How Do We Mend?) - 7631 words [recently posted]

53. Shifting Sand - 5837 words

54. Maroon Smoke (The Prelude To Fire) - 3139 words

55. A Boatem We - 7281 words [chapter title might change]

56. House Of Matches (Burning Down) I - 3816 words

57. House Of Matches (Burning Down) II - 4252 words so far [guys this one will be a long one once i'm done with it]

that's all still, uh. the sleepover arc. but chapter 57 should kind of wrap up the sleepover. although that doesn't mean the night will be over <3

there will be, er, things to deal with still, after all that. (a bit of an aftermath, you might say) (maybe even some more characters will show up!!) (which doesn't bode well given i don't have experience writing them and i don't do well with group scenes— bUT if i can pull it off, it'll be so yummy, i promise!)

come tell me your hopes, thoughts, or expectations! :3 (seriously. i'll be so happy.) of course questions are welcome too~

list requested by @swagpsishaja <3 thank you <3