sarawritestories

[sarawritestories]

Happy birthday! 🥰

I have emerged from my hole, to say thank you friend 🧡

[sarawritestories]

Bestie, did it again

Idk if you do requests but holy shit you are amazing but like on the off chance you do I’m feral over this idea you would absolutely kill for cassian or Azriel

I’m dying for a smart ass foul mouthed girl in the dirty book club that’s like half his size to get him all worked up teasing him every time he sees her but when he finally gets her alone she literally was all talk and is clueless and timid and he blows her fucking mind

I talk a big game but it’s all a bit and I have zero confidence to back it up 😂

Bonus points and my first born for…

Dumbification

Big ole size kink

& a praise link to feed the ✨ daddy issues ✨

All For Show

Summary - Cassian has gotten tired of you and your pretty little mouth. He just had to wait for the right moment to correct it.

Warnings - smut, praise kink, degradation, slight dumbification, shy reader x bold cassian, fingering, oral (male and female receiving), implied size kink (little reader x big cassian), public-ish sex, unprotected sex, a hint of Voyeurism, best friend ex dynamic, loose editing, I'm probably missing some to be honest.. oh, gwyriel mentioned. I apologize if it isn't your preferred ship, but it felt right for this fic.

A/N - I've shamefully written this three times because I wanted bonus points while also giving it plot 😅

🗡Cassian Masterlist🗡Master Masterlist🗡

Your mouth was going to get you in trouble one of these days, but you couldn't bring yourself to care as you laughed with the Valkyries. 

The 4 of you were deep into your book club meeting, discussing the recent salacious read that had Gwyn’s cheeks matching that shade of red hair you'd grown to love so much. Emerie high fived you, fingers linking together as the newly added Pegasus charms on your woven friendship bracelets made a soft clink. 

You were bold, especially with these 3, and your interest in the sex scene you all had just read was immediately noticed. “I mean,” Nesta genuinely laughed, “Who wouldn't want to have sex with their mate in front of their equally attractive friends?”

Gwyn shrieked, “Nesta!”

A deep throat cleared at that, reminding the four of you that you were in an open room of the House of Wind. That Cassian and Azriel were sitting right next to you. Gwyn shrunk further into her chair, Azriel smirking and chuckling at his.. whatever they had decided they were today, meanwhile Cassian had his eyes locked on you, a brow raised as you began to play with that bracelet. Deep pink, deep orange, and a purple-y navy stared back at you, the blend reminding you of a sunset. “Something to say, General,” Nesta looked her former lover up and down. “Y/n isn't interested.”

Oh, but you were, and he wasn't blind to that. “Just think this is interesting, that's all,” he grumbled. “Especially considering, y/n gets flustered when someone so much as touches her hips to adjust her stance.” Your glare shot his way as your friends began to laugh. Azriel hid a chuckle behind his hand. The tension between you and Cassian had been growing, especially due to the private hand to hand lessons he was giving you. 

“You grabbed me by my inner thigh,” you retorted, eyes rolling.

“And you turned the same shade of red aa the threads on that bracelet Ness wears,” he stated. “You talk a big game, sweetheart. Someone is going to call you on your shit one day.” If you were a smarter female, you would have realized that was a warning. 

Cassian was showing no mercy the next night as he threw you to your hands and knees for the fourth time in your 2 hour session. “What the hell, Cass?!” You were panting as you sat back in your heels. “Did you not get the memo that I am just a girl?”

His eyes rolled, “Stand up.” The part of you that had never responded to demands well sent him a look, head tilted back to study his imposing frame. The look you gave him was enough to break his calm. He was a General, a commander, practiced and poised, but you were ruining him. The tension between the two of you was ruining him. He had denied himself so much in this life, lost so much more. Why deny both of you what he knew you both wanted?

“You know what,” he muttered more to himself than you. “I can't do this anymore.” A hand found its way into your hair, strands wrapping around strong fingers as he pulled you to one of the benches, forcing you between his legs as he sat. “Show me,” he demanded.

“What-”

“Show me what you brag to your little friends about. Show you these skills you think you have.”

Your flush began immediately, “Cassian-”

"I knew it," he interrupted you, “Admit you're inexperienced.”

“I'm not inexperienced! I'm just shy!”

He studied you, hazel eyes taking in every inch of your skin as if you were some display. Even with your clothing on, you had never felt more exposed under his gaze. “Shy but can run your mouth to Ness? To Gwynie? To Em? Are you shy or do my hands make you shy?”

That furthered the flush as said large hand pulled your hair, angling your head back to look at him. “Cass-”

“I'm so tired of hearing you speak.” His lips crashed on yours then, forcing you into his lap, legs straddling one of his much larger thighs. Even like this, Cassian towered over you, consumed your frame. You had never considered yourself the smallest female, but with Cassian? Every female could feel small with Cassian.

His free hand slid down, tracing the curve of your breast, your waist, your hips before grabbing and squeezing your left thigh, forcing it over his other leg so you were fully straddling him and open to him. 

He pulled back, lips still close as you tried to catch your breath, “Good,” he almost seemed to vibrate with his lust. “That's my Good Girl.” 

There was no patience as he pulled your training top off, no ceremony as he took your bra off after it. Cassian was a male in need, something you felt every time he moved and his hips ground his covered length against you. 

A silent prayer was sent to the Gods, thanking them for Nesta being in Autumn with Eris for the next week. While it didn't promise no one would walk into the training ring on you two, it did promise at least Nesta wouldn't. His mouth moved down your neck, kissing and nipping until he found the spot that had you melting to his form. “That's it,” his voice had grown deep as he licked at your skin. “Relax, sweetheart. Let me have you.” 

Maybe it was because your brain stopped functioning. Maybe it was because something in you just seemed to float in his presence, but you didn't remember getting laid back on the mat, nor your leather pants slowly removed inch by inch as he whispered praise. You didn't remember his own clothing meeting the pile of yours somewhere off to your side. But you remembered his kiss bringing you back to him, “So we go dumb?” He forced you to nod. “I bet you just love being cock drunk, don't you, princess,” the nod wasn't forced this time, his smirk growing as he looked to the sky as if to say his own thank you. 

His hands and lips explored every inch, the soft gasps and noises you made his consent, the way you squeezed his fingers encouragement. His tongue swirled your nipple, wetting the tender nerves before latching onto it, rolling and sucking. You couldn't help but arch your back, whispering his title, his name. 

“You sound like I imagined you would,” he murmured as he kissed his way to your other breast, offering the same treatment as his words shot to your core. He had imagined you. Imagined how you would sound below him, maybe on top of him. 

His kisses began to trail lower, paying extra attention to the sensitive spots he found. He stopped at the hem of your panties, eyes glancing to meet yours, “This is your chance to tell me to stop. If I keep going, that's it. It's you being manhandled by me until I'm done with you, understand?”

The whimper that left your throat at that was almost sinful, “Cassian, please.”

“Use your words,” he demanded. “Use that your mouth to tell me what you want done. You like to run it when you think I'm not listening. Talking about how you want to ride cock and be tied up and used like you aren't telling everyone my dreams.”

Another whine as he licked your core, protected from that skilled tongue by thin lace. “Words,” he demanded again.

“Please taste me.” The tear of fabric followed that plea, all caution thrown to the wind as he dived in. 

Cassian wanted to taste every inch of your core. His tongue running over the left side, the right, your clit, your wet entrance. Emerie had told you once enthusiastic partners made sex better and you knew why now. Cassian not only knew what he was doing, but it was clearly his pleasure to be doing it. Each plunge of his tongue inside of you was met with him moaning or groaning, lips vibrating the sensitive parts of your body and building the feeling desperation that slowly wanted to kick in. You sat up on your elbows, watching him as he glanced up, hazel eyes dark and watching your face. Each reaction was a reward to him, your heart seeming to tug at the pride gleaming in his eyes at each little noise that escaped you. 

No novel compared to this. 

No words could describe it. 

Your stomach was growing tight, head falling back as he feasted as if you were the most delicious meal he'd had in over 500 years of life. His lips wrapped around your bundle of nerves, tongue making half circle shapes around your far too aching clit as a thick finger ran your core and gently pushing in.

“Cassian,” your body seemed to shutter in pleasure, tightening around that single digit. “Cauldron fry me,” you moaned as he curled his finger up, immediately locating that special spot inside of you. 

This was just his finger. Just his finger had you feeling like you were stretching to a limit as he worked his tongue and hand in time, the band inside of you going taunt. He was careful as he added in a second, watching your face as if he knew. As if he could feel that little panic building in your mind. 

He washed it away as he changed how his tongue was moving, now giving teasing motions with just the tip directly where your body was screaming to be touched. He watched your eyes close, watched your guard drop as your hips moved, wanting to ride his face and fingers. He would have normally allowed it, but not this time. Not when he so desperately wanted control and to prove you were all talk. Not when he so desperately wanted you to be his. Your walls began to tighten again, his name becoming something you couldn't even finish as your gasps and panting increased. 

Then you tumbled. You fell from the edge, squeezing those two fingers so hard he struggled to work you through your high with them. His free forearm pushed down on your hips, forcing you to stay still and at his mercy. He only slowed down when your trembling did, fingers coming out of you so he could lick them clean, his own hazel eyes fluttering shut. He moved up, kissing you again and forcing you to taste yourself on his tongue. 

“Off,” you begged, mind going hazy as you tugged his own leathers. Your request was met, Cassian standing over you as you instantly moved to your knees, watching his hands unlace before pulling down. His cock stood hard for you. It was thick, long, veins in places you knew were going to touch the perfect spots inside of you. 

Cassian was larger than any male you'd ever been with, and it had been a while since you had been with anyone. He was a challenge, one you were prepared to meet as you felt your mind fully slip away. “Open,” he whispered. His own stomach flipped with excitement when you obeyed, hand grabbing your high ponytail as he moved his hips and your head forward. This was something you knew, mind immediately working on the sole goal of his pleasure as you began to lick and suck, head bobbing. His hips met your pace, not pushing or forcing. “Just like that, sweetheart. Putting that mouth to good use for once,” he groaned. He tasted of something purely Cassian. Of salt and power. “You look beautiful like this,” his hips increased slightly, encouraging you to do so as well. “Mouth wrapped around my cock, looking up at me with those pretty eyes. Such a good girl.” 

He wouldn't give you the satisfaction of making him finish like this. No. He wanted that to happen when he was buried inside of you, you ass bouncing with each thrust he would give you. He watched you closely as you sucked him off, tongue and lips wetting him until he was sure he wouldn't last if you kept going.

Whines of protest left you as he pulled you off, walking you the bench and forcing you to crawl with his grip on your hair. “Hands on the bench.” An order you were not dumb enough to deny, positioning yourself as he asked. He kneeled behind you, kissing your spine as he forced a knee up on the bench as well. It wasn't comfortable, but it would be effective. “Breathe.” Another command from the General of the Night Court as he lined up with you and began pushing in. 

“Gods!” Each inch of him seemed to knock the air from your lungs, your breathing ragged. “Cassian, I can't-”

“You can,” he silenced you. “Breathe. Breathe like we taught you.” He timed his entrance with each deep breath, groaning once he was fully inside of you. His hand went to the small of your stomach, dirty thoughts about wanting to be big enough he could feel and see himself inside of you.

The first rock of his hips had you almost shouting your moans. He reached places you'd never known. Places no one had ever touched. You were like a vice around him, the stretch burning and adding to your pleasure as he began to move, stroking that building fire with care. It didn't long for the training area to smell like sex. To be filled with the sounds of his deep groans, you gasps and pleads, the sounds of skin hitting. 

His hands reached forward, wanting more control of you as he grabbed your arms, holding and forcing them behind your back and making you arch more for him. Helpless. You were helpless. 

And that's when the Cassian Nesta had described to you all began. 

His thrusts became fast and hard, hitting your g spot over and over. His hand that wasn't holding your wrists found your throat, resting there and giving one squeeze to test the waters. You couldn't even moan his name anymore as that fire grew, all words were lost to you, all thoughts eddied before falling to silence. Your body wanted to feel. And feel you did. 

Every drag was a spark, every word he whispered in your ear a kindling. You would burn. You would burn alive if he didn't stop. That tension built again, faster than it had with any other partner. 

Cassian was a God. No one could convince you otherwise as those scarred lips pressed against your temple. “I won't last,” he muttered. “You're too warm. Too tight. You have me, princess. You and this pretty pussy.” He smirked as a wanton moan left your throat, the heat of his body sending you into overdrive. 

You wouldn't last either.

Frankly, you didn't want to. 

His hand squeezed your throat again, his pace becoming less patterned and wild. He was chasing your high like a predator closing in on its next meal, and when you seemed to freeze, body tensing before a scream tore through you, he served himself. 

“That's it, y/n. Doesn't that feel so right, angel? Falling apart with me inside of you,” he grunted as he fought off his own high. “You feel like heaven, y/n. So good, baby. So fucking good.” His voice prolonged your high, forcing you into a state of overstimulation. You collapsed against him, body putty to his will as he chased his own orgasm.

“Fuck,” he yelled before you felt him give one last hard push into you, warmth spreading as his spilled inside. His hands moved, one shooting out to wrap around your hips, forcing you to stay down. The one found the bench, stopping the forward motion from you both falling into it, protecting you even as his mind clouded to the feeling of you squeezing around him.

This didn't just feel like heaven. It was heaven. 

He moved your leg down once he was done, his hand now finding your chin to tilt your head and kiss you softly. “You did so well,” he said against your swollen lips. “So responsive for me. Felt so good. Was it good, sweetheart?” You only nodded, biting your lower lip as he showered you with more praises. “Let's get you dressed so I can get you in a bath.”

Your arms held his right one once you two were dressed and walking towards the house. He only paused when the door opened, and Azriel sighed, holding Gwyn against him as she blushed and squirmed, “You couldn't have kept going,” Azriel teased. “Gwyn was enjoying the show.” Your face fell, realizing you had been caught and watched. Teal eyes met yours, her own blush spreading out from where Azriel had a hand on her mouth. “Come on, my light,” Azriel purred to her. “Time to go do dagger training.”

Cassian laughed as he continued pulling you in the house, pulling you to his room, to his tub. 

You could face the consequences of Nesta potentially finding out later. All that mattered now was the feel of his hand, slipping down your body and below the water for round two.

General Taglist:

@hnyclover @glitterypirateduck @slytherinindisguise @mischiefmanagers @bloodicka @starsinyourseyes @the-sweet-psycho @mariahoedt @rinalouu @sarawritestories @starryhiraeth @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @cumuluscranium @loneliestluvr @eternallyelvish @azrielsmate3 @daughterofthemoons-stuff @meritxellao @aria-chikage @hungryforbatboys @lilah-asteria @fandomrejects @sleepybesson @tayswhp @itsswritten @milswrites @littlest-w01f

[sarawritestories]

Can I get a scoop of chococolate with chocolate syrup and as many pretzels as you like on top for Eris? EXTRA chocolatey if you get me

Eris??? 👀👀 What happened to your shirt??

It's giving who did this to you

Thank you for the request!! 💛💛 Sorry for all of this dramatic lighting lol I can't help it

Reference below the cut! (Probably NSFW)

[sarawritestories]

Once again, Ollie crushes it! My babies 🥹🥹

Hiiiiiii

I would like a double scoop of Strawberry Marshmellow and Peppermints!

Perhaps of my sweet Nessian Dancing?

For my lovely @sarawritestories

Nesta and Cassian in their pajamas, dancing in the moonlight ✨

This is the first time I've really played around with color theory like this and it was SO much fun!! Thank you for the request! 💛

Click below for a hairier Cass and Nesta's nighttime glasses 👀

[sarawritestories]

OLLIE ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?! LOOK AT ELAIN 🥹🥹🥹 my heart ❤️

Eris Elain double scoop with strawberry and birthday cake icecream, pineapple sauce and gummy bears 🫣🫣🫣🫣

Order up! 🍨 I hope you enjoy and thank you for the request!! 💛

𖤓 Eris and Elain's beach day. Elain makes cakes in the sand while Eris plays with her hair 🤭

𖤓 I skipped shading for the sake of my sanity but I did give them both a little sunburn lol

𖤓 please do not repost or use with AI

[sarawritestories]

I hope you have a great year. You’re so nice and talented and you deserve the best

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[sarawritestories]

DO I SENSE AZRIS IN YOUR NEW FIC?? I LOVED IT RHYS WAS AMAZING THANK YOU

Tee hee mayyyybeeee.

I'm glad you liked it!

[sarawritestories]

I Need a Hug

Rhysand X Fem Reader

Summary: You need a hug and no one better than the The High Lord of the Night Court. Your High Lord.

Content Warning: Misogyny, Beron being a dick, depression, anxiety, negative self talk, choking and not the fun kind. And semi proof read

A/N: Tags will come later today, but this started as a cassian fic, and then it took on a life of its own...so enjoy 😘

Remain calm.

Rhys' voice slid into your thoughts as you and the High Lord of the Night stood in front of Beron, his smile, anything but kind. The High Lord had spent the past hour berating you, calling you vicious names, and worst of all...undermining your authority as Rhys' right-hand woman his second in command.

And your resolve was slipping.

As you took on the role of Second in command as Amren retired to spend her days in the warm comfort of summer, you had been met with scrutiny and push back. You knew your worth, and Rhys trusted your judgment. Your friends were in your corner to support you and the choices you made. But some nights as you lay in your bed, the steady beat of the half illyrian's heart reaching your fae ears beside you was when the voices emerged from the darkness.

Oily, black, and sticky, the voices would bring doubt to your leadership or your best friend's choice to put you in power in the first place. Your confidence began to wane, and the darkness that would lurk in the back of your mind began to consume you, isolate you from ever talking about it.

You were becoming a shell.

Beron's voice brought you back to the Autumn Court's thrown room, but his words enhanced the darkness.

"Are you so incompetent that you can't deign me with a response? To understand a simple inquiry?" Heat rose to your cheeks as your thoughts had drowned his words out. You weren't sure what he asked.

Your eyes flicked to the floor, not wanting to meet his pointed stare with eyes that matched one of your dearest friends once upon a time. A male now stranger to you. He would be so dissapointed to female you had become.

If former heir of Autumn was alive, he would have been.

Focus. He asked you what happened?

His voice made you flinch. A reminder that the mission you and Eris were on failed.

He paid with his life.

You paid with the guilt gnawing at you.

You recounted the details of going to the middle and being ambushed. Steel and carnage swirled in the bog, and a Kelpie approached to drag you to the abyss. To torture you in more vile ways, then the dark corners of your mind wouldn't dare bring to light. You had shut your eyes resigned to your fate, sending a quick prayer to take care of your friends. But his hand did not reach yours. Nor did any attacks come your way. You sat up from the ground and found the earth around you blackened from Eris' flames and the murky water ahead where bubbles rose to the top.

Until they didn't.

Eris Vanserra had died.

And it was your fault.

Cassian and Azriel kept you close, but you had shut yourself off. That didn't stop them from following you in the streets of Velaris from a distance. The weight of your guilt didn't need to fall to them. The darkness relished in your pain. Fueled your doubts in your ability to perform your duties to your court. And yet they still hovered. It felt as suffocating as the darkness rotting your brain and the words of defeat and shame that weighed on your heart as though dark oily tar were there to help into your descent of madness.

Into an abyss.

A hand gripped your neck and you screamed out as the hear from Beron's grasped seared your skin.

"Beron. Enough." Rhys snarled, but High Lord of Autumn tightened his grip, making you whimper. "Beron!" Beron erupted a wall of fire that kept Rhys from reaching to you. To keep you from getting to him.

Your mate.

"You, bitch. A life for a life. It's what's fair." Beron's spittle hit your face. You clawed his arm, desperate for oxygen. The heat on your neck made you want to scream out, but he squeezed so tightly that your ability to speak was taken. Suffering in silence.

It's what you deserve

The voice slipped into your subconscious as your vision began to darken around the edges.

Failure.

Pathetic.

Worthless.

"Let. Her. Go." A female voice boomed through the cavernous room. Beron released you with enough force that you fell to the ground. Gasping for the air, your lungs so desperately as Rhys knelt beside you rubbing your back in soothing circles.

You glanced over to where the voice came from and your heart shattered. Lady of Autumn head to toe in black her vibrant red hair, the one she shared with Eris the only color on her.

A mother in mourning.

A depiction of your shortcomings. She only glanced at Rhys as she spoke again, "Leave us. Please." Her voice was a whisper at the final word, but Rhys was quick to wrap his arms around you and winnow you back to the Town House.

"That went..." Rhys trailed off, not knowing what word to use. You finally were able to breathe normally as your High Lord looked at your neck, his eyes wide. His fingers reached out, but you flinched, and he gently placed his arm to his side. "Madja needs to look after you. The burns look...deep."

You walked to a mirror to see blisters in the form of a handprint around your neck.

It's what you deserve.

The oily voice slithered in your mind. The darkness was close to consuming you. Instead of the sheer panic, you once felt there was something much worse lingering.

Numbness.

Before you were consumed, Talons took hold, causing you to gasp. You didn't mean to leave your shields down. Your eyes widened as Rhys gazed behind you, his own eyes filled with a mixture of things. You realized he didn't sneak in. Your thoughts had projected out. To him. As if your subconscious knew you needed him.

"How long have you been feeling this way?"

"Does it matter?" You were about to leave when he gripped your wrist.

"It does to me." Rhys gripped your hand in his, and he pressed his lips to your knuckles, "Thought for a thought?" You nodded, remaining silent, your lips forming a tight line, not wanting to go first. Rhys gave a faint smile, "I've missed you."

You rolled your eyes. "I barely leave, Rhys. Unless I have to, I'm always here in Velaris."

Rhys' violet eyes sharpened as he slid his free hand in his pocket. "You think I can't tell when my wife has withdrawn from me?" Your breath quickened as he dropped your hand, and you took a step back. You didn't realize you had withdrawn yourself so fully. You thought you had put on a good show. Rhysand took a step forward, "Did you not think I would notice when my sweet, beautiful mate locked her mind so tightly from me? Or how she didn't eat or sleep?"

"Why didn't you do anything?" You whispered ans you watched the stars bank from his eyes.

"Who do you think made sure there was food on the nightstand? To make sure Cassian ran, you ragged that you would fall asleep." Your mind raced as you're back pressed to the wall. "I did what I could, My Darling Girl." He pressed his forehead to yours, "Why did you shut me out?"

Your eyes lined with silver, "It wasn't your burden to bare." Rhysand blinked at your answer. "My shortcomings are my own-

"No."

"No?" Your voice was laced with...irritation.

Rhys smirked, "You don't get to make the choice for me about what I want to deal with. That isn't how this works." His finger curled under my chin. "Your burdens are mine. The only darkness that should be consuming you is mine." His eyes held an intensity to them that caused a shiver to ripple down your spine. "You are mine. I will fight all of your demons." He pressed his forehead to yours, "You have to let me in, Darling."

Warmth slid down your cheeks as tears erupted, "I don't know how."

Rhys kissed your head the warmth of his lips on your skin, causing a warmth to bloom in your chest, chipping away some of the darkness there. "How about we start small?" He pulled away to see your face and the small nod you gave him, "What do you need right now?"

You gnawed at your bottom lip, "It's dumb"

Rhys quirked a brow, "Anything that brings you peace, darling, is not dumb."

"A hug." You closed your eyes and took a deep breath, "I need a hug."

Arms wrapped around you, pulling you closer to the familiar jasmine and ocean scent that kept you grounded. A hand around your waist and one stroking your hair that instantly brought you comfort. Emotions moved toward the surface, and before you knew it, your dam of computer crumpled, and sobs escaped your throat. With every sob and soothing word from your mate, the darkness was curling back. A light consuming your body shielding you from the darkness.

Starlight.

Rhys had always been the light in your life, fighting the demons that so often plagued you. Over 500 years of friendship and love, this male, this high lord, your high lord was unwavering and would be the beacon of light that brought you back from the dark. Back to him. Back to his arms.

Home.

When he spoke it was in your mind:

Do not feel like you have to shoulder your burdens alone? Me, Cassian, Azriel, Mor. Cauldron, go visit Amren in summer where light will seep into your pores, I don't care who, but if you feel the darkness consuming you, don't shut us out. We love you. I love you. My world means nothing without you in it.

You sobbed harder. I'm sorry, Rhys.

You have nothing to apologize for, Darling.

You pulled away enough to see his face, and he raised his hands to swipe the tears from your eyes. Before tenderly placing his lips on yours. Rhys' light banishing the darkness and lifting the weight that was burdening my heart with the action.

He pulled away, "Are you well enough to go to the Cabin?"

You nodded your head and Rhys his darkness, a comfort to you, consumed you both until you were outside the doors of the cabin. Rhys knocked thrice and waited, pulling you closer to keep you warm.

Cassian opened the door, "Was starting to get worried." He glanced to you, his hazel eyes softening, only flaring slightly at the sight of your neck, "Hey you. You okay?"

You nodded and curled your finger, indicating you wanted him closer. He leaned down to your eye level wings tucked tight as you kissed his cheek, "Thanks for being my shadow."

"He wasn't your only one," a voice hollered behind him."

Cassian smiled and winked at you, "Anytime, sweetheart." He moved from the doorway where you and your mate walked in. To find Azriel and a red-haired male curled on the couch. Azriel's gaze met yours with a smirk, "Did it work?"

Rhys smiled as Azriel stood to hug you, flaring his wings for a moment. "Yes."

You heard the couch move and Az released you. Moving to reveal who he was nuzzling with on the couch and you gasped.

Eris Vanserra. Alive and well. "Good, my plan works best if everyone thinks I'm dead." His russet eyes met yours and he gave you a sad tentative smile, "I'm sorry I-

You didn't let him finished before wrapping your arms around his neck, Tears once more falling down your cheeks, "You're not dead."

He wrapped his arms around you, "Not yet."

"I didn't kill you." You whispered

Eris pushed you away to face you, "Oh, sunshine. If I had perished, it was never your fault." His eyes glanced to Azriel, "I'm just lucky someone was lurking around the middle."

Azriel winked at him, and you noticed pink on Eris' cheeks. But turned back to me, "I'm sorry, I frightened you."

You pulled him into an embrace once more, "Don't do it again, you prick."

"Oh, I don't think Rhysand will let me pull that twice. He was about ready to throttle me when Az brought me in."

You looked to your mate, who was leaning against the wall one leg crossed over the other. Flicking a piece of lint of his jacket he shrugged, "Swamp water on my carpet is a nuisance. Making my wife cry is a terrible offense to the Night Court. As is your father laying a hand on her."

Eris then noticed the hand print on your neck, "He will pay greatly, High Lord." He said through gritted teeth.

"Good, Future High Lord." Your eyes widened as you realized what was going on. Eris smirked, releasing you. You noticed a shadow billowing through his fingers.

"So what's next?" You asked as you walked to your mate.

Cassian chimed in a wild grin on his face, "We go to war."

Eris smiled, "We go to war."

Rhysand curled an arm around your waist and kissed the crown of your head. With the wave of his hand, we all held goblets of wine. "To Eris Vanserra, Soon to be High Lord of the Autumn Court."

We all cheered and drank from our cups. I smiled my friends were here alive and happy.

And the darkness was nowhere to be found.

[sarawritestories]

Hello ACOTAR fanfic writer! This fanbase appreciates your creativity and passion for these characters and ships, and you did such an amazing job with writing this year! The year is coming to an end, and I wanna ask:

What is your new year’s resolution for writing?

What are some of your tips for fanfic writing?

What was your favorite thing you’ve written this year?

Feel free to send this to your favorite fellow writers to spread the love and new year’s cheer🎉🪩

Hi thank you so much for this! Sorry it's coming late! But here are my answers!

My new years resolution for this year is to write more in general. I fell off toward the end of the year, and even if it's just a few words a day, I want to at least be writing something.

My tips for fanfic writing are to write what you want to read! Don't worry if you are making the character ooc if it feels right to you. That is all that matters. Lastly, don't force yourself to write and post. I would rather have 3 fics that are up to my standards than multiple fics that feel rushed and that I dont love or feel proud of!

My favorite fic that I have grown to love is my Helion fic called Fuck Propriety I just love how I wrote Helion and after reading it has made me want to write more!

Thanks for thinking of me!

[sarawritestories]

Hi! REQUESTS ARE OPEN

Hi I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! I just wanted to hop on and let you know my requests are open! You can request anything from ACOTAR or Fourth Wing! I'm pretty open to any character I'm just having a hard time writing and hoping requests from you all will help! Now I want everyone to know the Dark Side of Prythian is happening! I just don't have the energy to tap into those fics at the moment. But they linger in the back of mind! As for my series! I am working and plotting them! They are still open and I will get to them. I promise! Also in the last four months I have reached 1500 followers and that is truly insanity! I can't thank you all enough to support me and my stories!

Sending you all my love!

Sara <3

[sarawritestories]

Hi! REQUESTS ARE OPEN

Hi I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! I just wanted to hop on and let you know my requests are open! You can request anything from ACOTAR or Fourth Wing! I'm pretty open to any character I'm just having a hard time writing and hoping requests from you all will help! Now I want everyone to know the Dark Side of Prythian is happening! I just don't have the energy to tap into those fics at the moment. But they linger in the back of mind! As for my series! I am working and plotting them! They are still open and I will get to them. I promise! Also in the last four months I have reached 1500 followers and that is truly insanity! I can't thank you all enough to support me and my stories!

Sending you all my love!

Sara <3

[sarawritestories]

Surprise! @shadowsxgwynriel tis I your Secret Santa for the @acotargiftexchange!

Your story awaits for you! As I am a fellow Nessian lover so I was really excited to write this for you! I hope you loved it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Summary: Nesta's reluctance to partaking in Solstice now makes sense to Cassian, but he is going to do everything to make sure her happiness and connection with her human side remain intact.

Content warning: Tooth aching fluff

Divider's by @tsunami-of-tears

Cassian stepped into the library, the priestesses paying him no attention. Clotho glanced up at him and gave him a warm smile, the quill she possessed already writing.

She’s on the third level, General.

Cassian walked over and gripped the female’s hand giving it a tender squeeze, “Thank you, Clotho, please call me, Cassian.”

The scratching of ink to parchment revealed another note:

No, it discredits the hard work you pulled to earn that title. Happy Solstice, General.

She returned his comforting squeeze as he replied, “Same to you, Clotho.” With that he left to go find the eldest Archeron sister.

Feyre had tasked him with convincing Nesta to come to their annual Solstice celebration since the previous year’s attempt was a disaster. By the end of the evening Cassian was left feeling as though he failed his friend, his High Lady. The guilt eroded his core as he felt he failed one other person.

Nesta Archeron.

The General of the Night Court’s armies wanted her to feel welcomed, to feel as though she wasn’t forgotten. That she was wanted. That he had wanted her to be there. Hells, he wanted her. Descending down to the lower levels of the library residing in the House of Wind, Cassian couldn’t shake the longing for the silver eyed, sharp-tongued female. Not paying attention, his body slammed into a cart causing the metal to rattle and a sharp gasp to come from the person on the other end. “Shit.” He muttered recovering quickly, “I’m so-

“Cassian, what are you doing here?” His hazel eyes met the eyes of Nesta, her gaze for once didn’t hold anger, more confusion with a hint of annoyance. In the time of being with the human turned fae, he had picked up on her expressions, being in such close proximity he learned pretty quickly what her moods truly were.

Cassian cleared his throat as he grabbed a few books that fell off her cart, “Can I not come down and see my favorite, Archeron?”

Nesta snorted, “We both know I am not your favorite.” Her soft tone caused Cassian to grind his teeth together. She turned to shelve a book and instinctively Cassian gripped her wrist. The statement grating against something in his chest, he pulled his lips in a tight line when her eyes met his once more. The silver of her eyes was becoming his favorite color, “Cass.” Her tone was not aggressive but there was a warning in her tone.

“Nes,” He retorted as he slid his hand up to grip her fingers with his own. “I enjoy your company. You know that right?”

“Doesn’t mean I’m your favorite.”

Cassian quirked a brow, a smirk emerging on his tanned face, “That sounds like a challenge, Sweetheart.” Nesta rolled her eyes, and he walked around the cart to close the distance between them. “Let me prove it.”

Nesta tilted her head to the side, contemplating the offer, raising a brow of her own she sighed, “What did you have in mind?”

“Come to Solstice and find out.”

Her face shifted into something cold and in turn he felt the temperature plumet as the soft features grew hard, “No.”

“Feyre wants you-

Nesta scowled, “Do you think I care about what Feyre wants?”

Cassian’s playful expression morphed into a wince at the quick shift in mood. Cassian released a heavy breath, “I know you don’t.” He pressed forward, until Nesta’s back was against the bookshelf, “What about me?”

Nesta opened her mouth only to close it her brows furrowed before she whispered, “What about you?”

“Would you care if I wanted you there?” Cassian looked at the female’s sharp features, beautiful when she was human, he couldn’t help but find her even more radiant now. He hadn’t realized he had cupped her face in his hand until he could feel her lean in slightly before realizing they were in the library and moving her face away from him. He dropped his hand back to his side.

“It would matter to me.” She whispered as she turned to face away from him. “Just not enough to make me change my answer.”

“Why?” He whispered. Nesta tried to move away from him, only to realize he had her caged in, “Nesta. Please.”

Nesta leaned her head back against the books, something he learned before the war was a comfort for her. Her love for reading had been a saving grace for her. She looked up above her and Cassian realized she was trying to blink away tears. “I’m sorry.” He said, taking a step back, “I didn’t mean to upset you. I am not entitled to your reasons.” Another step back, “I just wanted you to know, that you are wanted there. That I want you there.”

He turned and was about to leave when delicate, now calloused hands gripped his. Looking at Nesta, he realized he didn’t have a name for this look he gave him, until he reached her eyes and found the one thing, he had seen on the battlefield in the eyes of the enemies he slaughtered.

Fear.

“You don’t understand.” She whispered, letting go of his hand. He simply took it once more and placed it in the crook of his arm to lead her up to take her home and she gave little protest.

“Then help me understand,” Cassian curved his wing around her to keep away the chill. “Let me in.”

She tucked her lip once more between her teeth and remained silent until they reached the stairs where there were no one to listening before she said, “I can’t.”

“Can’t?” Cassian parroted. Nesta pinched the bridge of her nose with her free hand and the General noticed that her lip was quivering, and he placed his hand over hers on his arm giving it a comforting squeeze. “You can talk to me, Nes.”

“Solstice is a fae holiday.” She murmured.

Cassian nodded, “Yes. To my understanding the humans celebrated Solstice too.”

Nesta lowered her hand from his face, her sharp cheekbones highlighting her freckles in the low fae light. “We- They do.”

Nesta’s phrasing wasn’t lost on the General and in a matter of seconds it dawns on him. “Oh, I see” Cassian’s brows furrowed his mind moving at a rapid speed on all the times Nesta had distanced herself from everyone especially him. The realization that it was around fae centered events and holidays. So Cassian led her to her favorite place in the entire world; the place she felt most at peace in the House of Wind.

The library.

He sat her on the sofa and walked over to the fireplace where he extinguished the flame to her surprise. He turned and winked at her, “Come now, Nes, I’m not just a pretty face. I pay attention.” Cassian watched as he crossed her arms but that did not deter Cassian from taking the seat next to her, his wing curved around the eldest Archeron to keep her from getting cold. She inched closer to him as the library began to cool off the fire being out.

“How did you-

“It doesn’t matter.” Cassian whispered draping his arm around her shoulder. “All I needed to know was that it made you uncomfortable.”

Nesta looked up at Cassian gaze to which he saw nothing but gratitude in her silver eyes. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” The pair fell into a comfortable silence for a moment before curiosity got the best of him. “Tell me.”

He knew that he didn’t need to elaborate that the quick witted, sharp tongued Archeron could infer what information he was seeking. She smoothed the gray skirts of her dress as if her hands needed something to do as a form of distraction. Her eyes fluttered shut as the words poured out of her, “I have been trying to salvage what little humanity I have left. Embracing your culture, your family…” She peaked his way, though he schooled his features to show nothing allowing her to continue, “you, makes me feel as though I’m permanently parting ways with the human woman I once was.” She pressed her palm against her laced clad collar bone and rubbed at her chest, “I’m terrified of this new life, Cassian.”

Cassian placed his palm on top of the hand that was aggressively rubbing her chest, “Hey. Look at me.” Nesta refused, the general was not known to back down from a challenge “Sweetheart, look at me.” His tone held firm and Nesta couldn’t help but glance into his warm Hazel eyes. “You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Nesta scoffed, as she sat up but keeping herself close to the Illyrian male. “I am, Cassian, my sisters are perfectly content to move on from life as a human as if what we went through didn’t matter. That our traditions can be thrown out.”

Cassian pressed the pad of his thumb along her cheek picking up the stray tears she allowed to fall and trickle down her face. “They matter to me.”

Nesta blinked, as he met her gaze once more, “What?”

“Your traditions, your humanity. They matter to me. You matter to me.” He gripped her hand and pressed it to his chest,  “Sweetheart, all I ask is you let me in. Tell me about them. Give me a chance to make Solstice special for you.”

To Cassian’s surprise, she did. She told him all about her favorite memories from a child and her favorite traditions. The General smiled as Nesta babbled on making sure he noted anytime her voice squeaked from excitement. This was the most animated he had ever seen the Archeron sister. By the time she finished she yawned, she gave him a rare smile showing her perfect teeth. “Thank you for listening. I’m off to bed.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek, Cassian sucked in his breath as her lips pressed against his skin. “Good night, General.” She rose and exited the library before he could respond.

The Illyrian wasted no time and wandered the house until he reached the dark oak doors of Azriel’s room. Before he could knock on the door opened, his brother’s curls disheveled as though he ran his hands through his hair. “What?” Az grumbled.

“I need your help.” Az rolled his eyes that matched the color of the General’s as he continued, “For Nesta.” Cassian knew his brother had a soft spot for Nesta and wasn’t above using it to his advantage.

Azriel opened the door to let him in, “Where do we begin?”

Nesta awoke to a delightful smell wafting into her room. She slowly slipped out of her bed to get dressed, she opted for a pair of trousers and a red tunic that kept her chest covered, still not used to the culture of dress in the Night Court. Making her way to the source of the smell led her to the kitchen where she had expected to find Elain baking but instead found Cassian wings tucked tightly to his back, a black apron around his waist. Nesta watched for a moment admiring the flour across the Illyrian’s tanned nose and the focus he had on mixing whatever was in the bowl. Once he was satisfied, he poured the batter into a sheet with ease and placed it into the oven.

He turned to his piercing hazel eyes to her and Nesta straightened. A grin emerged on Cassian’s face and Nesta wasn’t sure if she was able to keep herself upright at the sight, “Good Morning, Happy Solstice, Sweetheart.”

Nesta gave him a small smile as she stepped deeper into the kitchen, “Happy Solstice. Are you bringing this to Rhysand’s big party?” Her tone held no ire despite her deep dislike of her brother-in-law.

“We’re not going.” Cassian’s words caused Nesta to whip her head toward to his once more.

“You mean I’m not going.” Nesta gripped a hand on the counter with the cool bite of the marble grounding her.

Cassian moved his face closer to hers, the scent of Leather and sandalwood infiltrating her nose consuming her. “No, Nes. We’re not going. You and I are going to be here.”

The eldest Archeron pressed a hand to her chest and rubbed as if to quiet the hum that tugged at her chest. “Really?”

“He means it, Nesta. Has a whole day planned out for you.” Azriel chirped in as he walked in pecking her cheek and clamping a hand down on his brother’s shoulder.

Nesta worried her lip before blurting, “What about you?”

Az tilted his head to the side. “I am going to be town. I promised everyone I would be there.” Nesta frowned disappointed that he wouldn’t be here, but Az proceeded to say, “I am planning on coming back though, Cassian asked me to join for Bread of Ginger making?” Azriel looked confused for a moment before waving and winnowing into his shadows.

Nesta’s face lit up and looked back at Cassian a grin pulling at her cheeks, “Gingerbread houses?” The General nodded. “You remembered?”

Cassian chuckled, “Of course I did.” He proceeded to stack the cool cookies that Nesta now understood looked like the foundations of the house with excitement in her chest to see that icing of different colors and sweets of all kinds were placed into bowls. “Cass?”

“Hm?” He didn’t look up as he took the hot pan out of the oven and set it down to cool.

“These are sweets from the human lands?” Cassian nodded his confirmation, “Where did you get these?”

“You can thank Lucien for tonight’s meal and the ingredients needed for our activities.” He winked in her direction, “He sends his regards by the way.”

Nesta snorted, “Only to get my blessing for Elain.”

Cassian sighed, “Not everyone has an angle, Sweetheart.” He grazes his hand by her arm, “Some people fae or otherwise are just kind.”

Nesta crossed her arms, “Not that I’ve experienced,” Cassian winced and Nesta instantly regretted the words as she said them, “Cass-

He raised his hand, “Don’t apologize Nesta,” He cupped her face his thumb stroking her cheek, “I know you haven’t seen the best of both humans and fae. You are valid in your opinion.” He pressed his lips to her cheek, and she stilled as though a doe in the woods heard a branch snapping. Once he pulled away, as he spun her around and gently pushed her out, “Go get changed into something warmer, I’m taking you to the mountains today.” Nesta turned her head in protest, “Not for training, Wear layers.”

Nesta clung to Cassian as they landed on the top of a hillside where a board, big enough to fit two people, with metal rails on the bottom seat. Nesta gasped, gripping Cassian’s arms, “A Sled.” She whispered, adjusting her red hat with a little fuzzy ball on the top to cover her ears.

“You deserve to have some fun, Nes.” Cassian whispered in her ear, his wing blocking out the winter wind. Cassian adjusted his own silver hat with matching ball to keep his ears from the frigid mountain air. He watched as Nesta admired the sled and placed herself at the front of the sled adjusting. Her Illyrian fleece lined leathers hugging her curves, her boots with fur coating the top, and the red that covered her nose and cheeks as the cold air met her cheeks.  Cassian smiled.

She was radiant.

Nesta met his stare and quirked a brow, “Don’t tell me you have cold wings now, General.”

Cassian smirked at her, “Nice try, Archeron.”

Nesta adjusted as Cassian placed himself behind her the wood creaking under his weight, he reached around her to grip the rope at the front of the sled. She gripped his thighs as they caged around her, “Ready, Nes.” His voice caused a shiver to run down her spine.

“Yes.” She whispered and she tucked herself closer to Cassian as the Illyrian used his force to slip the sled down the hill. As they descended the hill Nesta closed her eyes enjoying the bite of the mountain air on her skin. The rush of the sled dropping at a rapid speed exhilarated the eldest Archeron. She Opened her eyes as they were coming up a ramp, “Cassian?”

“I got you.” Cassian said taking on the hand of the rope to slide around her waist as they went up the snowbank and went air born. Nesta looked on to see the snow-capped trees and creatures in the forest running enjoying the winter. A call from a bird caused her to look up to the heavens, a snow-white hawk with markings on the side of it ascended into the sky, its cry felt like one of joy and not sadness.  Below she saw a stag and a streak of blonde hair as the bird descended to her the other creature. In a blink they were gone but Nesta took it as a sign. As the sled began to let gravity take hold Nesta released her grip on his thighs and threw her arms in the air. A squeal of delight erupted from her mouth, and she couldn’t bring herself to care.

Arms wrap around her waist as Cassian pulls them off the sled before it crashes into the soft snow and by not using his wings, he flings them into a snowbank. Nesta couldn’t contain her laughter as she laid her back on the snow Cassian joining her. Nesta sat with the feeling of joy for a moment before she began to spread her legs and arms and moved them in an upward motion and back down. 

“What are you doing?” Cassian asked.

“Making a snow angel.” Nesta replied with a grin on her face before she rose to look at her masterpiece, “Look.”

Cassian rose and looked down, to see the figure that resembled wings. “Its beautiful, Nes.”

Nesta looked back at the sled and looked over to Cassian, lacing her fingers through his, “What do you say, Cassian? Go again?”

Cassian smiled as Nesta and Azriel sat at the table working together on the gingerbread house. Azriel strategically picking out pieces that would make the structure stable for movement should there need be as Nesta held the bag of icing to keep the pieces together. After a full day of sledding the duo spent some time in the library sipping on Hot cocoa and reading in the parlor until the house had dinner ready.

The two then shared a meal of fun stories and laughter until Azriel appeared. Here they were the Archeron sister and Cassian’s best friend were working together to make…Cassian furrowed his brows, “Are you two making the House?”

Nesta and Az smiled at each other, “Yes.” Nesta said curtly before going back to what they were doing. During their time training her friendship with Azriel was something that surprised Cassian. The two just worked well, Azriel’s complex relationship and issues met Nesta’s and together they found solace in each other’s darkness. They both need the other’s friendship and for that alone Cassian thanked the mother for giving them the connection they both desperately yearned for. Nesta looked up once more and smiled at Cassian, she was giving those freely to him and Cassian was greedy for more. “Want to help?”

Cassian shook his head, “you two go ahead, I’ll go grab the presents.”

Nesta paused her teeth tucking her lower lip, “I didn’t get you anything.”

Azriel waved her off, “We wanted to do something nice for you, Nes. We don’t need anything. Your company is the best gift.”

Nesta nodded and went back to icing their sculpture of the House of Wind, while Cassian went to provide the Solstice gifts.

When he returned Nesta and Azriel had put the finishing touches of the house, Nesta held her hands out to show off to Cassian, “Tah dah.” She sang.

Cassian was blown away by the craftmanship the duo pulled to make the gingerbread he made earlier that morning into their home. They even included a balcony that had…two people one with seven red candies and one with a grey frosting dress. Then on the other balcony was one that had seven blue candies where Az siphons would go. “We’re in there.” Cassian said, swallowing the lump in his throat.

“Had to have my favorite people in it.” Nesta murmured enough for Cassian and Azriel to pause. Nesta looked at both and rolled her eyes, “Don’t make this into a bigger deal.”

Cassian smiled as he placed the presents down, “I wouldn’t dream of it, Sweetheart.”

He handed a blue wrapped box to Nesta, “This is from, Az.”

Nesta grabbed it from him and gently took the paper off the box. Nesta lifted the mechanism and Azriel stepped up, “It’s a reading light.” He tapped the mechanism and a small fae light illuminated her face. “So, when you stay up too late reading…again.” Nesta laughed and tapped to turn the light on and off.

“Thank you.” Nesta reached up and kissed his cheek. “For everything.”

Azriel gripped her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Of course, Nes.” He released her hand and stretched his wings, “I’m off to bed, you two have a good night.”

Cassian waved to his friend as he left. Leaving him with Nesta. “So, I got you three gifts. One was from last year I was never able to give you.” He handed her the tiny box in green wrapping paper. He watched with bated breath as she opened it to reveal the first book in the history of the fae in her palm. “That was the first book of our kind to be created. Only one of its kind.”  Nesta’s mouth dropped.

“I don’t know what to say.” She whispered. Pressing the small book to her chest, Cassian slid a bigger wrapped package to her. She gently placed the book down to open the second present. She tore open the paper and gasped once more, “How did you-

“Elain is a good snoop.” Nesta flipped through the pages of her favorite novel from the human author. A smile on her face as though she couldn’t wait to explore the world of this novel once more. She placed the book down after a few moments and stared at the final gift. Not wrapped simply in a box. “This one I’m pretty proud of.” Cassian opened the box to reveal a Symphonia and when he tapped the top music from her favorite bars began to play.  Cassian looked at Nesta as tears streamed down her cheeks. He placed the object down, letting the music play and he held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”

Nesta took his hand, and Cassian led her into a dance. Letting the music take over they spun around the dining hall. Nesta found herself laughing again and Cassian joined her, the two sharing a bout of laughter as the song morphed into a slower melody. Cassian slowed their movements pressing his hand against Nesta’s lower back to bring her closer to him, Pressing the hand with hers to his chest. He pressed his forehead to hers, “Happy Solstice, Nesta.”

Nesta’s eyes fluttered shut, “Happy Solstice, Cassian.” They let the music carry them before she spoke up once more, “Thank you for today. This was the best solstice I’ve had in a long time.”

“You’re very welcome, Nesta.” Cassian swayed and spun her around. “Your humanity?”

Nesta smiled brightly it made his chest tightened, “Intact. Thank you for that too.” She sighed, “Though, I feel bad I didn’t get you a present.”

Cassian smiled and kissed her nose, “You haven’t figured it out yet?” He asked, pulling his face away from hers to meet her eyes. Nesta shook her head, and he smiled, “All I want is you, Nes.”

Nesta smiled, and for once she allowed herself to embrace the pulling in her chest. “I’m Yours,” She reached up to his ear and whispered, “My Mate.”

Cassian blinked as she lowered herself down, “Nes-”

She pressed her lips to his to silence him and Cassian was quick to pull her as close to him as he could. He felt her hand against his cheek as she pulled away from him to look into his Hazel eyes. “Mine?” He asked.

“Yours.” She whispered, Cassian grinned and kissed her once more.

His Lady Death.

His Valkyrie.

His Best Friend.

His Mate.

General Tags: @milswrites @lady-of-tearshed @tsunami-of-tears @readychilledwine @ceoofyearning

@velariscalling @daycourtofficial @prythianpages @writingcroissant @itsswritten

@illyrianbitch @acotarxreader @pit-and-the-pen @nocasdatsgay @labyrinth-of-stories-and-stars

@ninthcircleofprythian @lilah-asteria @artists-ally @mybestfriendmademe @awkardnerd

@kylaisra @nickishadow139 @aelincaddel @nighttimemoonlover @demirunner

@marvelbros-oneshots @riddlesb1tch @thelov3lybookworm @hellodarling1357

@enchantingcupcakecollectionfan @lanea-1

[sarawritestories]

What a trip

THE RUMORS WERE TRUE, IT WAS ME ALL ALONG

This was so fun, I had so much fun being a menace to @secret-third-thing. It was really hard at times because we do interact outside of these Santa and giftee interactions and I had to constantly make sure I remembered what Santa knew vs what daycourtofficial knew (which is very difficult when SOMEONE will ask you the same question as both identities)

STT actually accused me of being her Santa very early in and I’m actually pretty sure she figured it out in 8 hours (sorry I’m such an icon I’m so easily identifiable 😘). I was SCRAMBLING to make her think it wasn’t me - I even adapted small differences in writing, changing how I spoke, and lying my ass off constantly. I really thought I had botched the whole thing three days in, HOWEVER, I kept going because I thought it was fun and ultimately I really didn’t care if she knew it was me.

Want to give a big thanks to the moderators @acotargiftexchange - thank you so much for your hard work matching people and double thanks for matching me with STT. No one could have predicted this but boy do I hope yall enjoyed the show.

Thank you to all who have been following along. I hope you got lots of enjoyment out of this and were wrong about who I was.

Biggest thanks to @secret-third-thing for matching my freak. I did not expect my recipient to force me to take an ABO quiz, but here we are. When I had signed up for Secret Santa, I did so hoping I would get you and by god was it more fun than I had anticipated. You are a freak and I love you dearly for it.

PS you’ll get your fic in a minute, I know you have to scream about this first

Sleigh it ain’t so,

Santa (@daycourtofficial)

[sarawritestories]

What a trip

THE RUMORS WERE TRUE, IT WAS ME ALL ALONG

This was so fun, I had so much fun being a menace to @secret-third-thing. It was really hard at times because we do interact outside of these Santa and giftee interactions and I had to constantly make sure I remembered what Santa knew vs what daycourtofficial knew (which is very difficult when SOMEONE will ask you the same question as both identities)

STT actually accused me of being her Santa very early in and I’m actually pretty sure she figured it out in 8 hours (sorry I’m such an icon I’m so easily identifiable 😘). I was SCRAMBLING to make her think it wasn’t me - I even adapted small differences in writing, changing how I spoke, and lying my ass off constantly. I really thought I had botched the whole thing three days in, HOWEVER, I kept going because I thought it was fun and ultimately I really didn’t care if she knew it was me.

Want to give a big thanks to the moderators @acotargiftexchange - thank you so much for your hard work matching people and double thanks for matching me with STT. No one could have predicted this but boy do I hope yall enjoyed the show.

Thank you to all who have been following along. I hope you got lots of enjoyment out of this and were wrong about who I was.

Biggest thanks to @secret-third-thing for matching my freak. I did not expect my recipient to force me to take an ABO quiz, but here we are. When I had signed up for Secret Santa, I did so hoping I would get you and by god was it more fun than I had anticipated. You are a freak and I love you dearly for it.

PS you’ll get your fic in a minute, I know you have to scream about this first

Sleigh it ain’t so,

Santa (@daycourtofficial)

[sarawritestories]

@pit-and-the-pen jokes on you you're never allowed to stop being my friend 🤣🤣

🎶dashing through the snow, your gift is on its way🎶

Hello! As everyone’s starting to get their gifts, I just wanted to let you know I’m working on finishing yours up (hopefully) today!

I didn’t want you thinking I forgot about you❤️🤍

Im not sure if im excited because of the content of the gift or to finally learn who you are and force you to be my friend either way...IM PUMPED!

[sarawritestories]

My Santa understood the assignment! I loved this so much!

Baby It's Cold Outside

Here it is my lovely @sarawritestories!! Your present for the gift exchange. Do you know how hard it was to write this without telling you it was me?? I'm horrible at keeping secrets.

Hope you have just as much fun reading it as I did writing it.

Summary:A lot can happen in three days. Especially when Nesta gets snowed in at her sister's house for the holidays. 

(or what would have happened if Nesta and Cassian didn't get together in ACOSF) 

WC:4.2k

Warnings: Some negative self thinking, alcohol use. Angsty fluff.

Day 1

If there was one thing Nesta hated more than the wet sludge that had accumulated in the streets as she walked to the river house, it was the idea of the holiday party that her sister was throwing. She could have easily asked someone to come get her but the cold air cleared her head.

She didn’t know what was going through her head when she agreed to visit for Solstice, for her youngest sister's birthday. She hadn’t seen much of them after she moved out of the manor house. But Feyre had all but begged her to come and Nesta had to admit it felt nice to be asked. The idea that her sister wanted her around warmed some part of her. She quickly pushed those thoughts away as she approached the front door. Three sharp knocks before a flurry of sound started behind the door. 

Nesta tried to not cringe as she looked at her sister's beaming smile. 

“You came.” She said as she threw her arms around Nesta.

“You..you asked me to.” She tried to sound unaffected but her sister's affection made her throat tighten for some reason that she wouldn’t think of right now. 

She could survive a few hours right? Just enough to say hi to everyone and then crawl back to her apartment to spend the rest of the night in silence. 

Nesta politely waved to the group sitting around the fireplace in the living room. Shaking her head at the glass of wine that was offered to her. She sat down next to Elain who was chattering away, Lucien to her other side. Her hand rested on his and she found herself smiling at that development. Elain deserved to be happy, and she was damn near glowing with it as she spoke to Mor. 

-

“Holy..” Nesta said as the door seemed to snap back closed on itself. The wind near deafening as it shook the house.  

“That’s a lot of snow…” Feyre spoke back, following her mate's eye line. 

“I’m not flying in that. No thank you.” Cassian said with a laugh. “My days of flying in the snow are over if I can avoid it.”

“Of course you can stay the night Cassian, we didn’t have any plans.” Rhys said with a dramatic eye roll.

“I don’t think I can winnow in that either. Who knows where I’ll end up.” Azriel said, swirling the red wine in her glass, looking at his brother expectedly. Gwen nodding along side him

“Everyone can stay.” Feyre said as she placed a gentle hand on Rhys' shoulder. “Right?” It wasn’t a question with that look in her eyes. Rhys only sighed and shook his head yes. 

No. This was only supposed to be a few hours and now Nesta was going to have to spend the night? No way. 

“I have to get home.” Nesta said low to her sister. 

“For what? It’s a blizzard out there.” 

“I… I just have to.” 

“You’re not leaving it that Nes. One night won’t kill you.” Feyre’s voice pitched up. Trying her hardest not to yell at her sister. 

“Fine. I just want to go to sleep.” 

A chuckle from the other side of the room had her eyes darting over to Rhys. 

“And what's so funny?” She shot at her brother in law. 

“Well, Feyre and I have our room. Elain and Lucien will get the other. Az and Gwen. That leaves one bedroom left.” 

“You have all of this space and only four bedrooms?” Nesta said, crossing her arms over her chest and trying her best not to scowl at her youngest sister. 

“It’s not like we planned for this to happen.” Feyre said returning the fire that Nesta was spitting. Nesta just rolled her eyes, not having a comeback for the truth her sister spoke. 

“I think they should fight it out to see who gets the last one.” Gwen said with a wink. Traitor. Nesta thought as she squinted at her best friend. 

“Nesta.” Feyre sighed as her sister's scowl only deepened. Her eyes brows pulling together and scrunching up her face. 

“It’s okay. I’ll take the couch.” Cassian said from his reclined position on said couch. His wings were hanging off at a weird angle that Nesta knew couldn’t be comfortable overnight. 

“I-”

“Don’t worry about it, Nes.” Cassian cut her off with a wink. “Not my first time sleeping on this.” Even Azriel gave a chuckle at his words. 

They spent the rest of the night exchanging gifts. Feyre starting off first. Nesta recoiled in on herself. Completely forgetting to get anyone a gift with how last minute she decided to come. 

“I didn’t-”

“It’s okay. You being here is enough of a gift for me.” Feyre said, throwing her arms around her sister. Nesta stood shocked for a moment before returning the hug. She whispered a tiny “thank you” into Feyre’s shoulder as they pulled away. 

“I promised I wouldn’t be as bad as that first solstice.” Nesta said quietly. 

“And you’ve come miles from that person you were then. Really Nesta. You’re fine.” Elain said, patting Nesta on the leg as she sat down. Nesta leaned into her side, resting her head on her middle sisters shoulder. 

She sat and watched one by one as they opened their gifts. Content with watching the joy on all of their faces. The thanks yous cried across the room. So much love for her little family that she felt her throat getting tight. 

Cassian was suddenly in front of her. A palm sized gift in hand. He extended it out to Nesta and she sat up as she took it. 

“I was going to give it to you after the party but…” he gestured around. 

“I didn’t get you anything.” Was all she said. 

“I’m used to it.” He winked at her before returning to his seat on the other couch. Nesta slowly opened the wrapping paper, exposing words she knew too well. It was one of her favorite Sellyn Drake books. Her eyebrows furrowed together as she fought the urge to tell him she already had it. 

“Look inside.” He said before she could speak. She flipped open the front page and saw the swirling ink. 

I’m proud of you. In large cursive, signed under was the author's name. Nesta felt her teeth prickle as she fought back tears looking at the words. She couldn’t find the courage to look up at Cassian and just muttered a small thanks before clutching the book close to her chest. 

One by one everyone started filling off to bed. Nesta wasn’t far behind them, wanting to give Cassian space to go to sleep. As she changed into the clothes Feyre had handed her, she flipped open the book again, tracing over the indents from the pen. I’m proud of you.

Day 2:

“So it’s too snowy to travel, but-”

“But just enough snow for the perfect snowball fight. Or so Rhys says.” Feyre, Gwen and Nesta were lined up at the wide windows in the living room. The wind making it far too cold for any of them to want to leave the warmth of the fire. 

The sun reflecting off the high drifts of snow made it almost painful to look outside but the sight in front of them was too good not to look at. 

“Five hundred years old and they all still play like children.” Nesta said with a roll of her eyes. But even she couldn’t look away from the, admittedly tactical, snowball fight that the three Illryians refused to miss.

“I like it. They never get to have fun.” Gwen said into her mug as she took a sip of hot chocolate. 

Feyre hummed in agreement as she took a sip of her own. 

“I’d pay good money to see the after party they have too.” Gwen nudged Feyre’s side with her elbow causing Feyre to nearly choke on her drink. 

“What’s the after party?” Nesta asked. 

“They all sit in the sauna to warm their wings back up. And they are apparently very…strict… about the typical rules.”

“So they’re-”

“Very naked. And sweaty.” Feyre finished for her. 

Nesta felt her skin heat up at the image but quickly shoved it away. Locking that train of thought down before it could take root any further. 

“Sounds fun.” She said, clearing her throat. 

“Oh c’mon Nes, you aren’t curious-”

“WHO WANTS WINE?” Nesta shouted over whatever Gwen was about to say. “I saw a nice bottle. I’ll go get it.” She was already halfway out of the room. Completely missing the smiles on the two others faces. 

Nesta found the bottle she had seen earlier but had misremembered the height. It was in the tallest cabinet and there was no way she would be able to reach it without scaling the walls. She was stretching onto her tiptoes, pleading for her fingers to be just a few inches longer when a freezing cold hand brushed past hers and grabbed the bottle. 

A shiver racked through her body at the freezing cold emanating off of Cassian as he stood behind her. She ducked under his arm and stood to face him. 

“I could have gotten it myself.” She huffed, ignoring the bottle in his outstretched hand. 

“Most people just say ‘thank you’”. 

“Well then you can have them say it to you.” She said as she blindly grabbed for another bottle on a lower shelf. Now she just needed to find the corkscrew. She started searching through the many drawers in the house. Drawer after drawer but no luck. 

A heavy sigh had her pearing up to look at the man still in the kitchen. 

“Third drawer on the left of the sink.” Was all he said. Nesta rolled her eyes but went and opened it anyways. She quickly grabbed the offensive piece of metal and stormed out of the kitchen. 

“Any time, Nes.” He called after her. Only making her blood boil more. 

The boys were in the sauna for the rest of the day. Leaving the rest of them to find their own source of entertainment. Which seemed to be gossiping over several bottles of wine. Nesta hadn’t even realized how many they had gone through until Elain tried to stand up and promptly fell onto Lucien’s lap. 

“Alright. You’re going to bed.” Lucien said before giving Elain a small kiss to her temple. He offered his hand to help her up. “I’d recommend that for you three as well. That’s some strong stuff you found, Nes.” 

Gwen and Nesta only shooed him off, giggling into their wine glasses as they did so. 

Nesta honestly couldn’t remember when she felt this peaceful before. No obligations, nobody to impress. Just her small little family enjoying themselves. 

“What do we have here?” Azriel said from right behind them, making all three girls jump. His arms wrapped around Gwen as he gave her a hug from behind. She leaned back into his touch, beaming up at him. 

“Nesta found the good wine.” 

“And all of it, apparently.” Rhys said from the edge of the room. Nesta just shrugged. 

“Don’t be grumpy.” Feyre said, causing Rhys to give her a warm smile. 

“Never, my darling.” Rhys held his hand out and Feyre didn’t hesitate to walk over to him. She placed her hand in his and he brought it up to his mouth without hesitation. Nesta looked away from the display of affection. Something churned in her stomach as she saw everyone with their mates. She finished off her wine with a large gulp and stood up. 

“I’ll clean up. You all get some sleep.” She scooped up two of the glasses and was about to leave the room before she turned around. “And remember-” She tapped her ear with her free hand, “Fae hearing.” 

The two couples laughed at the joke. Nesta left the dishes in the sink as she went back to collect the other three. She washed them out gently and placed them upside down to dry. After one more trip back for the empty wine bottles, she was ready to head to sleep. The wine working its magic of making her extra tired.

Nesta crawled into the bed, not even bothering to take off her clothes.She tugged the blankets over herself. She immediately noted how warm the bed was, maybe a little stiff but definitely cozy. A small groan sounded from underneath her and she practically jumped to the ceiling. 

“Warn a guy next time, Nes.”

“Me warn you? What happened to sleeping on the couch?”  She shrieked. His only response was a shrug. 

“It was uncomfortable and you hadn’t gone to bed yet.” 

“You could have told me. Instead of letting me-”

“Letting you nuzzle against my arm?”

“Shut up.” She huffed at him.

“Make me.” She didn’t have to see his face to know he was smirking at her. 

“Big Illyrian baby.” Nesta muttered under her breath.

“Not the only thing that’s big.” 

“Gods. Fine. I’ll sleep on the couch tonight.” She ripped the pillow he was propped up against from underneath him. “I’ll be taking that. Thank you very much.” She walked out of the room, his faint laughter ringing in her ears. 

Day 3

The sun was blinding when Nesta opened her eyes. She sat up wondering why it was so bright with the curtains pulled closed. Then she remembered the conversation with Cassian from last night. The smell of him, how comfortable and right it felt to be in his arms. She rubbed at her face, frustrated by her reaction. So what, he was an attractive person. He’s not the only attractive boy she’s ever seen but something about him just got under her skin in the best and worst way possible. 

As if summoned by her thoughts, a tray was set down in front of her by none other than Cassian himself. He gave her a sheepish smile. 

“Breakfast, as a thank you for letting me have the bed.” 

“It’s not like you gave me much of a choice.” She muttered. 

“You could have always stayed.” He said with a shrug. “We’re both adults.”

“Like I would have been able to sleep with your wings taking up more than half the bed.” 

“It worked for a little bit, didn’t it?” 

“You’re impossible.” She looked down at the plate in front of her. “And I don’t like fried eggs.” She pushed the tray closer to him as she stood up and walked to the bedroom. She slammed the door shut for good measure. The wood rattling against its hinges at the force. 

She knew she should have said thank you to Cassian. Honestly, how would he have known that her favorite way to eat eggs? She had only told him she hated them to get out of having to sit with him. Being alone with him felt so much different than being in the group. Something deep inside of her begging to be closer. A voice she constantly had to shut out. Whatever it was, wasn’t going to happen. How would someone like Cassian even want someone like her? He was kind and sweet and always had a smile. Nesta had been nothing but mean to everyone for the better part of five years and even now, she could tell everyone was always waiting for that behavior to come back. And she didn’t blame them in the slightest. 

With a deep sigh, she flung herself onto the bed. Wrapping herself in blankets that still smelt like him. She didn’t try to stop herself as he took a deep breath, holding the fabric closer to her face. It wasn’t long before she felt her eyes get heavy again and she faded back to sleep to dreams of a certain winged general. 

Nesta shot up from her sleep as someone knocked on the door. Her dream was so real she had to look around to see if Cassian was still next to her. Her heart sank a little as she realized he was not in fact there. She quickly smoothed her hair down, willing her racing heartbeat to stop as he rose to answer the door. 

Elain was smiling at her as she opened it. “The snow slowed down a little and Feyre and I were going to teach the boys how to build a proper snowman. You know like we did when we were little?” 

Nesta smiled at the memory. It was a simpler time, before they had lost all their money. Nesta would have to help Feyre roll the balls of snow once they became the same size as her. 

“Absolutely. Just let me get changed.” 

Feyre luckily had some winter clothes tucked away in the cabin and had left some in the wardrobe for Nesta to wear. She pulled on a soft heavy jacket and a pair of boots that were slightly too small, pinching the edges of her feet but it was better than the flats she had worn over her in the first place. 

She quickly made her way outside to the rest of the group. Feyre was already picking snow out of Rhys's hair. The latter giving Gwen a glare that would have melted weaker fae. 

Elain was the only one who had anything resembling a snowman in front of her and even then, Lucien seemed intent on getting his arms around her any way he could. He succeeded and brought them both down onto the soft white powder. The pair's laughter was so sweet it made Nesta’s chest ache. And standing just outside the group was Cassian. He was on his knees trying to get a small snowball to roll along but it kept turning back into dust under his hand. 

“You have to be gentle with it when you first start.” She said standing over him. “It helps if you make it into a snowball first, something I know you have plenty of practice with. Then you just keep adding snow with your hand.” She took a scoop of snow and packed it around the side. “And then once you can’t hold it anymore, then you can start rolling it.” Cassian followed her instructions to a t. 

“When do I stop rolling it?”

“Whenever you feel like it’s big enough.” 

Cassian kept rolling until the ball was half the size of Nesta. 

“Now you do the same for the head. You can make it smaller or the same size but remember you have to lift it on-”

Nesta stopped speaking as Cassian lifted the huge block of snow without so much as flinching. He smiled at her and gave her a wink. 

“Now, the best part.” She quickly started looking at the ground. “We find some sticks and rocks for the arms and eyes.” Nesta quickly found a stick half covered in snow. She bolted over to it, Cassian right behind her. She went to pull it but it was so stuck that she ended up falling face first into the snow. Cassian let out a surprised noise and quickly scrambled to help her up. 

“You okay?” He asked as he tugged on her arm. Nesta wasn’t expecting such a strong pull and ended up slamming into his chest. Even through all the layers she could feel how warm he was. Her mind instantly falling back to the other night. How strong yet soft his chest was and the way her entire body seemed to relax as she laid in his arms. 

She quickly jumped away from him, dropping his hand like he had burned her. 

“Nes-”

“I’m going to go inside.” She said, trying her best to walk as quickly as she could in the deep snow. 

“Nesta.” Cassian called after her and she wanted nothing more than for him to go away. She shrugged over the now wet jacket as she stepped into the door of the house. Cassian doing the same. 

“Cassian. Stop. Please. I can’t do this.” 

“Can’t do what?” 

She pointed to him then herself. “This. Whatever this is. I-”

“Just admit you feel something too. Please. I know you do.” Nesta felt like she couldn’t breathe. “That tugging in your chest. That itch under your skin to be closer. I know you feel it.”

“I don’t” She hated the way her voice pitched up, the obvious sign she was lying. 

“What to say that again?” 

“So what if I do. Does that mean that suddenly we should be together. Because the mother decided it, we have no say?”

“What’s so bad about that?”

Nesta wanted to scream and yell and fight but the hurt in Cassian’s voice stole the words right out of her. All she could do was stare at him. 

“What is so bad about admitting you have feelings for me, Nes?” 

She could only shake her head, shaking the words out of her head. Shaking away the ideas of what could be.

“Have you ever even let yourself be happy? Do you even know what you want?” 

“Cassian. Stop.”

“No. You’re going to listen to me. You push and you pretend that you don’t want what your sister has. Convinced yourself for some reason that you don’t deserve it. But you know what I see. I see someone who went through some of the worst things that could happen and made it out on the other side. I see someone who is loyal and kind. You could have walked away from your family. With how beautiful you are, I doubt anyone would have turned you down if you offered to marry them. But you stayed. Stayed in that house you hated for them. And no matter how much you yell and scream at me, I know that takes bravery and strength and more than anything, kindness.”

Nesta felt the tears welling up in her eyes. Cassian’s words almost too much to handle. 

“Cas..”

“You know what else I see? Someone who I can’t help but imagine what the rest of my life would be like with you by my side. And trust me, I’ve tried to not think about it but how could I not.” Cassian reached out a tentative hand. Giving her space to push him away but she only stared at him with wide, glossy eyes. He placed her hand on his chest. “My heart beats for you, Nesta. It will for the rest of my life. If you truly don’t want me, then fine. But don’t do this to punish yourself. I’m yours in whatever way you’ll have me.” Cassian went to take her hand away but Nesta could only hold onto the fabric of his shirt. Gripping it for dear life. 

“I can’t be who you want me to be. I’m not brave like Feyre. I’m not sweet like Elain.”

“No. You’re brave like you. You’re sweet like you. And thank the mother for that. I don’t want them. I want you. You with all your broken pieces, you with all the scars. You with all the snark and everything else you have to offer.” 

The space between them was nearly nonexistent. They were so close that Nesta’s hand was pressed against her own chest now, sandwiched between them. Before she could talk herself out of it, she pressed their lips together. 

At first, Cassian was still. Letting Nesta lead, letting her pull away if she decided to. But when her hand snuck to the back of his neck, pulling him closer he couldn’t help himself. He let his hands drift to her waist, her back, pushing them closer together. The minuscule space between them seemed too much at that moment. 

The kiss was soft and slow. Neither one of them in a hurry to stop or to escalate it. Nestas fingers played with the stray pieces of hair at the back of his neck, soothing both of them. Reminding Cassian that this wasn’t just another one of his many dreams about her. Cassian returned the sentiment with lazy circles rubbed onto the small of her back. 

When they finally pulled apart, it felt like a lifetime had passed. Cassian still couldn’t bring himself to step away, so he rested his forehead against hers. Gulping down air that smelled like her. 

“I’ll take you anyway you’ll have me.” She echoed back. Cassian smiled before placing a kiss on her forehead and wrapping her in his arms. Both content to stay in their own bubble of happiness for a little longer.

[sarawritestories]

🎶dashing through the snow, your gift is on its way🎶

Hello! As everyone’s starting to get their gifts, I just wanted to let you know I’m working on finishing yours up (hopefully) today!

I didn’t want you thinking I forgot about you❤️🤍

Im not sure if im excited because of the content of the gift or to finally learn who you are and force you to be my friend either way...IM PUMPED!