#habibiti

[beepartcollection]

[ak319]

Lovesick Village Boy x Fem civil servant reader

Part III

➺ Part I Part II

Habib's eyes widened when he saw you approaching the shop, though it didn't surprise him as much anymore. This was the third day you had come, each time asking for cigarettes, always receiving the same answer. Yet, you were relentless. It stirred something within him, feelings he hadn't realized he was capable of. Were you doing this for fun? For your own amusement? The subtle, smug look on your face seemed to confirm his suspicions.

It was the reason he petulantly huffed every night, hugging his pillow, trying to banish thoughts of you. But it was too late. You were already ingrained in his mind from the very first time he saw you. After so long spent away from the world, he was now facing the most dangerous temptation—love. A feeling he had convinced himself he'd never experience. Yet it irked him how unaffected you appeared, how you seemed to delight in the quiet misery he tried to conceal behind his mask.

He wanted to take it off for you... but fear held him back. Still, your eyes, always respectful and free of envy or lust, made the urge burn stronger. No, he couldn't. Someone might see him. Someone might see both of you. The village thrived on rumours, and for Habib, that meant more than whispers—it meant helplessness. Thank God you had the sense to come when the shop was mostly empty, always choosing the early or late hours.

"I can't," he whispered, the same routine, always.

"Not even today?"

"No. Not any day."

"Very well." With a tip of your hat, you exited the shop, and Habib had to summon every ounce of self-control to attend to the next customer.

The next day came, and once again, Habib, alongside his father, busied himself with running the store, responding to the curious questions of those who were surprised to see him out of the house, working. "Why is your face covered?" Of course, they wanted to know. His ears caught the sound of his father speaking with the supplier outside, and slowly, Habib approached the entrance, peeking at the scene.

"What do you mean? You can't just leave out an item from the list and say that--"

"Look, Mr. Kadir, it was an order from the higher office, alright? I have more deliveries to make. I'll see you soon." His father shook his head as the truck drove off.

"What was that about, Papa?"

"Nothing serious. Apparently, there's a cigarette shortage or something, and he couldn’t deliver them today. Some order from above? I don’t know what’s wrong with the man, honestly. We might need to find a new supplier if this keeps up!" His father's grumbles continued as he walked back into the shop, leaving Habib to ponder the matter.

Cigarettes? Higher office?

═════ ◈ ═════

"Did... did you do that?" Habib didn’t know where he found the courage, but he needed to ask you.

"Yes, I did. I ordered that no cigarettes be supplied to this store."

"Why?" Habib’s eyes widened in shock as you suddenly reached across the counter and grabbed his hand, pulling him closer. The counter between you was the only thing keeping this exchange from turning into scandalous gossip. But you didn’t seem to care about reputation, and to his surprise, he couldn’t even muster anger. The hand he raised to push you away faltered the moment it touched yours, going limp at the contact. With what little strength remained, he managed to croak out a protest, though it fell on deaf ears.

"I wanted you to know... I don’t come here for them. I come here for you." His entire body shivered, and he had to pause, catching his breath. The idea that he could be a source of your longing sent a thrill through him igniting a spark of possessiveness that warmed his heart.

"Please..."

"Please, what?" Your voice held a teasing edge, a playful challenge hanging in the air as you leaned in ever so slightly. Habib, shy and modest, turned his head away, but you could see the soft flush creeping along his neck.

Don't ever stop coming here. Don't leave my hand. Never. "Someone... someone might see us, and... it could damage your reputation."

"You think I care about that?" You smirked, releasing his hand slowly, letting your fingers linger a moment longer than necessary before slipping them into your pockets. "But, if you say so..." You turned, a smile teasing your lips. "Well, I got my answer then."

"Wait!"

"Hm?" You glanced back over your shoulder.

"I-I didn’t mean--"

"You said something?" His shy glare, so timid and sweet, almost made you laugh. His attempts at anger were always endearing. "Do you want me to still come here?" You asked, voice dipping lower, teasing yet again.

He nodded, his back still turned, his modesty winning out as he tried to hide the blush creeping up his cheeks. You could almost picture him pouting as he pressed his face against the wall, trying and failing to escape your gaze.

You walked back to the counter, drawing closer, making him nearly turn again--but he resisted, melting further against the wall, as if he could disappear into it.

"Then pray tell, why should I keep coming here? It seems the one I come for doesn't appreciate my presence. Oh, such a cruel fate I have been bestowed with," you teased, your voice dripping with mock sorrow.

"I—that’s not true! I... I do!" Habib stammered, his words barely audible, but the sincerity in them made your smirk grow.

"Fine, my Golrez (rose)," you said, your teasing tone softening. "But for now, I have to leave."

He nearly winced at the swift shift in your voice from gentle to professional. "Wait—t-take this!" He hurriedly placed a small snack on the counter before turning away, avoiding your gaze.

"I swear, you hide from me as if I’m a monster or something." Your tone was light, but your words struck deep as his ears burned red with embarrassment.

"Well... not my fault you... you..." His words tumbled out as he tried to muster a response, but his shyness betrayed him.

"I what?" You tilted your head, clearly enjoying how easily he flustered.

"Just go!" he huffed, puffed up with embarrassment and frustration.

It was such a fun game, teasing him like this, watching him turn red and die a little of shyness. With a last chuckle, you turned and made your way out to the awaiting car, leaving him with a mix of relief and painful longing.

As you drove away, Habib knew he would spend the rest of the night replaying this moment, already dreading the memories that would haunt him in his dreams, pulling him further into this inescapable feeling.

═════ ◈ ═════

The book in Habib's hand nearly slipped when a familiar voice sang out from behind the veranda's pillar.

"My dearest Uncle~~"

"Hi..." Habib muttered, not bothering to hide the mild annoyance in his tone.

"Hi, indeed." Rahim flopped beside him on the ground, leaning comfortably against the cushion with an uncharacteristically smug expression that immediately stirred Habib’s curiosity. "So, ahem, I heard a certain someone has been visiting your shop quite frequently..."

"N-no! Nobody is." Habib stammered, quickly standing to leave.

Rahim blinked, feigning surprise, but the mischievous glint in his eyes didn’t waver. "Alright, Uncle. I'll just go meet the DC myself, then. Perhaps I’ll even get a picture with her... I must prepare for this important meeting."

Habib froze, his heart racing at the thought. Before Rahim could take another breath, Habib’s hand shot out, gently yet firmly gripping his arm.

Rahim's smirk widened. He had him now. "Oh, I see... someone does care, after all."

"Um—what do you mean...? What meeting?" Habib’s voice faltered, trying to play it off, but Rahim caught every shift in his expression.

"Oh, nothing," Rahim said, turning with a shrug as though it were the most casual thing in the world. "Just the DC coming to visit our school tomorrow."

"O-oh. Hm." Habib’s attempt to sound indifferent was failing miserably.

"I thought if you admitted it, I’d convey a message for you... but it's fine. I think I misheard about her coming to our store. Could’ve been someone else, right?"

Before Rahim could fully turn away, Habib tugged him back and flicked him on the forehead.

"You seem to know everything, don’t you?" Habib’s voice held a mix of exasperation and embarrassment.

"Uncle! OW!" Rahim yelped, rubbing his forehead dramatically. "Here I am, trying to be your loyal supporter, and you insult me! Not fair!"

With a huff, Habib dragged Rahim into the back alley of their house, whisper-yelling. "You can’t just go around talking about these things, Rahim! Someone might hear you!"

"Oh really?"

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Habib protested, trying to feign innocence.

"Oh, you know very well." Rahim smirked, leaning closer. "You think I can't piece it together? You've been in a daze all week, and I saw her leaving the shop the other day! Look at you, you're red!"

"S-so!?" Habib stammered, trying to deflect.

Rahim’s grin widened. "You're in love, aren't you?~~"

"Rahim!" Habib sighed, his resolve weakening. "Fine! I... I do like her." He quickly covered Rahim’s mouth to muffle his loud exclamation. "Are you mad?! What if someone hears? Especially brother Basim!"

"Oh, please. Dad's not home, and it's about time you settled down. Imagine—married to the DC, living in a bungalow, riding in lavish cars, with bodyguards—

"Rahim! You think I desire her wealth? Is that what you think of me?" Habib's voice rose slightly, and he could see the gleam in the boy's eyes fade as he sensed the seriousness of his uncle's tone.

"N-no, I just--Uncle, I just want to see you happy...living your life with her...away from here.." Rahim replied, his enthusiasm dimming. Habib sighed, feeling a pang of sympathy for his defeated face.

"Rahim... I'm just so... afraid of all this. And... how can I even trust her? Also, the fact that she--"

Rahim's eyebrow shot up at the sudden silence. "She what? What did she do?"

"She seems to have no regard for herself. She's so bold, and I am afraid for her too...she's too careless." Habib confessed, his cheeks heating with embarrassment.

Rahim chuckled, prompting Habib to look away. "Well, she seems ideal for you, I must say. And serious regarding you. I'm surprised you've managed to melt her heart, considering everyone in the village is kind of scared of her. But look, Uncle, she doesn't know anything about you, she hasn't even seen you... fully. Yet she seems to like you. If that doesn't scream romantic and respectful, then I don't know what does."

"That's the thing--she doesn't know about--"

"Uncle, please. Just tell me, do you want me to convey something to her or not?" Rahim pressed, his tone turning more earnest.

Habib hesitated, the weight of the night pressing down on them like a thick fog, shrouding his thoughts in uncertainty. "I.--give me time to think," he finally admitted, the shadows around them deepening as the moonlight flickered, leaving the air heavy with unspoken feelings.

═════ ◈ ═════

You were quite taken aback when one of the kids from school wanted to tell you something very important. It left the teachers surprised when you took the boy aside to talk, you were always attentive and considerate when it came to people. So this was Habib's nephew. Interesting.

"Okay, so if I have to talk to him, I have to use you as an envoy?"

Rahim nodded almost pridefully, causing you to scoff playfully. "Mhm. And why can't I just go to the shop and talk to him? Or, better yet, call him on the phone?"

Rahim's eyes widened as he shook his head, glancing around nervously. "No, no. You see, my uncle is very cautious about these things, and you visiting the shop-"

"Trust me, I know."

"And he doesn’t have a phone."

"Why is that?" A familiar pang of sympathy and concern befell your heart.

"Well, because he doesn't feel the need to have one," Rahim explained.

"What about you?"

"I--I do..."

"Hm. I see. Odai, give this boy my number. And Rahim, tell your uncle, I'm free at 8 p.m." A blush crept up Rahim's cheek. You really are serious about his Uncle.

"O-okay, ma'am, I will. Thank you."

"Thank you, too." Rahim grinned as you ruffled his hair and walked away to resume the conversation with the principal. Phew. He nearly peed his pants.

═════ ◈ ═════

"Mhm, must be a wrong number."

Rahim nudged his uncle harder, making him yelp, which made you smirk from your side of the conversation. Poor Rahim must be struggling to get his uncle to speak up right now. You cleared your throat, the anticipation tingling in the air.

"H-hello..."

"Oh, so there is someone on the other line..."

"O-of course there is! How do you think you got a call?" He bit his lip, feeling the familiar rush of warmth flood his cheeks. Your light laughter echoed through the receiver, and he could practically picture your smile, bright and teasing, making his heart race with every syllable.

The moment felt electric, and as Rahim left the room with a smirk, granting his uncle a semblance of privacy whilst Habib found himself entranced by your voice.

"I just wanted to make sure it was you," you said, a playful lilt in your tone. "So, you did call. I was beginning to worry..."

Habib unconsciously twirled a strand of his hair, a soft smile spreading across his face. Your voice sent shivers down his spine, wrapping around him like a warm embrace even over the phone.

"Yes, I did. How... was your day?" he asked, a hint of anticipation in his tone.

"Hectic as always," you replied, the thought of your busy schedule tugging at his heart. He wished he could be there to help ease your burdens.

"You didn't… visit the… shop for the past few days."

"You missed me?" he bit his finger at your query, feeling warmth bloom in his chest at the thought of you thinking of him. "Mhm... a lot," he admitted

"How much?" There you went with the teasing again. But he loved every moment of it, your playful banter igniting a spark within him that he couldn't ignore.

"A--lot... I told you!" he replied, his heart racing, unable to contain the giddiness bubbling inside.

"But I want to know~"

"More... than you for sure," he huffed out, rolling onto his side on the bed, the fabric of his sheets cool against his heated skin. He imagined you lying next to him, the two of you sharing secrets and laughter. Your fingers running through his hair.

"Well, I had work, and I cannot visit the shop daily, y'know. It's a blessing that your nephew got this idea to approach me. Or...was it yours?"

"It was his! I was just-- I agreed."

"I miss you too, y’know. Those captivating eyes, this gentle, soothing voice." The way you spoke made his heart race, filling him with warmth and longing. Each word from your lips felt like a spell, wrapping around him tighter with every passing moment.

Eventually the call ended, leaving him breathless and more determined than ever. He glanced at Rahim who entered back, with an almost mischievous smile on his face. "Looks like you're in deep trouble now, Uncle," Rahim teased, but all Habib could think about was how he would make sure you knew just how much you meant to him.

And just like that, you both conversed for days, getting to know each other. Habib kept most things vague about himself, shrouding his past in mystery, but you knew better than to pry. Still, a part of him dreaded the day you might bring it up, fearing the vulnerability it would expose. On the other hand, he worried if you would ever uncover his history--a secret he guarded with every ounce of his being.

For now, though, he relished this new feeling, this blessing called love. If love is a curse, then he was ready to be a victim of it an infinite number of times, endlessly drawn to the light you brought into his life.

Part IV

[mehreenkhan]

“Ae arz-e filastin! Main bhi hazir hoon!”

Oh land of Palestine! I, too am yours!

- Habib Jalib

[posalis]

"i am you and you are me. compress. repress. repressed. compressed. and then just surrender."

hawk mountain (2023) // challengers (2024)

[sissa-arrows]

People pretend the issue is with the “Israeli” government. That the people are good beans and innocents…

Meanwhile a couple days ago French Israelis voted for a guy who said he unconditionally support Netanyahu and is even one of his friends. A guy who is against a Palestinian state, not even the bullshit two state solution that would still be colonialism, he says “Israel” should take it all and just kill all Palestinians if they can’t displace them in other countries. A guy who tried to pressure the cops into dropping the charges against Jewish guys who attacked 2 Muslims in France. A guy who said Palestinians were a “cancer” implying they should be all eradicated. A guy who said “and we’re not done!” When a French representative mentioned at the National Assembly that Israel was dropping bombs on the very same places where they told Palestinians to go to (some in the left wanted to remove his immunity for that but the president of the National Assembly was a Zionist piece of shit so she refused and said he was covered by his immunity as a representative)

(For the record the chick is a piece of shit as well but she didn’t go as far as he did)

[da-birb-writes-sometimes]

WARMMORNINGSJAMSWARMMORNINGSJAMS

(Warm mornings with jams please)

👀👀👀👀👀👀

Warm Mornings; Jamil Viper

Content; Fluff, gender-neutral reader, established relationship

Word Count; 650+

Author's Note; I was possessed by this vision and I hope that you go into cardiac arrest because of it. Translation for a term of endearment will be at the bottom!

As a reminder, do not put my work — or others for that matter — into AI as it steals. Link to Masterlist

Jamil slowly blinked his eyes, waking up from a dream; a dream that he was visiting one of the Al-Asim’s many vacation homes, the one by the coast. A dream that you were by his side, smiling at him as you excitedly went through all of the rooms. But it wasn’t a dream, he knew that when he saw the driftwood ceiling, and saw your sleeping form next to him.

The Sun was just peeking out from the horizon, golden rays turning the ocean a warm amber, coming through the open shutters and illuminating dust clouds that drifted in the light breeze. 

If Jamil were back in his dorm, or at the Al-Asim estate, he would have already started his day. He would have been making breakfast for Kalim and their lunches as well. He would have been rushing and worrying. But he didn’t have to do that here, he didn’t need to do anything. He could relax.

Sighing, he turns over to face you, and breathes out a silent laugh. Apparently, yesterday had been pretty tiring, since you had dried up drool on your face, and some light snores escaped your mouth every so often. It was a side that he hadn’t really had the opportunity to witness or enjoy. And to Jamil, there was nothing more precious or stunning in his eyes, drool and all. 

You shuffled in your sleep and Jamil froze, fearing that you had caught him in the act of admiring you. He didn’t want you to wake up and find him staring at you. He didn’t want you to think that he was being weird, or breaking some unsaid boundary. But you stayed asleep, and a particularly loud snore escaped from you, which nearly made Jamil snort, almost.

Jamil took one last look at you before deciding it was best to get up and slowly start his day. He sat on the edge of the bed for a bit, taking a mental screenshot of your sleeping face. And before he knew what he was doing, he placed a gentle kiss on your forehead. He didn’t overthink it, and a flare of panic did spring up, but he smothered it just as quickly as it had arisen. What did he have to worry about? There was nothing to worry about. He could be himself here, without worrying about others prying in or interrupting him. But enough dilly-dallying around. He may not be on the clock, but since he was awake, Jamil wanted to start his day.

So, as Jamil got ready for whatever this day may bring, he occasionally checked in on you. He also knew around what time you naturally woke up at, so while he waited for you to awaken from your slumber, he started preparing breakfast for the both of you. Well, your favourite breakfast. 

While he was cooking, he felt your arms latch around his waist, and the weight of your head resting on his back. “Sleep well, habib albi?” Jamil asked, turning down the heat of the stove so your meal wouldn’t burn.

You hummed, “Slept like a rock. Could have slept longer, but it’s warm and I was getting sticky and gross… I probably look like a mess.” You burst out into laughter, imagining the state you must have been in when Jamil woke up who knows how long ago.

“No,” Jamil turned around, still with your arms around his waist, “you never looked better.”

He looked at you with so much softness, love, and vulnerability, that you could have sworn that your heart stopped. Jamil looked ethereal in the gentle, warm, amber rays of sunlight that filtered through the linen curtains. Yet, he was looking at you the same, despite the dried-up drool, frumpled pyjamas, and sleep-crusted eyes.

“Jamil?”

He hummed, prompting you to continue.

“Have I ever told you how much I love you?”

And he smiled at you, a soft, love-filled smile. “Habib albi, you don’t have to,” and he placed a small kiss on your lips. “I know.”

You sighed happily, resting comfortably against his chest. This morning had been warm in more ways than one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*habib albi; love of my heart (edit; it's a masc term but at the time I thought it was g/n; femme term is habibit)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tags; @krenenbaker @leonistic @xxoomiii @eynnwwyjth @twistwonderlanddevotee @savanaclaw1996

[shakespeareallanpoe]

*Damian, lounging on Nightwing's chair in the bat cave petting Titus*

Jamie over the intercom: "Damian! Some anti-demon cult intercepted Raven during patrol and they're going to kill her! A fight started up downtown and I'm requesting immediate backup stat!!"

Damian, internally: Those morons. She'll kick their asses real fast. Knock them down habibiti 🥰

Damian, out loud: "Tt. Lol."

- Later -

Jamie: "Raven, I called Damian for backup earlier tonight when you were in trouble and he snickered. I'm just telling you this as a friend but I don't think he really cares..."

Raven, washing blood off her hands: "I was in trouble? When?"

[foldbaron]

The Legend Of Vox Machina S3 full soundtrack is now out on streaming.

[the-antiapocalyptic-man]

It's 1999 somewhere

The Authority: Last Days of Empire

[guesswho334455667788]

Habib Caiado

Posted at:

[orion4ever]

Hey guys, This family in Palestine consist of 13 adults and 12 kids, and they are getting close to their goal of €133,000, Ive donated some money and hope you guys can too!

If you can’t then you can always share it around, every small donation matters if lots of people are donating , it adds up!

https://gofund.me/954b71ab

[darkcozyforest]

I JUST REALIZED THIS IS MATTHEW

This whole album is a bop and had me 😭

Especially this one and Circle the World

[ak319]

Lovesick Village Boy x Fem civil servant reader

PART VI

➺ Part V

"Rahim, please… say something," you tried again, your patience stretched thin by the gnawing worry in your chest. This was the third time you'd asked, and with each unanswered attempt, your resolve to get to the bottom of things only grew stronger. If he didn’t speak soon, you were prepared to go straight to his family’s home yourself.

"That's it." You rose to leave, but before you could take a step, a small hand gripped your sleeve, halting you. Rahim’s expression was haunted, his eyes wide and pleading. His hand trembled, clutching you like you were his only anchor in a sea of terror. The fear in his gaze didn’t diminish your anxiety, it only sharpened it, tightening like a vice around your heart.

"You’ve got to say something, kiddo," you murmured, leaning close so he wouldn’t feel pressured. "You’re making me worry here."

Finally, after a silence that stretched unbearably long, Rahim’s voice came, barely a whisper. "U… uncle…"

You leaned in, gentle and steady. "Habib?" you prompted softly. "Are you talking about him? Yes, tell me, Rahim… what happened?"

He hesitated, the words hovering at the edge of his lips, but then, as quickly as he’d started, he fell silent again, retreating into himself. His eyes shifted away, shadowed and unreadable, as if something unspeakable lay hidden just beneath the surface.

You let out a quiet sigh, knowing that pressing him further wouldn’t help. He needed time. Placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder, you signaled Odai to come closer. "Odai, stay with him," you instructed, casting a final, lingering glance at Rahim

"B-but what about you, ma'am? Where are you off to?" Odai's voice trembled slightly as he watched you prepare to leave.

"To his house, with Maha," you replied firmly, glancing at the clock on your desk. It was 7:30 a.m., too early for peace but not for action.

Odai shifted uneasily. "I should go with you, and Maha can stay here."

You silenced him with a look, then took the gun from your locker, its cold weight in your hand grounding you with the resolve you needed. "I can handle it, Odai. Just watch over him and call me if anything changes."

Odai nodded reluctantly, his eyes flickering to the unconscious Rahim. And with that, you left, setting out with Maha, who looked more unnerved than usual, her hands twisting in her lap as you drove.

"What if… what if it’s related to the story I told you, ma’am?” Maha's voice was small, hesitant. “And from what you’ve told me about Rahim, and everything… what if Habib’s… possessed again? I warned you, didn’t I? It’s not right to get tangled with him, or that family. The way his brother insulted you…” Her hands clenched in her lap, remembering that day, the bitter words she still hadn’t forgotten.

“Maha, we talked about this.” You kept your voice calm, though tension simmered beneath. “Habib needs help. This… this might be something worse, yes. God, I have no idea what we’re going to find there or how deep this goes. But if this is connected to him, I’m stepping in, Basim’s objections be damned.”

Maha looked at you with renewed determination. Her gaze shifted to the gun secured in its holder beside you, her expression hardening with resolve.

“Yes, ma’am.”

═════ ◈ ═════

When you reached the house, the air was thick with an unsettling silence, the kind that seeped into your bones. There was something about it that felt wrong, like an invisible void, as if you had come to collect the fragments of something lost. The house, once a familiar place of comfort, now felt like a hollow shell. You shook off the feeling, attributing it to the paranoia caused by Rahim's cryptic behavior and the events of the night.

"Ma’am, he... he’s very sick. He wouldn’t stop saying your name..." Kadir's voice faltered as he stood beside Habib's bed. You looked down at the unconscious man, your grip tightening on his hand as his body trembled. His mouth was dry, letting out soft, pitiful whimpers that seemed to grow quieter, calmer, as if he found some semblance of peace in your presence.

"What did the doctor say?" You asked, keeping your voice steady, despite the deepening sense of dread gnawing at you.

"He has a high fever, and he's under extreme stress..." Kadir responded his voice a mixture of concern and exhaustion. You glanced at Dana, who was sitting beside Habib, her eyes filled with a motherly worry that was almost suffocating. She didn't need to say anything, her gaze spoke volumes, each one filled with unspoken fear and you couldn't take it anymore.

"I’ve had enough." You stood abruptly, your voice hardening with resolve. "I’m taking him with me. And nobody here is going to stop me." Your stance was unwavering, your eyes locked with Kadir's, whose face paled at the weight of your words.

Kadir seemed to hesitate, but the look in your eyes made it clear you wouldn't be moved. He nodded slowly, his expression resigned, knowing full well what you meant.

"I just..." you continued, turning your attention to them, "Do you both know where Rahim is?"

The couple exchanged a glance, confusion crossing their faces. "Rahim? He must be in his room... You want me to call him?" Dana’s voice was tentative, unsure of the sudden shift in the air.

"No, no." You cut her off. "He’s not in his room. He’s in my bungalow." You watched as realization hit them like a wave, their faces draining of color as you explained the strange events that had unfolded, the boy's frantic running, the collapse, and the chilling connection to Habib. Their expressions grew ashen, the weight of the situation settling over them like a suffocating fog.

Kadir blinked in disbelief, his voice a low whisper. "I better go... inform Basim of this."

"No." You turned, cutting him off once again, your tone sharp. "Not until I leave with Habib. I am not in the mood to deal with him right now. Trust me, you don’t want me to." Your eyes flickered to the unconscious figure of Habib, then back to Maya, your resolve unshakable.

Maya, who had been quietly observing the situation, nodded in agreement, her eyes meeting yours with understanding. She didn’t need to ask any more questions. The decision had already been made.

"In fact, you both are coming with me, I think... Rahim might not mind it." You said with a touch of certainty, even though your mind raced with the implications of the situation. The bruises you had seen on the child’s body were unmistakable, and they burned in your mind. You were certain they were from Basim. You had seen his cruelty before, and this was no different. A gut feeling told you the two were somehow connected, and the thought churned uneasily in your stomach.

"Um, yes, definitely." Kadir’s voice quivered slightly, his worry for his grandson and son making him agree without much resistance.

"Good," you responded briskly, trying to push the anxiety down.

The air between the five of you was tense, the weight of unspoken words hanging like a heavy cloud as you made your way back to the bungalow. Your eyes were drawn to Habib, his limp form resting against his father in the backseat, his chest rising and falling weakly. The image of him like that, vulnerable, fragile, almost lost, was a stain in your mind that wouldn't fade.

By the time you arrived at the bungalow, the place felt more like a sanctuary and a prison in equal measure. The heavy silence from earlier still clung to the house, but now you didn’t have time to dwell on it. Dr Ali was already there, pacing in front of the door, looking visibly tense. He was here to check on Rahim and Habib.

═════ ◈ ═════

it had been three days since the atmosphere in the bungalow had turned so heavy, each day thick with the silence of unspoken fears and unanswered questions. Habib, thank God, was showing signs of improvement, but he was still too weak, refusing to eat and constantly haunted by nightmares. The only time he seemed to find peace was when you were by his side. His vulnerability clung to you like a weight, and no matter how many times you tried to shake the unease off, it lingered.

In the other room, Rahim was still as quiet as ever. He hadn’t spoken a word since you brought him back, and every day that passed without him opening up felt like another failure, a missed opportunity to get to the root of whatever was haunting him. Still, his grandparents’ presence did seem to calm him in some way, though you couldn’t help but wonder if that was enough. You prayed for his voice every night, hoping he would say something, anything, to give you a clue about what he was going through.

Kadir had told you that Basim and his wife had gone to visit some relatives for a wedding, which felt... odd, to say the least. How could a wedding be more important than their son’s condition? And why hadn’t they been told about what was happening? Kadir, of course, insisted that it was better they didn’t know yet, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to it. His reasoning didn’t sit right with you. And then, there was Samir and his family, who had moved out of the village with no warning. Something didn’t add up. Why would they leave so suddenly, just as things were escalating?

Maha’s voice broke through your thoughts, her tone tentative but insistent. "There is... I just... feel fishy, ma'am. I mean, all the Rahim fiasco and how Kadir insists on you marrying-"

You held up your hand, cutting her off, your voice steady but carrying a weight of finality. "It was my decision, Maha. I want it to be done."

"But, why, ma'am... why so fast? Shouldn't we wait for things to settle?"

You let out a slow breath, your fingers tracing the rim of your coffee cup as you gathered your thoughts. "Maha, I can't have some man in my bungalow..." You trailed off, hoping she understood the gravity of what you were saying. "Y'know, try to understand."

Maha was silent for a moment, her eyes dropping to the floor as she processed your words. Then, without a word, she nodded, her expression softening with understanding.

"I have... talked to my parents," you continued, your voice low but resolute. "And they agreed. Fortunately. Tomorrow, go find the cleric. Bring him, and in the afternoon, the ceremony has to be done with." Your parents were shocked to hear your sudden announcement but as you kept the details about the current situation mostly vague they agreed, somewhat happy and given our urgency they agreed to be on a video call during the ceremony. It was going to be a small one, Habib's parents, Rahim and you both.

"Yes, ma'am." Her tone was firm, her eyes momentarily drifting to the hallway. You followed her gaze, only to catch a glimpse of Rahim standing by the corner of the hallway before he quickly disappeared out of sight. You sat there for a moment, your heart thudding against your chest as you absorbed the subtle shift in the room

"Rahim..." You stood up, your mind heavy with worry, and moved toward the hallway. You quickly were on your feet and stalked in the direction, Maha, following behind.

With a gentle knock, you entered the room, your eyes falling on the boy sitting quietly on the bed. His back was turned, half of his body facing the door, but his posture was stiff, unnatural, like someone trying to brace against something they couldn’t see or understand. The atmosphere around him was thick with tension, his usual mischievous energy nowhere to be found.

"Um, Maha..." you said softly, and she nodded before stepping out of the room, leaving you alone with him.

You stepped forward slowly, the floor creaking faintly under your weight as you sat down beside him. For a long moment, you said nothing. It seemed there was nothing to say, no words that could bridge the silence between you both. You just sat there, letting your presence speak for itself.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, his voice broke the stillness, soft and hesitant. "You... are going to marry...?"

At first, you were unsure whether it was a question or a statement, the words hanging in the air like a fragile thread. You glanced at him, his face still angled down, avoiding your gaze, but the emptiness in his eyes struck you hard.

"Yes... I am... isn't that a good thing?" You gave him a soft smile, one that didn’t reach your heart, but you tried. Gently, you reached out and rubbed his back, trying to offer comfort, though you knew he wasn’t the same boy who had always bounced around, full of life and questions. "You getting this cool aunt." You chuckled to lighten the mood.

But his response was far from what you expected.

"Don't."

"You...don't...want me to marry Habib?" He stayed quiet. Once again.

"Rahim…" you whispered, though you knew he probably wasn’t listening. But you couldn’t stop yourself. "Talk to me, please."

"They...they...always...just didn't let me tell you. I wanted to." His leg started bouncing and you immediately held his hand, the other on his leg to calm him. "Take breaths, I am here, you are safe. No body is going to do anything. So, talk freely, and fully. Whoever it is about. Even if it's Habib, if he's done something to you, tell me that too. I won't say a word to you, or anyone about this to anyone. Even if it is about... the thing regarding your uncle being possessed and all...I know the story...Habib himself told me, so don't think of me as a stranger. Alright?"

He nodded and wiped a tear. He took moments to clam down and with a heavy breath continued. "My...uncle...he..." He breathed in a breath.

"Was never possessed."

“He’s known for his extraordinary beauty. I have not seen him myself though. So, up until he was about sixteen, everything seemed fine. But then, he suddenly vanished from his friends’ lives and stopped attending school. Despite the family’s best efforts to conceal the issue, it eventually came to light that he was... possessed."

"When I was younger—around sixteen—I... went through something. Something I can’t fully explain, even to this day."

"It was like... something else had control over me. I was sick...and I was dangerous. I hurt people--people I loved, hurt myself too. My family didn’t speak about it much after it was over. They believed it was better left forgotten. But I can’t forget. I’ve tried to move on, but..."

No...those...those are all stories? He gave you and himself to catch a breath then continued.

"When I was a child," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "I thought...what everyone thought that...indeed Uncle was. He was praised for his beauty, and my dad... hated him for it. Every chance he got, he'd tear into him, beat him, humiliate him. It only made Uncle more closed off. He stopped going out, hid from everyone, saying he was cursed by his own looks." Rahim’s voice cracked, his gaze distant as if seeing those memories unfold all over again.

The words tumbled out of him, fast and desperate, as if he had held them in for too long. "He started saying someone was using black magic against him, someone in the family. And my dad, he... he enjoyed it. He fueled those fears and made Uncle believe he was haunted and cursed because he was angry at Uncle for rejecting my aunt's hand and just y'know jealous. Everyone around started to believe it too because he started to act...like...he was. It became this... rumour that swallowed him whole. Even the cleric knew it wasn’t true, he told everyone but no one listened. And my grandfather, even he started believing it."

Rahim’s shoulders shook, his hands clenching into fists as he struggled to contain his grief. "We live in a village where nobody talks about mental illness. People don’t understand, they don’t want to understand. They just accepted that something was wrong with him and left him to rot. But I knew… I knew it wasn’t magic. I researched on my own, in school, and I just can't figure out what's wrong with him but I know there is....there is something psychological. I wanted to help him, I tried to, but nobody would listen."

Tears streamed down his face now, his voice breaking as the words poured out like a dam finally bursting. "Dad would beat me whenever I tried to bring it up. And Grandfather who has always been helpless against my dad always said that he will be fine once he gets married… he just wants to marry Uncle off because he thinks marriage will fix him like that’s some kind of miracle cure. Especially getting him married to you.... someone of your status. But it’s all... it’s all bullshit! Marriage won’t solve anything! The medicines he takes are just mostly sleeping pills and--and some herbal stuff my grandfather gives him which are not what he needs! He needs a proper treatment...proper treatment."

Rahim’s outburst ended in a sob, his chest heaving as he broke down completely. He was no longer the reserved, cautious boy you knew, he was vulnerable, raw, and heartbroken, carrying the weight of years of pain and helplessness on his young shoulders.

"When you came here and even better, took interest in my Uncle, I thought that maybe marriage wouldn't be bad because he would be free and you would get him treated, I would tell you about it myself when the time is right. It was...about to happen but...again my Dad...he ruined it, I thought it was over, you were out of his life, but I still hoped, he loves you so much and I know you do too so...I was ready to help my uncle run away but.."

You were too shocked to even ask him why he had stopped speaking and simply let out a questioning hum.

"My mum and dad… they… they tried to…"

"Tried to what?" You were both startled by the sudden ringtone of your phone. Seeing Odai's name on the screen, you quickly answered, bracing yourself against the possibility of more bad news.

"Ma'am, I checked the footage from the village gate. Samir left last night with his family around 4 a.m. But Basim and his wife… they never actually left the village."

Your eyes widened. "What? Are you saying… they’re still here?"

"Yes, ma'am," Odai confirmed before you ended the call. You turned back to Rahim, whose face had gone pale, frozen in place as if dreading the implications of this revelation.

"Rahim…" you said slowly, your voice soft yet urging. "They tried to what? And… where are they?"

Part VII

(AN: Did you guys expect that ʘ‿ʘ? Do comment and lemme know! Also, I know I should have mentioned it earlier but the story is set in 1990's due to which especially in the village people don't use much tech, like wifi and all cuz not everybody has computers etc that's why Rahim did whatever research he could in his school's library and computer.)

[amalia07]

Hazbin Hotel Re-design batch 2

Only the two of them, probably not gonna finish Veggie for a while since I'm still circling between following her canon background as a fallen angel or her old background as a Salvadorian woman (I love the latter more)

For Alastor, I put some of my lore, that sinners with more horrible crimes get less humane features. Since Alastor's sins were pretty f-ed up, so he looks more animalistic. For his magic, I changed the voodoo symbols with music symbols. I mean, it's just senseless to use religious symbols and associate them with hell and demons.

For Nifty, I was trying to put her canon aspects, which are alien, bug, and 50s housewife. I made her green since, well, that's like THE colors for alien during the 50s. The legs are inspired by cockroaches.

[clarkkantagain]

habib masovic by brett lloyd

[leggerezza-dell-essere]

Il gesto

osarlo

non sempre ci riesco.

Eppure par tutto semplice quando qualcuno vi apre

l’artificio della bellezza [...]

Habib Tengour

_____ Matthieu Soudet