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[novemberevenings]

｡.*｡☆ﾟ 🕰️ 07.30 p.m

cat anon, i'm holding you responsible for this very domestic and cute idea of indulgence, and ahhhhhh i just need more fluff—

a part of gojo's love entries

“you’re always, always so messy!”

“you never put the socks where they belong!”

“and lately you stink too!”

you were ranting a whole lot of your grievances to your husband as you munched on chocolate cookies from a jar, your face scrunched up and visibly vexed.

throughout it all, satoru took on your tirade with a very smooth smile, occasionally suppressing his impulse to burst into laughter, because what an adorable sight you were—all pouting with the swell of his child inside you, messing up your hormones.

“i stink?” he tilted his head to the side, blinking innocently, eyes crinkling with such fondness and a visible hint of laugh. “that can’t be—”

“you are! and you are home late too these days!” you puffed your cheeks, now chubbier—and you’re so freaking cute this way, there’s nothing satoru wants more than to smooch you, really.

“is that your way of saying that you missed me, hmm?”

“no! why would i?!”

“because i’m your very good-looking husband?”

“ew! no! you’re just a horny weirdo!”

that finally got him to outwardly snicker. “can’t you see that we’re doing an honorable deed? we’re increasing japan’s birth rate~”

it wasn’t the first time of you suddenly painting him up as the bad guy due to your raging hormones, and satoru was entertained each and every time. he always humored you without fail even when you got mad at him for no reason—in his eyes, you were just the height of cuteness, and he was ever so grateful that you were growing his baby at all.

later at night, after your bath, a softer part of you suddenly felt a tad bit guilty for roasting your husband—the hormones at play, heh—and now, wanted to snuggle up to him instead.

satoru’s eyes lit up in mischief when you got to the bed and pressed yourself to him.

“oh? so the wife now wants cuddles?”

“…can’t i? i’ve done a lot for you—carrying your baby is a job in and of itself.” you pointed at your bump with a pout. “see if you can find another girl who can put up with you and just ask for cuddles in return.”

“ehh? is that what you want me to do? go find another girl and forget you just like that?”

the idea made you frown and satoru immediately barked a laugh, pulling you to sit on his lap.

“aww, look at that cute face,” he tried to appease you, a stupid grin on his face as he poked your cheek, with you still frowning deeply. “no, no. that’s not going to happen~”

you were still giving him a very annoyed look, and satoru knew just what to make you soft for him again, as he pulled you by your chin closer and peppered your face with kisses—

“you’re” kiss “the only girl” kiss “i’ll ever love” kiss —yeah?”

safe to say, you melted into a puddle in his arms, ignoring the searing heat on your cheeks as you pressed your face to his chest, with him chuckling, wrapping one arm around you in a secure hold and roaming his other hand on your tummy, smile widening upon feeling a kick.

“well, kid, mama is such a sweetie, isn’t she?”

[novemberevenings]

I loooveee the way u write nanami 🥺🥺 was wondering if u could do a mini fic on nanami x reader but when they were in high school :O I feel reader would constantly flirt with him but he stays unbothered until she stops 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫 thank uuuu

౨ৎ ˖ ࣪⊹ HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS — nanami kento

omg thank u so so much, you're very sweet <3 i think i was taking requests when you asked this, so im so so so sorry i took forever to answer :( this isn't exactly what you said but i hope it's close to what you had in mind <3

contents: sfw, high school nanami & reader, mutual pining, silly teenage emotions, fluff, it's not even really romantic but they're best friends that won't admit they have a crush on each other, reader is shorter than him, gn!reader — 1.2k

“you can’t stay mad at me forever, kento.”

your best friend — or so you thought — stayed silent as you walked through the abandoned warehouse, searching for the curses that needed exorcising. so far, they’d evaded you, just as kento had all of your questions.

he glanced over at you, mouth drawn into its usual line. “i can if i want.”

“oh really?” you huffed, crossing your arms over your chest as you continued forward, following him through the building. “are you fifteen or five? you’re supposed to be the mature one!”

kento rolled his eyes, but didn’t dignify that with a verbal response, letting his blade dangle loosely at his side. an odd sound echoed through the hallways, but it wasn’t quite menacing enough to be a curse.

you groaned. “don’t you know everyone will just keep pairing us up on missions until we work this out?” if kento was going to continue to be a pain, you wouldn’t allow him the silence he wanted so desperately. he’d been ignoring you for over a week. “haibara’s lucky. he gets to go with the second years.”

nanami glanced over his shoulder, raising his eyebrow, before looking ahead once more. “you mean he’s lucky he gets to go with gojo.”

though you weren’t sure if it was supposed to be an insult to you or not, you laughed. “maybe.”

“yeah,” kento scoffed. “i thought so.”

the tone was flatter than usual, even for someone like kento, and you raised your eyebrows, letting the words settle between you.

“you’re being so sour. you know, you never even told me what i did wrong. you’re so mad at me, kento, and i don’t even really know why.”

kento watched his feet take one step, then another, the opposite ones moving ahead. he’d grown a lot over the summer — a fact you’d somehow only realized. since when had he been that much taller than you?

“i’m not mad,” he finally settled on. a weak argument as to why he’d been ignoring you for the duration of your mission, and the week before.

you frowned, chewing the inside of your mouth. although kento had a kind heart, you knew how nasty he could be to people he didn’t like. you didn’t want to be one of those on the list. “kento… i really am sorry. if i’ve done something wrong.”

the tension drained from his shoulders. he sighed. “you haven’t.”

despite wanting to push the issue further, you let it die, deciding to listen to the silence in case of any curses. though, it had been nearly half an hour, and you hadn’t found any yet. you were beginning to think that maybe your teacher had led you astray.

“can i ask you something?” kento, after ten minutes, finally interrupted the quiet again. and though that sort of phrase was never a good sign, you would’ve taken anything to get him talking to you again.

“of course, kento.”

he sucked his bottom lip into his mouth, seeming shy, almost. had it not been so dark, you would have seen the slight tint of pink on his cheeks, that you only assumed was there to begin with.

“what is it about gojo that you like so much?”

you blinked. “what do you mean?”

“you’re… interested in him, aren’t you? like that?” kento shifted awkwardly, holding his body as if it wasn’t quite his own. “i mean, i just assumed…”

all over, you great hot, your cheeks burning with embarrassment, a wave of dread heaping onto your stomach. “you think i have a crush on gojo?”

“don’t you?”

you thought about it for a moment, staring at the ceiling. “i don’t know. maybe.”

“maybe?” kento pinched his eyebrows together. “what the hell kind of answer is that? you either do or you don’t.”

“i think he’s...” you stumbled over the words, not really sure when you’d started talking to nanami kento about these sorts of things. the words tasted sour in your mouth. “well, i suppose he’s attractive, isn’t he? he’s certainly charming. he makes me laugh.”

“you’re always flirting with him," kento said skeptically.

you shrugged. "i'm just teasing. if you consider that flirting, then i guess i am."

“hm. you sound like you think you’re supposed to be interested in him, just because he’s gojo.”

that raised a small laugh out of you. “maybe you’re right. i think i might just be interested in people i know won’t ever like me back.” kento’s eyes flashed, and before he could say anything, lips parted, you continued. “but what do i know about anything, anyway? teenagers are supposed to be dumb like that, aren’t they?”

kento frowned, brown eyes softer than you’d seen in awhile. “i don’t think you’re dumb.”

“thanks.” for some reason, that made you bashful, darting your eyes away as you smiled at the ground. “have you ever had a crush on anyone, kento?”

he gave you a tiny little smile, poking you in the temple, before repeating your words from earlier. “i don’t know. maybe.”

“you’re so stupid.”

kento laughed, then, a light noise that was more familiar to you than it was to a lot of others. “you know, if it makes you feel better, i think gojo likes you. really, i do. he thinks you’re pretty. he likes when you laugh at his jokes. geto told us. he talks about you to him all the time.”

and though you’d expected the words to send a wave of glee over you, the sort of silly emotion that came with a teenage crush, you didn’t feel excited as you should've. perhaps because satoru had never been the one you wanted.

“gojo just likes to be admired. besides, everyone likes when people laugh at their jokes. that's not special.” you kicked at the floor. “anyway, geto’s probably just telling you all that so you’ll tell me and i’ll make a fool of myself in front of them. that would really make them laugh.”

kento frowned, contemplative. “i don’t think he would do that.”

he wouldn’t. it just seemed the only good way to diverge the conversation.

you threw your hands up, expelling a loud sigh. “well… whatever. honestly, it doesn't matter. i don’t think i even want a boyfriend.”

kento gawked at you for a moment, lips slightly parted, before he shook his head, another snort of a laugh leaving him. “you’re so confusing.”

“you should be relieved. wouldn’t you be miserable if i started dating gojo?” you were only teasing him, bumping his shoulder with your own, a playful grin on your face.

but kento’s voice was gentle when he returned his answer, and the relief was evident on his face. “i would.”

whether you knew it then, or not, that little confession had changed the course of your life. you brushed it off easily, gripping your cursed tool tightly as you turned the corner again.

“hey kento?”

“what? the curses are going to sneak up on us if—”

“you’re my best friend, by the way. even if i was dating gojo, you’d still be my best friend. you’ll always be my best friend.” you stopped him, serious now. “no matter what happens.”

kento smiled softly, barely there at all. he squeezed your hand in return. “i hope so.”

[novemberevenings]

somewhere between the stars | chapter 1

Azriel is your best friend. The best, most brilliant, and dearest friend you have ever known. It gets harder and harder to separate your platonic and romantic feelings for him.

A/N: first chapter of this series!!! honestly wanted to write my own rendition of an angsty, mutual pining fic w my azzy <3 anyways this first part isn’t the longest but i’m posting it to motivate myself to write the next part!! (btw italics indicate a flash back!)

The night sky seems peaceful tonight, almost as if it were at ease. A chill night breeze brushes past, swirling in the soft grass in greeting. The branches of a nearby tree sway, the only sound being the soft caress of leaves. Lying with your head laid back against the grass, eyes closed in a mix of exhaustion and ecstasy. 

At the feel of a soft, scarred hand brushing against your own, you open your eyes and tilt your head to the side. You’re greeted with a familiar and comforting sight. Your best friend's questioning gaze and furrowed brows make you quietly ask, “What's going on in that head of yours?” 

It’s a phrase that you both have claimed as yours. When either of you needs to be dragged out of your thoughts, the other won’t hesitate to ask to ground you back to the present. 

He’s quiet for a moment, trying to find the words that are jumbled up in his head. He turns to look at the sky once again before asking, “Do you think they’re watching us?” 

“Who?” His question puzzles you, not quite understanding where it's coming from. 

“The stars, the moon. I dunno, maybe the entire sky.” You’re used to his weird questions. It’s become a thing that you’ve got going on between the two of you. “If they are, I hope they don’t snitch on us.” 

This earns you a light chuckle, his head slightly shaking from laughter. Realistically, the sight of two younglings watching the stars at night shouldn’t be a problem. But for a boy who has to wake up for training early in the morning and a girl who has to continue with her apprenticeship, they could get punished for being out this late at night. 

“I like to think that they are. Watching over us, I mean.” 

“Az, that’s kinda really creepy.” 

He laughs indignantly, lightly shoving at your shoulder. It’s silent again, but you can tell he wants to say more, so you wait. “There’s just… so much out there, you know? It’s so big, and there’s so much we don’t know. I like thinking that, somewhere out there, someone’s looking out for us.” 

You take a second to just marvel at the way he thinks. A sudden feeling of gratitude and pride washes over you at being one of the few people who gets to see this side of him. The side of him that’s bright and curious, hopeful. 

You turn your head back towards the sky, looking at the stars and the empty spaces between them. Your best friend’s words are still in your head, trying to form an answer. 

When you look back at him, you find his gaze already on you. He looks at you just like how he looks at the night sky, with reverence and utter devotion. It compels you to reply, “Well, regardless of who’s out there, I’ll always look out for you.” 

He gives you a soft smile, the one that you’ve come to treasure and look forward to. “I’ll always look out for you, too.” 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Tucked into a corner in the library at the House of Wind, your eyes roam over the page you’re reading. You were catching up on some old texts, brushing up on your knowledge of some spells. As the sorceress of the Inner Court, you always wanted to ensure you could protect your family. 

A clock nearby chimes, and you poke your head out to check the time. It was almost time for dinner, but you still wanted to finish the chapter you were reading. Going back to your book, it wasn’t long until the doors to the library slammed open, surprising a couple of priestesses nearby, an arrogant General waltzing in looking to find you. 

“You know, Cass, they expect silence in a library.” Closing the book with a resounding snap, you stand up from the cozy armchair you’d been sitting in, returning the book to its rightful place on a nearby shelf. “Lovely to see you too, my dearest Y/N.” 

You half-heartedly roll your eyes at him but take the arm he’s offering as he leads you out of the library. The two of you exchange stories of the day, Cassian recounting training with the Valkyries that morning. You listen to him intently, but you stop in your tracks when he says, “Az is coming home tonight.”  

“He is?” Your eyes widen as relief washes over you, not realizing how worried and tense you have been throughout the past week since Azriel was gone on a mission. 

“Yeah, sent Rhys a message ‘bout an hour ago.” 

At your look of shock and surprise, Cassian follows up with, “He didn’t tell you?” 

You softly shake your head, dismissing him. “I’m sure he was just really busy with work. It’s fine, Cass. Nothing to worry about.” 

Your soft, encouraging smile did nothing to ease Cassian’s worry, but he didn’t push on the subject. 

There had been this rift growing between you and Az. Both of you had been quite busy with your duties, Az especially. But you can’t help but feel there’s something else that’s causing this, and you hate it. Your friendship with him is one of the best things in your life, and the idea of losing him was… devastating. You don’t think you would be able to survive it. 

But you plan on fixing it as soon as he gets back. A simple conversation will fix this, you’re sure. 

“Alright, come on then.” 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

It was a calm night in the House of Wind. Everyone had gathered for weekly family dinner, and all was well. Everyone except for Azriel, that is. 

To say you were tense and anxious would be an understatement. Even a blind man could see just how worried you were. While everyone else was lounging in their seats and sipping their glasses of wine, you sat with your back straight, hands fiddling with each other nervously. 

“Loosen up a little, Y/N! Cauldron, you look like someone just killed your puppy.” You roll your eyes at Cassian’s teasing. Sometimes, you worry your eyes would be stuck at the back of your head whenever you’re with him. 

“Oh, give her a break, Cass. We all know why she’s acting this way.” Mor says, trying to lighten your mood. 

And it’s true. Everyone gathered around you knows exactly why you were so tense and worried. Despite Azriel sending you a message that he would be back tonight, your worry would not disappear until you saw him with your own two eyes, safe and unharmed. 

It was no secret to anyone how close the two of you were. Best friends ever since you met each other in Windhaven. Your friendship was one of the constants in your life, forever a source of comfort. He was your closest confidant, the shoulder you could always lean on, the first person you celebrate the good news with, and the first person to wipe your tears away when you cry. 

He wasn’t just your best friend. He was… your best everything. 

You tried your best to enjoy the night, joking with your family and catching up on each other’s day. Although your worry wasn’t completely gone, the presence of your family always put you at ease, love pouring through every interaction. 

“As I was saying, wing-warmers should totally be a thing. You don’t know just how much the cold affects our wings. I feel like an oversized icicle flying around the–”

Cassian stops mid-rant as a figure appears in the doorway. Everyone follows his line of sight at his silence, your head quickly snapping towards the doorway. 

And just like that, a week’s worth of worry and anxiety melts from your body. The sight of Azriel in his leathers, all seven siphons gleaming, is one you’ve longed for. 

“Az,” you sigh softly in relief. 

“Hi,” he replies. That soft smile you think is reserved just for you spreads across his face, eyes crinkling a little at the edges. 

That one word was all it took for you to fly out of your seat, running towards him at full speed. He catches you, bringing you into his warm embrace immediately. You tuck your face into the crook of his neck, wrapping your arms as tight as you can around his neck. In response, Azriel buries his nose into your hair, tightening his grip around your waist. 

You pull back slightly, your arms holding his shoulders so you can better scan his body for any injuries. 

At the worry in your face, Azriel asks, “What’s going on in that head of yours?” 

You notice his attempt to lighten your mood and snark right back at him. “Nothing, just thinking about how much you stink.”

He lets out a chuckle, and you can feel his chest vibrate from your proximity. “And here I thought you missed me.” 

You stay in his embrace for a little longer, feeling grateful that he’s returned unharmed, and take a moment to just look at him, reminding yourself that he’s back. A cough sounds from somewhere behind you. “Hello? Care to share him with the rest of us?” 

Rhys’ impatient yet teasing tone makes you and Azriel laugh, pulling apart to let the other members of your family greet him. 

You stand back, watching him embrace everyone else. Finally, you feel settled, like a part of you was missing, and now you’re whole again. You try your best not to think too much about what that might mean, wanting just to enjoy the fact that your best friend is back.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

[novemberevenings]

HI YALLLLLL!!!

i know i haven’t been here in a while BUT i have news!!

i won’t be continuing what comes before night, but i will be starting a new az series!!

it’s going to be childhood best friends to lovers and will be angst GALORE. i’m talking abt the angstiest shit you’ve ever seen. sooo… yeah :) just wanted to put that out there :))$

[novemberevenings]

what comes before night? | chapter 1

In the entire history of Prythian, there have always only been three solar courts: Dawn, Day, and Night. But, on a seemingly random day, an island located closest to the Night Court suddenly makes itself known. No one knows who they are or where they come from but it cannot be any good. Especially when its power rivals that of all the courts, both seasonal and solar. 

word count: 4326

prologue 

a/n: first chapter!! woo hoo!! also fun fact the picture im using as a divider is one i took myself and it just reminds me so much of the Dusk Court so yeah :) hope yall enjoy this chapter! 

The sun had just begun its descent when you start getting ready. It had been a very busy morning, filled with people fussing over you and countless last-minute decisions. You were already so exhausted. This morning’s activities were draining but it was the weight on your shoulders that made you want to curl under the covers and sleep for a century. 

You had been preparing for this moment for your entire life. Then why do you feel as though you’re walking off the edge of a cliff, going into a free fall, and not knowing what’s next? 

The funeral was held last week. The entire court came to pay their respects to their late High Lord. Fae of every kind showed up wearing Dusk’s traditional mourning color of the darkest blue. You were dressed in dark blue yourself. But, unlike the mourning fae around you, you did not let a single tear escape from your eyes.

The only time you let yourself truly break was in the comfort of your own room, with only the deafening silence as your company. The citizens of Dusk were looking to you for leadership now. You couldn’t afford to look weak in front of them. 

For a single moment, you hoped that maybe, just maybe, the Mother would overlook your presence. That the power from your father would flow to your brother instead. But, you dismissed the thought as soon as it came. Your brother was not trained to rule over an entire court and frankly, he didn’t want to either. 

You wanted this power. Had craved it from the moment you saw your father sitting on his throne. You wanted the ability to change things for the better, to help your people. You had inherited many things from your father, his ambition was one of the things you loved the most. 

Thinking about him makes your chest ache. You feel your throat tightening, tears threatening to spill from your eyes but you try to keep them at bay. You’ve cried enough late last night, thinking about how different your life would look after today. About how much you miss your father. 

Your hair had already been done by one of your handmaidens along with a soft brush of kohl on your eyes and a neutral kind of red painted on your lips. It was simple, regal. You stood from your spot on the bed to walk to the window. 

From your window, you could see the entire capital city of Cyra. Your home, your safe place. As you look up at the sky, you could see the dome that has been shielding your court for the past couple of millennia. It was a complex work of magic and was created by your ancestors. The dome itself was made up of two layers: The outer layer was for protection, to ensure that nothing can go in, almost like a physical barrier. The second layer was an intricate spell that allowed your court to stay hidden without any detection. It’s transparent but if you look closely enough, you could see that it has a faint gold color. With the sun setting, it makes the entire sky look like it's shimmering. 

It’s been a few hours after lunch, the sun halfway through its descent. It was the afternoon now and you could see people preparing for the big event. 

The coronation of the Dusk Court’s newest High Lady. 

The event would take place on the highest point within the court which is located at Roava Hill, just before the sun sets beneath the horizon. Fae from all over the court had come to see the ancient Dusk crown placed upon your head. 

You mutter an incantation to project the sounds of the people from below into your room, finding the silence to be a little suffocating. The sound of bustling vendors trying to find a spot for their stalls, courtiers setting up for the ceremony, and the birds chirping their afternoon songs filters into your room. 

That small release of power granted you some reprieve from your earlier thoughts. While closing your eyes, you tip your head back and take a deep breath. Listening to the people below, your people, helped to calm down your thoughts. As you listened, you silently applauded yourself for your work. If there was one thing you liked about being High Lady, it was the power that came with it. 

The specialized power that originates from Dusk is unique. And even though you had been studying it for your entire 400 years of life, it never ceases to amaze you. The other solar courts had healing, knowledge, or darkness as their specialty. The power to wield fire or ice, water or earth, belonged to the seasonal courts. The Dusk court had its own specialty powers too. 

Sorcery and the Mystic Arts. 

The citizens of Dusk could manipulate power gifted from the Mother and Cauldron themselves. While the other courts did have access to basic magic that is unrelated to their specialty powers, Dusk’s powers are wholly different. The magic that the citizens of dusk possess is magic in its purest form, which can be harnessed using spells and incantations. However, the wielder also affects the scale at which the magic can be used. The more powerful the wielder, the greater the magic.

As High Lady, the magnitude of the power you wield is insurmountable. Not to mention the fact that you had been training and studying your powers since you took your first steps. 

The realization hit you out of nowhere, the fact that you were one of the most powerful Fae currently in existence. Great, another burden you have to bear. 

You wonder if you have what it takes to do this. To lead an entire court, to protect them and serve them just as your father did. You wonder how you could ever do this without him. 

The door of your chambers opening interrupts your train of thought. Your mother slips inside, already in her ceremonial garb. “Why haven’t you put your clothes on yet? It’s almost time for the coronation.” 

You look to the sky again and realize the sun has set even more since the last time you looked at it. “Sorry, I didn’t notice the time.” 

The ceremonial dress for your coronation is beautiful. It looked like a sunset captured in fabric with a blend of oranges, pinks, and purples. The silhouette is loose and flowy, making you look like a deity. It made you feel like you could deserve your title. 

Your mother helps with the simple gold necklace you chose to wear for the ceremony. She stands behind you as you move your hair to the side, allowing her to clasp the necklace. A simple gold chain with a ring around it. It was your father’s ring. The ring that he dedicated to you. He had three rings in total, one for each of his family members. Engraved inside the ring was the nickname your father affectionately called you. Witchling. 

As a young fae learning all about the mystic arts and sorcery, your parents realized that you took to it quite easily, the Mother blessing you with great power even as a child. Your father had joked that you could be a witch with how good you were at using your powers. From then on, you became your father’s little witchling. 

The ring rests between your collarbones, the sunlight hitting it just right and emanating a soft glow. You feel as though your father is watching over you at this very moment. 

“I know what you’re thinking about, you know,” Your mother breaks the silence with a small smile, her eyes glinting knowingly as she looks at you through the mirror. 

“And what would that be, mom?” Your tone is a little disbelieving, but deep down, you’re worried that she could see right through you. She rests her head on your shoulder, hugging you tightly for comfort. 

“Your father was nervous too before his coronation. He was a mess. I still remember the day like it was yesterday, the day I became the High Lady.” At the mention of your father, your mother’s eyes flutter shut, as if she was replaying the memory behind her eyelids. “I’m pretty sure he was still nervous as he was climbing up Roava Hill, even more so when he was saying his oaths.” 

“Well, it couldn’t have been that bad since he became one of the greatest leaders in the history of our court,” The thought of your father being nervous was impossible. You never saw him as anything less than brilliant, both as your father and High Lord.  

“That is precisely my point, sweet child. Despite the fact that he was nervous, and that he didn’t believe he could lead, he still did. He ruled with no tolerance for injustice and with kindness in his heart. You will do just the same, if not even better.” 

You take a deep breath, readying yourself for what's to come. You knew that you had what it takes to rule. You had been born for it. You had been trained in the art of politics, battle strategy, diplomacy, and everything else that comes with being a ruler since you were a child. You could do this. You have to do this. 

With one last look in the mirror, you turn to face your mother. You take a deep breath, and with a harsh exhale, you dismiss all your earlier worries and concerns.

“Alright. Let’s get myself crowned shall we?” 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

The coronation starts the moment you start climbing Roava Hill. It’s supposed to be symbolic, representing how you will have to persevere through hardships as a leader. You make the climb alone, the courtiers and your family already at the top of the hill while the citizens of Dusk gather at the base of the hill to watch you make the climb. 

The hill is steep and the journey is long, but when you finally make it to the top, you decide the view was worth the effort it took to get there. As it is the highest point in the entire court, you get to see everything that will rest on your shoulders, your responsibility. A feeling of pride surges through your veins, feeling eternally grateful that this beautiful place was your home. That you had the privilege to rule this magnificent court

You turn to the small clearing where courtiers are gathered alongside your family. The priestess stands before a marble altar that has been worn down with age. 

The light of the setting sun glows on your face as you step toward the altar. It seems like an eternity before you arrive in front of the priestess, the entire court at your back and only the setting sun as your companion. Everything else around you drowns out as you focus on keeping a brave face, too scared that people could see your fear. Your fear of failure, your fear of not being enough. 

The priestess begins the ceremony by casting a similar spell that you did earlier, making her voice project to the people of Dusk waiting at the bottom of the hill. You can’t back out now. 

“People of Dusk, we gather here today to witness the rise of a new ruler. The passing of our late High Lord is a loss that we will grieve for eternity. But if there is one good thing that has come out of it, it would be this. A new High Lady of the Dusk Court.” 

Cheers ring out from all around you, the people standing at the bottom of the hill applauding and shouting, your mother and brother with matching looks of pride on their faces. With every second that passes, your fears slowly slip away, turning into a feeling of pride and joy. This was your day, you realized. It’s time you acted like it. 

Your mother steps forward next, moving to stand beside you. As the current High Lady by marriage to your father, she will have to renounce her title before you could proceed with your ceremony. Your mother’s hand brushes yours slightly, her silent way of showing support. 

“I, High Lady Solana of the Dusk Court, renounce my title as High Lady. With this setting sun, I shall step down from this title as it shall be passed on to Lady Y/N of the Dusk Court, the firstborn daughter of the late High Lord and I.” Pride laces through her words. When you turn to look at her, you see her eyes glistening with love. 

After her speech, your mother steps back from the altar, gives your cheek a kiss and returns to her spot beside your brother. The priestess continues with the ceremony, moving on to the oaths next. Oaths that you will have to uphold during your entire reign, promises that you make not only to yourself but also to the entirety of the Dusk Court. 

“I swear that I will serve and protect the Dusk Court with my life. To have the court’s best interests at heart. To cherish and uphold Dusk Court values. I swear that I will give up my time, my efforts, and my life if duty calls for it. I swear to act as High Lady of the Dusk Court from this day, till the end of my days.” 

With the last words of the oath leaving your lips, the bargain you made inks itself on your skin. A band of orange and purple colored swirls appears on your right upper arm. With the oath finished, there’s just one more part left for the coronation ceremony. The crown. 

The Dusk Court’s crown was beautiful. It was gold and had a simple design, purple and pink gems lining the entire crown, with an orange gem set a bit higher than the others. 

The priestess picks up the crown from the cushion it had been resting on. Before the crown is placed on your head, you kneel before it. Another symbolic act, the last time you would ever kneel to anyone or anything would be for the crown. 

With a deep breath, the priestess places the beautiful crown on your head. It's heavier than you expected. You stand from your position on the ground with shaky legs, hoping and praying to the Mother that the crown doesn’t fall off your head. 

The ceremony was planned meticulously for this precise moment. The light of the setting sun passes through the gems of the crown at just the right angle, reflecting colorful light all around the clearing. You feel the sun shining on your face, the soft glow providing you comfort. 

As you turn to face the crowd, a hush falls over all the attendants. 

One by one, everyone drops to their knees and bows their heads, the crowd at the bottom of the hill following suit. 

You were now, officially, the High Lady of the Dusk Court. 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

The entire court is in celebration following the coronation. The entire city of Cyra is abuzz with excitement. As the capital city and home of the royal palace, fae from all over the court has traveled to witness the coronation of the newest High Lady. 

You didn’t receive any breaks in between the ceremony. After you were crowned, your mother and brother came to congratulate you. They both crushed you in a giant hug, both sporting matching looks of pride and love. 

“See, that wasn’t that bad wasn’t it?” Your mother says while she cups your face with both hands. Her thumbs make a swiping motion on your cheek and it brings you so much comfort. 

“Do I have to start calling you your majesty now?” Your brother jests with a teasing smile. “Ugh, please don’t,” You groan, reminded of all the courtiers coming up to you and bowing as low as they could while saying Your Majesty continuously. 

“I’m still your big sister. But now, you have a legal obligation to do just as I say” Now it’s his turn to groan, rolling his eyes and huffing like a petulant child. 

You smile looking at your family. Eternally grateful that you still had them by your side. But there would always be that one piece missing. Your father was the source of many jokes and, surprisingly, loved to share court gossip with you all. You’ll miss family dinners every night and sitting in your father’s study while he gives you lectures on politics. 

You shook yourself out of that train of thought. You were happy, beyond happy right now. You would carry your father’s memory with you for your entire life. But now, it was time to party. 

You were still in your ceremonial outfit when you joined the festivities. The plaza in front of the palace was decorated beautifully. There were stalls lined on the edges of the plaza, selling food of all kinds, trinkets and souvenirs to remember this occasion. 

Despite the anxiety and worry you were feeling before, being surrounded by your people made your heart feel a little more at ease. So you conversed, accepting congratulations from strangers and receiving gifts of all kinds. 

The center of the plaza became a dance floor, with musicians playing lively music. You were hit with the sudden urge to dance, to let yourself enjoy the night after such an exhausting day. So, that is exactly what you did. 

You let your thoughts fade into nothing and allowed your body to take over. Twirling and swishing around the dance floor, your dress flowing just as you did. Eventually, your mother and brother joined in and you basked in the presence of your family. You were all still grieving, but at this moment, you finally felt like you would be alright, in time. 

Later on in the night, after dancing, drinking, and laughing to your heart's content, the promise you made to your father rings in your ears. 

You must share our court with the rest of the world. Please, Y/N. It is the last thing I will ever ask of you.

I promise, dad. I will share the beauty and knowledge of our court with the world. We will never hide again while the rest go to ruin. I promise.

You decide that your first act as High Lady will be to fulfill that very promise as a way to honor your father. With a deep breath, you head up to the palace steps, garnering the attention of everyone who has come to celebrate.

With a raise of your hand, everyone falls silent, waiting to hear what their newest High Lady has to say. You feel everyone’s eyes on you, and suddenly the crown feels just a little heavier on your head. 

“Good evening citizens of Dusk. I hope that you have all been enjoying your night as I know I’ve had,” More people make their way to the front of the palace steps after hearing your commanding voice. “Before we end the night, I would like to make my first act as High Lady.” 

“For many millennia, we have kept ourselves hidden from the rest of the world. We have watched as history forgot about our existence. We have remained silent as wars were waged, as the rest of the world suffered. We have done nothing when we have all the resources and abilities to help many others.” 

You take a pause in your speech, looking around to survey people’s reactions, wondering if they would be against the idea you were proposing. But you didn’t see a single look of disapproval in the crowd so you continued. 

“I made my father a promise before he died. I promised him that I would share the wonders of our court with the world. To help even more Fae and ensure their safety just as he has ensured yours.” 

The crowd starts to cheer, excited at the prospect of finally being able to see the rest of what the world has to offer. “This dome has shielded us from the outside world. I hope that you will all join me in this new era of Dusk. The old ways of our court will fall with the setting sun. Come dawn, the rest of the world will know who we are.” 

More cheers and shouts of approval ring out throughout the crowd, applause and cries of excitement feeding into your own confidence. You raise your hands to the sky and aimed at the dome that has been shielding your court for several millennia. 

You reach into that power deep within yourself and mutter an incantation. With a thrust of your hands, your power shoots from the palms and into the night sky, manifesting as a glowing purple and pink column of light. It hits the inner layer of the dome, the spell that kept your court hidden from the rest of the world. 

Your face scrunches up in concentration as you dive deeper into the well of your power. The depth of your power was unimaginable, you thought that it would never end. Slowly but surely, the inner dome crumbles. Cracks start forming from the point where your power made contact with it. 

After a few more seconds, the dome is completely broken. Golden flakes fall from where the inner dome used to be, covering you and everyone else in gold glitter. You tip your head back to the sky and let the flakes fall on your face, relishing in the cheers and joy from the people around you. 

The Dusk Court is no longer hidden. 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

It was a peaceful night at the River House. All of the Inner Circle were gathered for the weekly family gathering and surprisingly, everyone is in attendance. Everyone has long since left the dining table. The sky is clear tonight, so the Inner Circle chooses to head to the backyard where little Nyx can stretch his legs and run around in the grass. Feyre and Elain both chase him around while the others choose to lounge on the chairs and sofas on the shaded patio. 

Rhys looks at the sight with a contented smile, taking a sip of his second glass of wine. 

“-as I was about to land a hit, the motherfucker decides to trip me using his spear. It was cheating! Admit it, I would have won if you didn’t play dirty.” Cassian recounts the sparring match he had with Rhysand from earlier in the morning. 

“You forget that I excel in playing dirty, Cass,” Rhys says with a teasing smile on his face. The rest groan in unison at the innuendo. 

Azriel sits in the seat beside Rhys, rolling his eyes at his brother’s antics. As usual, the Shadowsinger keeps to himself. In fact, he almost decided to skip coming to the River House entirely but he knows if he misses another meal he’ll get an earful from his family. 

Yet, despite his reluctance on coming, he finds himself relaxing further into his seat, his shoulders becoming less tense and his wings drooping with every laugh and chuckle from his family. He closes his eyes for a bit, letting his guard down just a fraction. 

These gatherings usually last the entire day, so Azriel figures that he could get some much-needed rest in the shade. The others continue on with what they’re doing for a little longer. After Elain catches Nyx in her arms, he manages to squirm free from her hold and squeals when his aunt and mother start chasing after him again. Cassian continues to tell stories they’ve all heard a million times, Mor refills Rhys’ glass of wine, and Amren sits a little farther, but still close enough to snark at Cassian from time to time. 

Everything was perfect. The entire family is in one place, with no threats anywhere in sight. 

Then it happens. 

Something in the fae realm changed. A sudden shift in the balance of power that has been so carefully maintained. 

Goosebumps rise all over his skin and all the chatter stops. He sits up in his seat, going tense once more, shadows dispersing to ensure that everyone is safe. All his friends are quiet. Even Nyx can sense something is wrong, running back to his mother and Feyre picks him up quickly, holding him close to her with a hand on his head. She heads to the patio with everyone else, Elain following quickly behind. 

“Did you guys feel that?” Mor questions, confusion, and curiosity etched onto her face. Everyone shares the same sentiment, having felt the strange disturbance too. 

“My shadows don’t report anything unusual. But they’re on edge” Azriel announces to his family, all of them sharing matching looks of confusion and worry on their faces. 

It was an unusual feeling. Like something old and powerful was making itself known. Like a lion roaring its challenge or a wolf howling its victory, another apex predator telling everything around it that it is a force to be reckoned with. 

It’s pulsing, this strange feeling. Like a heartbeat. As if it was a signal to inform every one of its location. 

Strangely, Azriel felt drawn to it. He didn’t know why but instead of warning bells, this felt more like a beacon, a summons of some sort. As if something or someone was out there calling to him. He was tempted to shoot to the sky and follow it, see where it takes him. Nyx’s cry snaps him out of it, turning to face his family once more. 

Amren, who normally remains unphased, seems just as worried as the others “We best get inside. Secure the house and figure this out from there,” Everyone shuffles out of their seats and heads back into the house, all of them wondering the same thing. 

What the hell just happened.

[novemberevenings]

what comes before night? | prologue

In the entire history of Prythian, there has only ever been three solar courts: Dawn, Day, and Night. But, on a seemingly random day, an island located closest to the Night Court suddenly makes itself known. No one knows who they are or where they come from but it cannot be any good. Especially when its power rivals that of all the courts, both seasonal and solar.

word count: 1215

a/n: hii everyone, this is the first ever fic im posting so please be kind :) This entire story came from the scenarios that I use before i sleep to entertain myself and i thought that it would actually make a pretty interesting series so here i am, sharing my bedtime scenarios to the world of tumblr. i hope you enjoy!

(This will be an Azriel and reader fic, but bear with me, it will take some time. I’m a huge fan of slow burn and angst so, obviously, that will be common themes in this series :)) 

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You never realized how small your parents’ room was until now. Growing up, it had felt so spacious, like you could get lost between the crevices and gaps in the room. Now, you felt like the roof was closing in on you. Like the walls could suffocate you if you stayed there long enough. 

The room is still large, even now. But it’s lost its air of grandness that it had when you were younger. Now, it all feels a little more familiar. The tall ceilings and billowy curtains, the windows that are so big that so much light gets in. Walls that are smooth and are a sandy-colored beige. The setting sun sets the room in orange and pink hues, a beautiful blend of colors. A sharp contrast to the current atmosphere in the room.

It's quiet here. The only sounds are that of the people bustling about miles away, the ruffling of tissue, and your mother’s quiet sobs. You don’t realize you’re crying too until tear drops fall on your clasped hands with your father. 

“Y/N, look at me please,” your father rasps. It was not said as a command, though it very well could have been. You don’t think you could take it. Your younger brother is a comforting presence beside you, but centuries together could never prepare you for this moment.  

Despite that lingering ache, you look up anyway. A futile act, since you can barely see with your foggy eyes but you try. For your dad, the kind, compassionate, and loving father. The brave, cunning, and powerful High Lord of the Dusk Court. 

“My beautiful, brilliant daughter. How mighty you have become. You will be the best of us yet,” At this point, you don’t even bother trying to hold back the tears. However, you refuse to let out a sound, afraid you’d disrupt the moment. A comforting hand lands on your back, not knowing who it belongs to but accepting it all the same. “You must do what I never could. You must share our court with the rest of the world. Please, Y/N. It is the last thing I will ever ask of you.” 

“You know you never have to ask me to do anything right? You could just command me to do it, pull rank or something,” You say with a slight shrug and a watery smile. The attempt to lighten the mood works. Just a little. 

“I know. But to you, I will always be your dad. Never the High Lord. Plus, pulling rank means I would have to accept defeat. And you know I never lose.” A slight smile pulls at your father’s lips. 

You chuckle at the sass, on the brink of death and still, he decides to have an attitude. Matching teary smiles can be seen in the room. But your dad drops his smile once more, his face going serious again. “Promise me.” 

“I promise, dad. I will share the beauty and knowledge of our court with the world. We will never hide again while the rest go to ruin. I promise. Everyone will know of your greatness, I swear this to you” You whisper, afraid that if your voice gets any louder he would hear the cracks in it. 

“I’m not doing this for praise or commendations, witchling. I want to help people. Even when I’m gone.” A cough follows the statement, your brother helps adjust the pillows again to make him feel more comfortable. 

“You will. You’ve helped so many people, dad. So many.” 

At this point, you could all feel it. The slow, agonizing, feeling of someone’s life drifting away. Your chest hurts, you think rubbing it would help ease the ache but it does not. You all huddle closer to the bed. Your brother goes in first, lowering his forehead to your father’s. Words are exchanged between them, likely the last ever words that will be shared between the two. When your brother lets go, his eyes are more bloodshot than before. 

Your mother goes next, forehead dropping to your father’s, sobs making her shoulders shake. This, you think to yourself, has to be the worst sight you have ever seen. Fields littered with fallen soldiers, severed limbs, or bloody swords are nothing compared to this. Two mates, saying their final goodbyes. Never to be with each other again. 

You look away when your father kisses your mother, the sight too painful, you can’t even imagine how your mom feels right now. You realize that you’ll never have the chance to tease them every time they kiss, your father saying he doesn’t care and kissing your mom again. Secretly, your heart bursts with joy every time he does so, knowing that you were fortunate enough to have parents who love each other and grow up surrounded by so much love. 

He tells her that he loves her very much and you think you must have heard your heart literally break when you hear him say that he’ll wait for her, forever if he has to. You wonder if your mother will ever be the same again. 

You get the last turn and you almost run out of the room to prevent yourself from breaking entirely. Almost. Instead, you shuffle forward a little. You wipe your eyes with the backs of your hands, then you drop your forehead to your father’s at last. 

“I love you, my Y/N. You will be great. Far greater than I. You will make history. You will be the one who finally changes the ways of our court. I know it.” You shut your eyes tight in an attempt to stop your tears from flowing down your cheeks. “Keep your promise to me. Never forget what I taught you. And in your moments of doubt, know that I’m never too far away, yes?” 

“Yes, dad. I promise. I won’t forget. I love you. Please stay. I love you.” 

Lifting your head up, you weave your fingers through your dad’s, one last time. Your mother clasps onto his forearms and your brother squeezes his other hand. With one last smile at all of you, your father closes his eyes. 

You all can sense the shift in the room. The loss of one of the greatest and most powerful High Lords ever in history. The loss of your greatest mentor, your biggest supporter, your father. 

Then after the painful silence, you feel it. The power, all-consuming, raw, and magnificent, rushes into you all at once. You let out a gasp, standing up from the bed, walking to the window, then bending over again while holding on to the wall for dear life. Your eyes are shut tight and your breathing is labored. After taking a few moments to come to, to regulate your breathing and adjust to this new power, you straighten again. 

Both your mother and brother hold eye contact with you for a second. Awe and reverence lines their faces. Then they both get off the bed, take a few steps towards you, then stop within a foot left from you. 

Then they kneel. 

You’re frozen to your spot, the sight so foreign that you don’t know what to do with yourself. 

“Long live the High Lady of the Dusk Court.”