#I think of nessian weddings A LOT

[greenleaf777]

Besides the fact that this clearly pairs up Nessian and Elriel in ACOFAS and if you close the book they’re kissing 😏 😂

do you ever just think about the fact that Elain looks like a damn bride here??

And SJM stated that acofas sets up the following couples and that she has hinted before that if she could make it work she was going to be writing a wedding scene in acosf or the following spin off novels and how Elriel have A LOT of wedding bride/groom imagery surrounding them?

Cause I do

I truly think we will get a secret Elriel wedding in the next book. It would be the perfect way to promise themselves to each other without having a mating bond.

[lovemyromance]

Let's Deep Dive into Niche Elriel Moments! (Part 1/??)

So to preface this, I just want to say it's going to be a pretty long post. And y'all have seen my normal posts, so just be warned, this one is going to be thicccc. I wanted to specifically talk about the way Azriel views both himself, and Elain, in the context of the infamous BC ft. a hint of Nessian & Feysand.

In the ACOSF BC, we get Azriel's POV for the very first time. And lo and behold, his thoughts are centered around Elain. Her hair looks like the sun at dawn and we find out he brought her a gift and thinks about her so much that he loses sleep. I'm sure that entire POV is imprinted in our brains right now, so I won't rehash it too much.

What I want to talk about is Azriel's feelings toward himself, and towards Elain. A lot of the argument we see from the other side of the fandom is that Azriel has such bad self-esteem issues, he considers touching Elain to be tainting her pure innocence. He is concerned the blood staining his hands makes him undeserving of her love, her attention. That belief is further "validated" in his head by that the Cauldron paired Elain up with Lucien, not him.

The antis seem to think (yk, when they're not contradicting themselves and calling him an incel) that Azriel holds Elain in such high regard, puts her on such a pedestal that he feels so undeserving of her love.

And honestly? They're right. He does put her on a pedestal. He does view her as some kind of beautiful, compassionate, goddess. He does think his sins will taint her perfect skin.

But then I must ask the question - Is that bad?

Antis are focusing on the "self-hatred" part of what Azriel feels when he thinks of Elain. They claim that because he holds her on a pedestal, they are not equals. That he will be insecure and doubt himself constantly alongside her. They argue that is not a foundation for love.

And honestly? They're right again. Two people cannot be soulmates (human terms, not SJM mates) at a given moment, if one of them has such self-deprecating thoughts around the person who they seem to revere above all else.

Note: At a given moment

People are so focused on Azriel's "self-hatred" they are ignoring that his entire POV gave us a peek into his head, and hinted at his future journey with Elain.

Because when you love someone (and they love you back), even if you initially had them on a pedestal, together, you learn to bridge that self-imagined gap.

You learn to love yourself, and you learn the other person's flaws, and you realize you love them anyways. Their love for you helps you realize that you deserve love. You deserve their love. They see you for who you are, all the little parts you try to hide away from prying eyes, everything you're ashamed of - and they love you anyways.

It's crazy to me how people can't see what is happening with Azriel's feelings towards Elain - and how it is a direct mirror to Nesta and her feelings toward Cassian. Even similar to how Rhys felt about Feyre.

Nesta also felt like she was an awful being. Someone who felt guilt over her father's death, her relationship with her sisters, everything she had done had weighed on her and turned her bitter and cold and she also felt underserving of the bright light that was Cassian. She called him names and fought and bickered with him endlessly, but we see from her own words that she felt like she didn't deserve Cassian. Not because she was had a title/status -> those were the reasons that Cassian put her on a pedestal.

He felt like a "low-born bastard" was never going to be good enough for someone like Nesta, someone who was destined to wed a Prince or a duke or a king. He had placed her on a pedestal because she was too good for him on the surface level. But Nesta also thought Cassian was just as far out of reach because she felt his kindess, his nature was too good for her. She felt like she didn't deserve him. He felt like he didn't deserve her.

They healed together. Through their love for each other, they discovered that they themselves were worth loving.

Let's look at Rhys & Feyre. Specifically Rhys, who considered himself so undeserving of a family, of a mate that he didn't dare to even hope for such a future.

Sounds familiar?

Good. It should. Azriel is exhibiting the exact same theme of feeling undeserving of love, feeling like he's not good enough for Elain, thinking his sins would ruin her, thinking she'd be disgusted if she knew what he'd done - all these are literally exactly how SJM writes her tortured angsty pairings.

The MMC always feels undeserving of the FMC's love. They find out they are equals - together. It's not a question of matching strengths or opposites attract or like calls to like. It is literally a question of do they love each other and accept each other, allowing them to finally feel proud of who they are themselves.

We haven't even received Elain's POV yet, but I am sure we will hear the exact same inner thoughts reflecting how she doesn't feel good enough for Azriel, she's not a warrior, she's just some poor human girl turned fae. We haven't even heard her story yet, heard her thoughts and what makes her tick.

They might not consider themselves to be equals - but that's how all of SJM's pairings start. They learn and grow together. People are acting like Elriel can't be together because "they're not equals" is crazy especially when you consider we haven't even started their story.

That's like if I began ACOMAF and was like - "Rhys & Feyre can't be together, Rhys is a high lord and Feyre is just turned fae - it would never work"

Or if I read ACOFAS and decided "Um sorry but Nesta seems like a dick. Cassian deserves better and to be loved. Nesta isn't his endgame."

And all it took was one book - one story centered around them to get these couples together. They didn't get together in a BC of someone else's book. They got the time they needed to learn to love each other and themselves.

I don't know why y'all think Elriel would be any different.

[elrielffs]

So I've been ruminating on mate bonds in the ACOTAR universe today--about why a section of this fandom seems to revere the mate bond in general and assume a partner in the mate bond cannot be happy without the other.

And I was thinking of the different mate bonds we've been shown and what we've been told--

The blueprint obviously being Feysand.

I think a lot of fandom hold up Feysand as the standard--but to me, Feysand is the EXCEPTION. From what we are told in the books about mate bonds--the good, the bad, and the ugly--that mate bonds can be rejected, that sometimes the bond chooses poorly, that maybe it is just a way to make powerful offspring rather than the true coming together of souls-- the bond is not something guarantees a happily ever after and even in some cases--is a detriment.

So far in story, about 50/50 of the bonds we've been told about/seen have landed on the "good" vs "bad" side. Even in Prythian culture, they seem to move without giving the bond a thought until it happens--people marry, make alliances, have lovers without the mate bond. Sure it's mostly because it's rare but I can't help but think that it's also because even if you find your mate--it's not a guarantee perfect match.

And I think we can say that the ones we have seen, even the "good", are not comparable to Feysand. Love them or hate them, there is something so prevailing about their romance that, to get meta, is the reason I think ACOTAR is SJM's most popular work even though many agree that TOG is better written, it's why you hardly ever see Rhysand or Feyre shipped with anyone else--their romance was written so beautiful, so exceptionally, that it resonated with a lot of readers as an ultimate love story, certainly THE ultimate love story that SJM has written and propelled her to the status she has now.

Even Cassian, who is centuries old and has probably seen mates before, thinks that the whole mate thing is "bullshit" till he saw Feysand's bond.

Let's compare to Nessian. Now see, I think Nessian is more the standard mate bond. They are drawn to each other, they love each other, they choose each other -- but can we really say that their bond is comparable to Feysand? You have a huge chunk of this fandom that says Nesta should leave Cassian for Eris and that Cassian deserves better and I hardly see anyone laud their romance in ACOSF as their favorite part of the book--that's normally reserved for the Valkyrie friendship.

Let's even look at the Death Pact Feysand made. It doesn't matter if you think it's stupid or not--it fully comes across in character that Feyre and Rhysand wouldn't want to live without the other. Now, Nesta and Cassian? I definitely think that they would be distraught, broken--but do they really give the vibes that they would just die without the other? I don't even think Nessian would ever make that pact, or at least that's the vibes that their romance gives off.

Even Kallias and Vivianne, a "good" mate bond--what little we see of them--don't give off the same vibes. Kallias didn't make Vivianne High Lady, even after Vivianne expressed the desire and seeing in the Night Court it can be done.

And that brings me to Elucien. Eluciens say neither Elain nor Lucien can be happy without the other but I feel like that's because they are comparing it to Feysand instead of Nessian.

But we can see even in comparison they are not similiar.

When Feyre was with Tamlin, Rhysand was willing to let her be with another male if that's what she wanted. He was not however, willing to let her waste into nothing after what happened UTM. He used that pact that he had did not call on before Feyre was begging to be saved from the wedding, to get Feyre to safe place where she could heal and deal with her issues.

Lucien on the other hand only offered suggestions when Elain was physically wasting away. "She needs sunlight," which is a generic piece of advice but did he actually make it happen? No. And yes, it can be argued it was because Elain didn't want him around but we are told that Lucien is cunning. You're telling me he couldn't come up with something--some action, some plan-- to physically help Elain? Like Rhysand did? Even if he wasn't directly involved in taking Elain to the garden, he couldn't even find some way to directly make it happen?

Rhysand would never mumble to Tamlin to take Feyre out into the garden and then just...wait and see?

All this rambling to conclude, that yes, if every mate bond could be held up to the standard of Feysand, I think I could understand why a large portion of the fandom says mates have to be together, that that's the only way they can be happy, heal, become their best selves etc but once again, I think Feysand is the exception. Mate bonds like theirs are the true rarity and I don't think we've seen it comparably to any other romance or mate bond that SJM has written.

This is all just my two cents so take it as you will but thanks for reading it all if you got this far.

[shadowqueenjude]

Hi, this is a lot of the stuff I have (completely) written; probably not all of it and I don't feel like searching through to find all of it but I'm trying to be organized be proud of me everyone. I suck at naming shit so I'm just writing the main ship and a general description of what it's about (click on ship name and there's a link attached).

Star Wars:

Anidala —> I saw a post about how Padme was way too calm in ROTS on Mustafar considering how stressful her pregnancy was and the added stress of all the hiding and I thought hey Ima write the Mustafar scene but with Padme’s pregnancy hormones kicking in!

Leia and Anakin —> I just think Leia deserved closure with Anakin too…

Throne of Glass Elorcan --> Elide brings home a cat, oneshot Elorcan --> Elide gets reading lessons, oneshot Elorcan --> Elide learns to fight, oneshot Lorcan's Backstory (NO ROMANCE) --> his life before the TOG events The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes/The Hunger Games Snowbaird --> What if Lucy hadn't run away into the forest? Coriolanus Snow x OC --> OC goes back in time to try and prevent the second war by ending the hunger games decades earlier. Snowbaird --> Faerie AU, Lucy returns from the forest a decade after she ran away, one shot Coriolanus Snow --> Murderous Coriolanus, post-Tbosas, canon compliant (Part 1) (Part 2)

Love Mockingjay, Sincerely Jabberjay —> Lucy Gray has returned from the forest and she is dying. Given the mayor who still hunted her, she had no choice but to reach out to the very person who had tried to kill her: Coriolanus Snow. One shot

The Snow Family Curse —> There’s some things all Snows have in common, including a phenomenon destined to repeat itself in every generation: disastrous love. One shot.

The Folk of the Air:

Madoc x reader

Madoc x reader

A Court of Thorns and Roses Completed Fics: Tamsand --> What if Tamlin had shapeshifted to take Feyre's place in the bargain in ACOMAF? Neris, Elucien, Feyre x OC --> Has ships but is mainly just Nesta destroying the Inner Circle because I find this amusing Neris, Elucien --> Has ships but is mainly just Lucien wrecking havoc and destroying the Inner Circle because I find this amusing Tamlin/Tarquin, Elucien --> Has ships but is mainly just Tamlin destroying the Inner Circle because I find this amusing Tamlin's Life Story (some angsty Feylin, tragic doomed Tamcien) --> basically I wrote Tamlin into a Greek tragedy. Canon compliant...mostly. Lady of Spring (NO ROMANCE) --> What if Tamlin's mother had left her husband? Exploration of a rejected mating bond. Neris --> After her terrible experience with mating bonds, Nesta is determined to stop her sister's wedding to her mate, Lucien Vanserra. Unfortunately for her, Lucien's brother Eris is equally determined to ensure the wedding happens. Eltamcien --> Super angsty, horny, gorey shit. I will probably never write anything remotely like it again but it's good...if you can handle it. Feytamsand --> What if when Rhys sacrificed his life for the Cauldron, he lost his High Lord powers? (Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 6) One-shot/two-shots:

Elucien --> Lucien meets Elain when she's still human Lucien x Nesta (NOT ROMANTIC), Neris --> Lucien befriends Nesta and introduces Emerie to his mechanic friend Nuan Lucien and Gwyn (NOT ROMANTIC) --> Just Lucien and Gwyn being chaotic and pranking the bats because that's what they deserve That Calanmai scene --> Lucien's POV of his trauma with Ianthe Uncle Eris and Auntie Gwyn (NOT ROMANTIC): Gwyn and Eris babysitting Nyx, two-shot (Part 1) (Part 2) Baby bro Lucien and Big bro Eris --> exactly what it sounds like Elucien --> Elain speaks to Lucien about his scars Elucien --> Elain and Lucien discuss Ianthe Elain and Nesta (sisterly bonding) --> Elain is finally fed up with the Inner Circle. Nessian --> Post Hybern's death, Nesta fulfills a vow she made long ago. Azris --> When Eris caught Azriel snooping (link) When Azriel choked Eris HL meeting (link)

Eltamcien? --> Tamlin gives Lucien what he wants, but that's not him...

Rhysta —> That scene where Feyre and the IC visit the Archeron house in ACOMAF but with a twist.

Eris Vanserra —> Eris makes a deal with Keir, ACOSF, Eris POV

Tamlin —> Tamlin dragging Beron’s ass to battle

Crescent City

Ruhnlidia --> pregnancy AU post-CC3

[acourtofthought]

Is High Lady a legitimate position? or was that just made up to make Feyre legitimately the most powerful fae (like her mate)? Does being a high lady require a different set of socio-political functions than any lady in Prythian? Or are they just ladies in positions of power who are really really powerful?

Also, should Elucien be the main couple in the next book, how do you want SJM to explore other courts since Lucien is connected to a lot of them?

Lastly, idk if you answered this but what attributes from Feysand and Nessian made you shy away from them becoming high king and queen? After seeing your posts about characteristics of Elucien that make them suitable to rule, I'd like to hear more from you!

This is not a hater question if you ship the canon couples. Hope you have a great day.

High Lady was a legitimate position at one point though it seems to have fallen out of favor as of late, probably because certain "dictator-like" High Lords who wed had / have the mentality that their wives are not their equals (i.e. Beron, Rhys's father).

I imagine the way Sarah has written it is that High Lady is different than other Lady's in society in that they are the rulers of a court. They share in the same decision making process / voice of authority for a court that a High Lord would. I actually think it has less to do with power and more to do with being the ones to set the laws, where those who work for them are expected to follow their orders when they do issue commands (a sometimes necessary thing).

Where their purpose is to ensure the safety and well being of their people.

As for as Elucien exploring other courts, I feel like Spring is where they'd spend a good bit of time because Spring is the court that needs the most work. The people have been ignored, the land is beginning to die and it's army is something the NC needs as an ally (not to mention a strong force against Beron).

Day I think they'll travel to in order to learn more about Elain's powers.

I think Autumn will be where they visit after Beron is defeated so Lucien can reconnect with his mother.

The human lands to meet with Jurian after Vassa is forced to return, I think we'll also see Elain finally put Graysen in his place.

Feysand are decent enough leaders.... To the Night Court. Everything they do is to protect the people of Velaris (not even so much other territories there) and while it can't be denied that they do love their citizens, they have proven they are willing to use the people of other courts as collateral to prioritize their goals.

Yes, they fought for all fae and humans during the war but Rhys's first priority during Amarantha’s reign was Velaris. Feyre was willing to displace innocent people in Spring in order to get revenge on Tamlin.

So while they do often care for many, they are still willing to sacrifice them at other times. A High King and High Lady will not make good rulers if they're already showing favoritism.

Nessian, I think it's a bit of the same not to mention Cassian is clearly uncomfortable with the political game which is territory being in charge comes with, like it or not. Nesta does fight for others but that character trait typically comes out only when she sees someone truly in need of a fighter and only when she deems it to be something truly unjust. I.e., she did speak up in the High Lords meeting but only after Beron declared the meeting was over. And Feyre initially asked her to tell her story during the meeting and Nesta refused. Nesta is a lot nicer to those she considers weak than those who are equal to her or more powerful. And she chose to ignore the people of Velaris after the war, choosing instead to drink and gamble for a year. I'm not faulting her for that, I understand she was depressed. But I think someone who is a leader tries to move forward and focuses on the needs of the people rather than letting themselves get sucked into themselves. It's kind of why Tamlin isn't the best leader, he let his depression overtake the needs of his court.

But Elain, after losing her father and Graysen and her humanity helped the fae in Velaris rebuild their gardens after the war even though we know she was still struggling. She made an effort to learn what fae traditions meant to them though she grew up fearing their kind. She became invested in the people rather than focusing on her losses. Her personality makes it possible for have decent a relationship with all personality types versus her her sisters who at times come off as combative towards others.

And Lucien? Though he's loyal, we've also been shown that he cares about the needs of the many. People get so caught up on how he didn't do more for Feyre but that's because to him there were many who also needed something. The people of spring, it's High Lord being able to help the court get back on its feet. Not to mention his choosing to help the humans rebuild after the war and sort out their politics. His willingness to help the NC.

Lucien doesn't have blind loyalty to just one place, he cares about many and to me, that is the kind of personality that would make for a fair and just High King.

[nikethestatue]

Do you think Elain and Azriel will be married and probably have a child before Nessian ? Because I believe Elriel will get married before them and I know mates can also call each husband and wife but I feel like either Nesta and Cassian would also want an actual marriage ceremony . SJM did say she was going to do one on page

I think Elriel will have children so SJM can show that the whole pelvis thing didn't matter.

she started laying foundation for the idea of varied types of families in HOFAS already--adopted children, Lidia's sons, whom Rhun would accept as his own, bio children, foster children, Lidia's sons being adopted by a gay couple. There are lots of options and I think SJM will continue that in ACOTAR.

I'd like to see a Prythian wedding for once.

[vidalinav]

In another effort to avoid working on stu(died), I just thought of that wedding headcanon/mini fic I wrote where Nesta finds her perfect dress and now I’m thinking of Cassian stopping her right before the ceremony takes place and everyone is scrambling because it’s almost time and Cassian stops everything and is like I need to talk to you, and Nesta’s like what are you doing? Secretly she’s almost afraid he’s calling it off. But then, he just blurts Marry me. And she’s like we’re already getting mated and he’s like no. “Marry me. I was a fool before. That you questioning mate bonds meant you were rejecting me. I didn’t understand that loving me, accepting me meant giving up a part of yourself. The part that made you human. But you’ll never stop being human and I love every part of you, Nesta. So marry me” and he pulls out a ring. “Marry me, mate me. Make me the happiest male alive.”

[theladyofdeath]

Could you do something with the only one bed trope? Or fake dating? Or both as they kind match. Maybe rowaelin or nessian or elorcan? Thanks so much no worries I’d you don’t get to it

A/N: Thank you for the prompt!! I must admit this is one of my favorite tropes, personally... Enjoy. I may just have to do a part 2... Warnings: Language, overwhelming fluff WC: 2,013

Rowan and Aelin rode down the interstate in a comfortable silence. He’d lost a bet, resulting in a long weekend with Aelin and her parents back home in Orynth.

It wasn't that he minded going. He liked spending time with Aelin, always enjoyed being in her company. She was smart, funny, kind, passionate, and completely gorgeous...

But they were only friends.

They had been friends since the start of freshman year and now that they had graduated and found jobs in the real world, they still got together often to hang out. As strange as it seemed, considering he once drove her absolutely insane, she was the closest thing he'd ever had to a best friend.

They had been at the bar the week before, playing darts while highly intoxicated, and Aelin had bet him that she could win their final round, although she never had beat him before. He'd told her she was insane, naturally, and she upped the prize. If she won, Rowan would have to be her date to her cousin's wedding. If he won, she would buy him drinks every time they went out for a year.

He'd lost.

Bad.

"You're so quiet." Rowan looked in the passenger seat at Aelin, who had her seat leaned back as she eyed him. "You're a horrible road trip companion. Buzzard."

He snorted, shaking his head as his eyes fell back in front of him. "I'm focusing on where I'm going. You're the one that's driven this route a hundred times. You should be the one driving."

She groaned. "But it's so boring driving something you've driven a hundred times. We only have an hour left. Stop complaining."

Rowan sighed, exasperated. "I don't know what to do with you sometimes."

Aelin just rolled her eyes. "You're so grumpy. At least pretend to be happy with me. I told my parents we're dating, so if you don't--"

"What?" Rowan interrupted, nearly swerving into the opposite lane.

Aelin laughed, quietly. "Calm down. It's just for appearances. It sounded a lot better than hey mom, I'm bringing my friend because he lost a bet at the bar."

Rowan chuckled, mostly out of disbelief. “Yeah, alright, but you didn’t have to wait to tell me until we’re an hour out.”

“I did think about not saying anything then getting there and letting you make a fool of yourself when I introduced you as my boyfriend,” she admitted, slyly.

Rowan just shook his head. “You would.”

Her grin widened. “It’s only four days. Act like you always act around me just toss an arm around my shoulders from time to time and dance with me at the wedding. It’s really not that big of a deal.”

He nodded as if to say she was right, it wasn’t. Yet, he felt nervous as hell all of the sudden.

“Stop looking like you’re going to puke.” She laughed. “Being my boyfriend can’t be that bad.”

No, it wasn’t. It wouldn’t be. Maybe that was the issue. What would be a running gag for the weekend would never be a reality and that was what was hard to get his head around.

He continued to drive, following Aelin's directions. She wouldn't let him plug the address into his GPS. She claimed GPSs were for losers that didn't know where they were going. She knew exactly where she was going.

An hour passed and they pulled into the driveway of an old farmhouse that had been remodeled. It was massive, looming over Rowan's ten-year-old car. It was safe to say that Aelin's parents had money, not that Rowan had ever known. Aelin didn't act like she came from people with money.

A big golden-retriever came out to greet them and Aelin was out of the car, tackling the beast. Rowan laughed quietly before getting out of the car himself and joining her in the driveway.

"This is Fleetfoot," she said, scratching the dog behind the ears. "Had her since I was in high school." She leaned into the dog's face. "This is Rowan. Don't let his grumpiness fool you. He's not so bad."

"Oh thanks," Rowan mumbled, but the dog came up to him and he scratched her behind the ears. He seemed to pass the test.

The front door flew open and a woman came running out. A man followed behind her, far more calm as he shut the door behind him and descended the porch stairs.

Aelin flew towards them, arms outstretched. She hugged them both before motioning for Rowan to follow.

"Mom, dad, this is Rowan," she smiled, giving him a wink before turning back to her parents. "Ro, this is my mom, Evalin, and my dad, Rhoe."

"You can call me Mr. Galathynius," Rhoe said, and for a moment Rowan thought it had been a joke but he was thankful he didn't laugh because a minute passed and he realized that he was completely serious.

Evalin rolled her eyes. "There's no need for that. It's nice to meet you. We've heard so much about you!"

Rowan blinked. They had? He swore he saw Aelin's cheeks turn a soft shade of pink before they were being ushered into the house.

The inside was immaculate and Rowan was afraid to touch anything. He reached for a vase that looked to be made out of some kind of ancient clay but Aelin swatted his hand away before subtly shaking her head.

"I made up the guest room for you two," Evalin smiled. "Feel free to take your stuff up there and get settled."

Rhoe didn't look happy about that.

And that's when it dawned on Rowan. Of course they would share a room. They were dating, they were adults, and of course, Aelin hadn't clarified about the sleeping arrangements.

She caught his stare and gave him a slow, mischievous grin. Gods, this woman.

"Thank you," Rowan said, at last, ignoring Rhoe staring daggers in his direction.

Half an hour later, Rowan was standing in the guest room, staring at the queen-size bed, shaking his head. "You know, I can sleep on the floor--"

"I'm a grown ass woman, I promise I can keep my hands to myself," Aelin interrupted and dropped her bag on the ground. "I've shared a bed with a man before, you've shared a bed with plenty of women--"

"When you say plenty like that, it doesn't make me sound so great," Rowan said, crossing his arms. "I've shared a bed with...an average amount of women."

Aelin arched a brow. "And you think that makes you sound great? An average amount of women, oh, Rowan Whitethorn, what a legend."

"Please stop talking," Rowan begged, but when she laughed he couldn't stop his little smile.

Aelin gave Rowan a quick tour of the house and then they sat at the kitchen table and ate with Aelin's parents. Afterwards, they played a card game and Rhoe made it his personal mission to see Rowan destroyed...which he did successfully. Rowan was the first one out every round.

Much to Aelin's pleasure.

The entire time, Rhoe asked a million questions. Rowan told him about his career, about what his degree was in, about where he lived and his childhood and how he spent his free time. By the end of it, Rowan was exhausted.

Just after ten, Aelin's parents went upstairs and told them goodnight, leaving Rowan alone with Aelin and Fleetfoot. The dog had continued to warm up to him. He was sure the head scratches were helping in his favor. She followed them up the stairs and laid at the foot of their bed.

"This used to be my room," Aelin explained. "Fleetfoot used to sleep with me every night. So, when I come home, it's a tradition."

Rowan chuckled and opened up his suitcase to pull out his sweatpants and a clean t-shirt. "Then she's taking up your leg room, not mine."

Fleetfoot huffed from the foot of the bed as if to tell him to fuck off. Aelin laughed.

Rowan shook his head as he walked into the connecting bathroom and changed into his clothes before brushing his teeth. When he opened the door again, he froze. In the bedroom, Aelin was in nothing but a little silk, golden nightgown. She was putting her hair up in a ponytail when she turned to find him staring.

Grinning, she asked, "See something you like, Whitethorn?"

He snapped back to reality and cleared his throat. "What the hell is that?"

"My pajamas," she answered, plainly, then gestured to his sweatpants and t-shirt. "Not all of us like to wear what we wear to the gym, to bed."

Rowan didn't bother to tell her that he actually wore a lot less at the gym. He rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, alright. Bathroom's yours."

That grin remained on her mouth as she disappeared into the bathroom. Rowan went to the bed, turning down the blankets before falling onto one side of the mattress. He stretched out his legs and Fleetfoot shot him a look that he pointedly ignored.

He was scrolling through his feed when Aelin opened the door and he couldn't help but look up and watch her as she approached the bed. That damned nightgown left very little to the imagination.

She knew it, too, knew that he was watching as she went to the opposite side of the bed and turned off the lamp as she crawled onto the mattress beside him. Her leg brushed his and he suddenly hated himself for not wearing shorts to bed.

"Sorry my dad's so intense," came her voice in the dark silence. "He means well. In his defense, the last guy I brought home was Chaol, and that was before he wasn't a douche."

Chaol was Aelin's boyfriend in college and although he turned out to be a great guy who was now married with a kid, he used to be a little rough around the edges.

"Rhoe didn't like Chaol?" Rowan asked, voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm shocked."

Aelin laughed, quietly. "Thanks for doing this for me. If I'm being honest, I just want them to think that I'm thriving, you know? They know I'm a struggling journalist. They thought that I should go into a different field, but writing is all I've ever wanted to do so I did it anyway, even if the pay does suck and the jobs are hard to find." She sighed. "Having them excited for me about finding someone is nice, though. Makes me look like I'm not such a failure."

Rowan rolled onto his side with a frown, finding her outline in the dark. As his vision continued to adjust to the lack of light, he could make out the own distressed look on her face. "You're not a failure, Ace. You're happy as a journalist, even if it is a hard career to make it in. You can't let someone else's expectations of you define how successful you are."

He expected her to make a joke out of his seriousness as she often did, but she didn't. Instead, she whispered, "Thank you."

It was rare for Aelin to be vulnerable around him. He'd only seen it a handful of times throughout the years. It was usually reserved for Lysandra or Elide. Now, Rowan closed the space between them and pulled Aelin close to him, wrapping his arms around her. She reacted with no hesitation and laid her head against his chest, draping her arm across his abdomen. They laid there like that for a moment, comfortably, until Aelin's breathing evened out. She snored softly, and it was something that Rowan would surely make fun of her for in the morning.

Then her knee hitched as she shifted to make herself comfortable and her leg draped across his. They were tangled together and he could feel every inch of her through that little gold nightgown. She wasn't waking up soon and he sure as hell wouldn't be moving from his current position.

There would be no sleeping for him tonight.

He really should have worn some damn shorts.

[talkfantasytome]

Illusionist

Nesta needs to cover for Feyre as Cassian's assistant while she's on her honeymoon.

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1,351 | Nessian Masterlist | Read on AO3

a/n: There's really not much to this, but I had this idea for how to interpret magic day I knew I wanted to use for @nessianweek. And then realized I know nothing about any of this, sooo....this it what ended up happening. XD

"How on earth did I let you talk me into this?!"

"Because you love me and want me to have a nice honeymoon."

Feyre's voice was soft and sweet on the other end of the line. The 'little sister' voice she would put on whenever she was asking for a favor.

"But I also wouldn't mind Rhys having a crappy one…"

"Nesta!"

"Kidding!" Nesta lied. Well, half-lied. She did want Feyre to have a good honeymoon. And she doubted Rhys would be able to have a bad one while Feyre enjoyed herself….unless Feyre finally found a trade-up. But that was wishful thinking. "Just remember that you owe me. Big."

"It's not going to be that bad, Nesta," Feyre sighed.

Rolling her eyes, Nesta replied, "Easy for you to say. You don't have to go spend the night with him, doing this stupid act."

"You mean the act I help out with every other night?"

"Voluntarily. Hence the difference." Nesta stared at herself in the full length mirror in her tiny dressing room, at the tiny, silver sequined dress she was being forced to wear as her sister's cover. It was really more like a leotard with a fringy skirt. An outfit to help with the distraction.

How her sister put up with this every night was beyond her. She hadn't even gotten on stage yet and was already done with it. Thank the Mother it was only one night. After this, the magician was taking off for the rest of the week to keep Feyre from stressing, but he couldn't cancel his Saturday show.

"You still owe me," she said again, just as a stagehand was calling out five minutes to showtime.

"I know. And I promise, I'll make it up to you. Just, be nice to Cassian."

Nesta shook her head softly. "I will if he is."

"He's always nice to you, Nesta," Feyre chuckled. "You just don't want to believe it."

"Bye! Talk to you later!" Nesta called, speaking over Feyre's last words before her sister started in again on how Nesta needed to give Cassian a chance.

She needed to do no such thing. She'd spent more than enough time with Cassian, being Rhysand's brother. It only got worse with all the wedding planning and events. And then Nesta had to spend over three hours with him every day this past week just to prepare for this darn show.

It was a lot more work than Nesta had expected, if she were being honest. And Cassian was a good teacher. Patient and kind, he never once got frustrated with her when she got a trick wrong for the fifth time in a row. A very different side of Cassian than the cocky, exercise guy she knew him as.

She heard a knock at her door. "Nesta, are you ready?"

Think of the devil. She took one last look at her ridiculous outfit, pressing the pins of her braided coronet deeper into her hair, and let out a sigh. "Yes."

Walking to the door, she swung it open to see Cassian standing there, looking as handsome as he did ridiculous.

He really was quite attractive - not that Nesta would ever admit that. And if he were wearing just a tuxedo, he'd look like a wet dream. But that idiotic cape! It was incredibly cliché, black and top and red on the inside, and made him look more like a dorky tween putting on a magic show for his parents than a professional magician. No, wait…illusionist. That was the word he always used to correct her.

It was all part of the gimmick, of course. The theme of his show. Traditional tricks, with a twist. Hence the cape.

Nesta probably should be grateful for it. Otherwise she might be frozen in place, staring at Cassian and looking as dumbfounded as he did looking at her. Nice to know the dress was doing its job.

"Come on, Cassianini, let's get this over with." Shoulders high, Nesta walked past him, hiding the small smirk that surfaced at the feel of his eyes on her.

It took him a moment, but then he was snapping into action and on her heels. The two took their places, Cassian at center stage, Nesta to the side by some big box device. The stage lights shut off, and they were thrust into darkness as they waited for the curtain to open.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Please put your hands together for Cassian Warrior-Heart!"

The crowd erupted and the curtain was drawn. The spotlights came on, and Cassian was welcoming the audience to the show.

It wasn't until the curtain closed that Nesta could finally breathe again.

"Finally," she sighed as the stage lights came back on.

"Oh, don't lie, you enjoyed yourself."

Nesta let out a sigh. "I don't know if I'd go that far, but I can say that this has been one of the strangest nights of my life."

"I'll take it," Cassian beamed. "And it's not over, yet!"

Her face fell and her eyes narrowed when Cassian began to chuckle at her expression. "Don't worry, Nes. It's nothing too crazy. Definitely not another show."

She muttered beneath her breath how he better not be trying to get more magic, but still followed him when he asked. Cassian led them to one of the empty dressing rooms and flung the door open.

Nesta was speechless.

A candle-filled room stood before her, with one single table in the center and two chairs. The table was filled with dishes - chicken, salad, potatoes, and various vegetables. There was even a small plate of biscuits she was dying to dig into.

"Cassian…what is this?" she asked breathlessly, walking into the room without thinking.

"Consider it a thank you for stepping in for Feyre."

She looked up at him skeptically. "You did all this…just to say thank you?"

"No, I did this to say thank you," he said, pulling his hand out from his back and handing her a large bouquet of flowers that seemed to appear out of thin air. She knew that wasn't really the case, but there were lilies, roses, and lilacs in the bouquet, so she certainly wasn't going to complain.

Nesta accepted the bouquet and took a sniff. She couldn't help but give him a small smile as she said, "Thank you. You didn't have to. But…what's all this, then?"

"An attempt to take you out on a date?" He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I thought I might be able to convince you if you were hungry enough and already at the location."

Something fluttered within her and warmed her cheeks. She and Cassian had always had an amusing relationship, mostly built on a running gag that he was flirting with her. She hadn't realized he may have been serious in his attentions.

Nor had she realized how much she wanted him to be.

"Well, I'd say yes, but there's no chocolate cake. You can't have a date without chocolate cake," Nesta decreed, smirking up at him.

"You always did underestimate me."

Cassian took her hand and led her to the table, pulling out her chair for her. "Did you not notice this completely empty plate right here?" He motioned to a silver platter that stood in the center of the table, on top of a holder so that it towered over the rest of the food.

Picking up his crimson napkin, he shook it out and placed it in front of the plate so Nesta could no longer see it.

"And, because I know it's your favorite Halloween movie…Hocus Pocus." He let go of the napkin and it fell to the table, revealing a large, frosted chocolate cake with truffles lining the edge.

Nesta's mouth fell open and she couldn't stop her hands from clapping together. "How did you do that?!"

"Ah ah ah…a magician never reveals his secrets, Nesta," he teased as he took the seat across from her.

"Illusionist."

Cassian grinned widely, the two laughing together as they dug into their dinner.

@live-the-fangirl-life @generalnesta @secretlovelybeauty @julemmaes @boredserpent @autumnbabylon @lady-winter-sunrise @moodymelanist @sv0430 @nesquik-arccheron @gwynrielsupremacy @katekatpattywack @moonstoneriver77 @deedz-thrillerkilller16 @swankii-art-teacher @lemonade-coolattas @emily-gsh @my-fan-side @champanheandluxxury @sayosdreams @simpingfornestaarcheron @perseusannabeth @clemidansleschoux @meher-sumedha @labetenoir @vinylcryes @shinya-hiiragi @starryblueskies7 @a-court-of-milkandhoney @pintas3107 @embersofwildfire @superspiritfestival @aks18 @thewayshedreamed @lunabean @xstarlightsupremex @mis-lil-red

[the-lonelybarricade]

ok i have to know ur secrets. you always answer ur fic rec lists with how u just searched them on ao3 and babe HOW! every time i try to find a good fic i feel like i’m scrolling thru hundreds of things i don’t want! also bonus q if you have the time: any fic recs for feysand canon divergence fics?

Oh bestie I can totally help you out with this! Here are some tips for using the AO3 filter from your friendly neighborhood tech support!

If you have a specifc type of fic you have in mind, the first thing you need to do is think critically about how you can filter the results as closely to what you're looking for as possible.

Usually I start by using this dropdown to filter by Kudos, but this doesn't always mean that the top fics are going to be the best written. Sometimes fics have high kudos because they:

1) Have a high chapter count, and therefore had more exposure on the front page

2) Were written in a time when the fandom was more active and/or popular (see: any feysand fics written in 2016)

3) Have a crossover with a fandom that is more popular

Most of the time I can narrow the results so that the way I sort doesn't make too much of a difference, and it's also possible to filter in a way that removes these 3 variables. You might prefer to keep the sort by Date Updated if you're not also using the "Completion" filter, because this will mean the fics at the top are most likely to be continued.

These filters are pretty straightforward to narrow your search. Are you wanting F/M Feysand smut with oral sex? Filter by explicit, F/M, Rhysand/Feyre, and include the tag "Oral sex".

The Exclude option filters exactly the same. Don't want to see any smut? Exclude explicit fics. Don't like certain ships? Filter them out of the results. Can't stand Modern AUs? Add it to the additional tags to exclude.

This is the one that I feel likely gets overlooked. In order these filters help you choose whether you want to include or exclude crossovers, include or exclude incomplete fics, set a min/max word count, and search for fics published within a certain date range.

Sorting by incomplete fics updated in the last month, for example, would be a great way to both sort fics by kudos and see the ones that were updated most recently, so you can support fic authors that are still active in the fandom and avoiding reading fics that are less likely to get an update.

(I found this feature really helpful when I was searching for rewrites of acowar, because I was able to search for fics that were written before its release)

I also use the word count filter if I'm, say, looking for a sweet fluffy fic and but don't have a lot of time to invest in reading. I might only sort by fics that are less than 10k words, or alternatively maybe you only want to read longer fics and might set the word count to over 100k words.

Finally, the search within the results is the most valuable feature. This takes all the criteria you set above, and allows you to search for specific keywords within them. This is especially helpful if you're looking for something that might have several tag variations, e.g. "wedding". This way it will check the tags, summary, and content of the fics for that keyword or phrase.

There are also a ton of hidden search operators that you can use in this field to: search for oneshots, exclude certain creators, etc.

Otp: true is one of the most helpful ones. This filters out results where your pairing isn't the main focus of the fic. No more searching for Feysand fics and having to scroll through pages and pages of Nessian, Gwynriel, etc where Feysand are only supporting characters.

The main thing is you just have to think about how the fic you're looking for would be tagged, when it might have been written, how it would be rated, etc, and use the search within the results box to narrow it as much as you can! Go ahead and try searching for Feyre/Rhysand fics with the included tag: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence 😉

[ncssian]

A Favor: Part Twenty-Eight

Nessian Modern AU

Masterlist

a/n: the beginning of the end :,) if u made it this far i think ur cool

***

“Where do you see yourself in five years?” Lana asks.

Nesta closes her eyes, letting the picture swirl and take shape in her mind.

This time last year, she would have imagined nothing. Nothing but a desk in a busy law office, and maybe a nice apartment if she was lucky. That would be it. But now she sees…

“Somewhere with good food and good music,” she muses. “Maybe a sea breeze.” The sun-faded buildings of Portofino fade into the foreground of her imagination. “There are lots of people with me,” she hears the sound of children shrieking and Cassian’s rumbling laughter, “but it’s okay, because I love every one of them.” Her eyes open. “Is that a good answer?”

A near invisible smile tugs at the corners of Lana’s lips. “You tell me, Nesta. Do you like what you see?”

“It’s a little too cinematic if you ask me,” Nesta says nonchalantly, picking up her bag from the ground, “but I suppose all dreams are that way.”

“It’s a good dream,” Lana says. “A worthy dream, and one you deserve to chase.”

Nesta shrugs lightly, not too worried about the burden of the future for once. “Maybe I will.”

“In that case, congratulations on completing your final therapy session,” Lana says, setting her notebook aside. “You’ve made some amazing progress this year.”

Nesta gives her therapist her signature what’s-wrong-with-you look. “I’m going on vacation, not firing you for good. I’ll see you again in two months.”

“Two months can be enough to lose all your progress, if you forget everything you went through to get here.”

Nesta isn’t stupid. She knows that she isn’t suddenly desperate to make babies or be maid of honor at her sisters’ weddings or some bullshit. She knows that the image she just dreamed up, with Cassian and kids and her unburdened heart, is likely more than five years away. If it happens at all, it could be ten, even twenty years of hard work away.

She’s not nearly finished growing yet. “I’ll see you in two months, Lana,” she repeats.

Lana smiles at her fully this time. “Enjoy your summer, Nesta.”

***

The air is different in the Smokies.

Nesta rolls the truck windows down so she can inhale it, relish it. Wind whips her hair every which way as they drive down the winding freeway cutting through the lush mountains, and something about the look on her face makes Cassian chuckle and press down on the accelerator.

Nesta watches the red needle on the speedometer cross ninety, then one hundred. She can barely feel the June heat with how fast they’re going.

In the end, it was Feyre and Elain that reached out and invited her to the Tennessee summer home. Cassian had made it obvious that he wouldn’t push her to go if she didn’t want to, and at first she really didn’t want to. But Feyre had looked so hopeful when she asked Nesta to come with them, and even Elain had revealed a glimmer of eagerness that Nesta would say yes.

So against all odds, she agreed to go.

Exchanging one mountain home for another isn’t much of a getaway, but Nesta can’t help but be excited. Even with the unhappy memories of her childhood, she loves these hills more than any other.

The pure exhilaration of being back in Tennessee overcomes her at some point during the drive, knocking her out in the passenger seat where she sits. In her drowsy state, she distantly hears the windows being rolled up, before feeling Cassian’s hand guide her head to rest against the glass. The rest of the drive is warm and sunny, enough to lull her into a deep sleep.

The next thing Nesta’s aware of is the crunch of gravel and the feeling of the truck tires slowing to a stop. Fingers brush against her heated cheek, and then Cassian is murmuring at her to wake up.

Blinking her eyes open, Nesta twists around to see their destination.

For a moment, she thinks she’s still dreaming.

“Welcome to Holly House,” Cassian says with a grin. The house in question is quaint and sprawling at the same time, the way most upper class Southerners like their houses. The whole thing gleams with a fresh coat of white paint under the afternoon sun, complemented by a sky blue wraparound porch. Colonial style windows and proud columns decorating the facade of the building makes it look like the setting of a fairy tale.

Beyond it, Nesta can see cherry blossoms. Pink, fluttering cherry blossoms that fly off their branches and swirl through the air, some of them disappearing into the thick woods behind the house. Woods that Nesta has walked countless times before.

“The rest of the guys won’t get here until tomorrow afternoon,” Cassian is saying to her, “so we have the whole place to our—”

Nesta isn’t listening anymore. She unbuckles her seatbelt and shoves open the truck door, hobbling outside on unsteady feet to make sure she isn’t hallucinating things. But no, this is…

“Cherrywood,” she breathes, eyes wide in disbelief.

Cassian gets out of the truck, coming up beside Nesta to slip his hand into her shorts pocket. “What’s wrong? You okay?”

“This is Rhysand’s summer home?” Nesta points at the house. “This place?”

Cassian looks around at the building grounds in confusion. “Has been for the last two decades, yeah.”

It’s been eleven years since she last stepped foot on these grounds.

With wonderment in her voice, she utters to Cassian, “I’ve been here before.”

At his puzzled look, she explains, “I lived just on the other side of those woods.” She points to the trees. “There’s an old cracked road that hasn’t been maintained since it was first paved, and you can follow it straight to the poor side of town. Whenever I wanted to get away, I would come down that road and trek through the woods, and I’d end up here. I stopped coming because…” she trails off.

Because she got caught that one time.

Cassian seems to realize it at the same moment as her. His hand slips out of her pocket. “You…”

Nesta remembers a tall boy with shocked eyes and shaggy hair, and she shakes her head slowly in forceful denial. It can’t be true. It’s too much of a coincidence.

But he points at her, then her feet. “You—with the size six Converse,” he sputters. “It was you.”

Before Nesta can confirm or deny it, he grabs her by the wrist and starts tugging her along, up the porch stairs and inside the house.

Even with Rhysand and Feyre’s renovations, it looks undeniably the same as all those years ago. The living room is to her right and the farmhouse style kitchen and dining area is to the left, though she speeds by it all as Cassian pulls her farther inside the house, to the closet beneath the curving stairs.

He lets go of her hand to search the small closet, muttering, “I know they were here somewhere.” But the closet looks like it was stripped empty for renovations, with only bolts in the walls indicating that shoe racks used to hang there.

Cassian turns and heads for the stairs, and Nesta blindly follows him. She also wants to go upstairs, wants to see if the bay window looking out onto the garden has stayed the same.

Like he read her mind, he leads her straight to the room she used to spend hours reading in. It’s smaller than all the other bedrooms in the house, but it’s always been her favorite because of the view.

As Cassian keeps looking for whatever it is he’s looking for, upturning boxes and checking beneath furniture, Nesta drifts toward the bay window. She looks from the cherry blossom trees outside, to the full-sized bed, to Cassian, and a weight drops even heavier in her gut. She has to reach out and grip the edge of the dresser for support.

Finally, Cassian pops out of the closet victorious. In his hand are a pair of ragged shoes that Nesta hasn’t worn in a long, long time.

He comes over and drops them with a thud at her feet.

“Whose room is this?” she asks with a rough voice, still staring down at the shoes.

“Mine,” he answers simply.

“Oh.” She met him before. She met him before.

When Nesta dares to look up and meet Cassian’s eyes, what she finds there nearly robs her of breath: wonder, astonishment, and unwavering fealty. He breaks into sudden wholehearted laughter, which dazes her even more.

“What’s so funny?” she demands.

Cassian gets out between laughs, “What was it Rhysand said about Feyre? When they found out they were close to crossing paths when they were younger?”

Nesta’s earth-tilting shock slowly slips away, replaced by a stern look. “Don’t say it.”

He pretends to remember. “I think it was fate.” A wicked smirk pulls at his lips at Nesta’s resigned sigh. “But I have another word for it, too.”

“Don’t say that, either.” She pleadingly holds up her hands, only for Cassian to snatch one out of the air and intertwine his fingers with hers.

“Soulmate,” he says quietly, now less amused.

Nesta swallows thickly, not having any words for him. All she knows is that he is never going to let her live this down.

“Imagine if we’d gone to the same high school,” Cassian says to her later that afternoon as they lounge in his old room. “Fuck, I could’ve saved myself so much time with all those random girls.” They’ve been swapping childhood stories for the past hour, as if they might find more instances in their history of a red string tying them together.

Nesta doesn’t need coincidences or fateful run-ins to know that a string has always been wrapped around her ring finger, pulling her to Colorado and to that cabin. But for Cassian’s sake, she’ll gladly amuse him. “I would have been a freshman while you were a senior,” she says matter-of-factly. “It never could have happened.”

He hums in thought, head propped up in his hand, elbow propped up against the bay window seat. “Maybe if you were older. You would have been the smart, quiet girl, and I’d have been the player jock, and as soon as we locked eyes in math class, I’d be head over heels in love with you.”

Nesta cackles from where she sits in the window seat above him. “Now you’re just writing fanfiction.”

Cassian grins up at her but doesn’t send a rebuttal her way. The conversation falls into a lull, until Nesta has to reach out and ask, “What are you thinking?”

His smile turns a little sad. “That I wish we weren’t doing this right before I leave for another country.”

Right. That’s what’s been hanging over them the entire trip to Tennessee: that as soon as they get back to Colorado, Cassian is going to be on a plane to Milan.

Getting Keith O’Connell to quit—how exactly Cassian went about accomplishing it, he still won’t tell Nesta—left Rhysand at square one with his search for a team leader for his overseas venture.

When Cassian brought up the idea of taking the job to Nesta, he sounded like he hoped she would shoot him down, talk him out of it. He both wanted to go and was reluctant to leave, like his very soul was glued to his home and he didn’t want to unstick himself.

So Nesta, being his home, had to do the unsticking for him. She nearly accepted the year-long Milan position herself for Cassian’s sake, and it took weeks of coaxing and convincing to put him at ease about the whole thing.

“But we promised to go together for the first time,” he kept saying.

“We’ll still go together one day, and it’ll still be our first time there with each other,” she reassured him.

Eventually, he relented to her and Rhysand’s pressures with a single condition. “I’ll do six months. Not a year.”

Only Nesta knows deep down how much Cassian needs this opportunity. Though Cassian must know it a little bit too, because he wouldn’t have taken the job if he didn’t.

Nesta might have needed him in order to come out of her shell, but now he needs to get away from her in order to find his own shell. Something he can call his own, unburdened by his loyalties to the people he loves. So he can find who he wants to be for himself, without always being attached to her hip.

Rising to her feet, Nesta raises her arms in the air in a full body stretch. Her back and legs ache with being curled up in that window seat for so long without movement.

Dropping her arms, she holds out a hand to Cassian still sitting on the floor. “Come on,” she urges him. “Let’s go outside. I haven’t seen a Smoky sunset in years.”

“But it’s not evening yet,” he argues while taking her hand.

Outside, they explore the garden that leads into the woods while waiting for the sun to slink down the sky. Cherry blossoms ride the summer breeze wherever it takes them, resulting in Cassian sniffling and scratching at his neck as they walk hand in hand.

“Rhysand wanted to take these trees down and replace them with a flower garden for Elain,” he tells Nesta as they walk. His sinuses sound clogged, but he’s refused to go back inside until he’s explained every inch of the land to Nesta. “I convinced him not to because it would ruin the view from my bedroom window. Didn’t I make the right choice?” He throws a grin in her direction.

Nesta’s swallow is tight at that grin. “The view from your room was always my favorite part about the entire place. So yes, you did good.”

His eyes widen at that tidbit of information, and she can almost see him tucking it away as more Soulmate Evidence.

They stroll through the woods for a while, and Nesta points out the path she would take to get to Cherrywood—she still insists on calling it Cherrywood, even when Cassian argues that the house’s original name has been around since the sixties.

“Show me the rest of the way?” Cassian asks her, face lit up in boyish hope. “Show me where you ran away to that day I found you.”

Nesta almost expects the memory of the rundown apartment complex she grew up in to feel like being shoved into sludge: dirty, cold, and slimy. Instead, she finds she has no problem with looking back at her old home, no matter how many ugly memories she holds from there.

However, the dappled sunlight streaming in through the trees overhead has turned from yellow to dark gold, and she shakes her head in apology to Cassian. “Another day,” she promises him. “It’s almost sunset.”

They walk back to the house, rounding it until they reach the front. At the bottom of the hill that the house is perched on stands a pier that leads all the way out to the lake. Green mountains frame the lake from both sides, creating the perfect cradle for the sun to sink into.

They go all the way out to the edge of the pier, as if they’re trying to get as close to the sunset as physically possible. Dragonflies lazily swoop by as the lake is gradually painted in a hundred different colors.

Once there’s more darkness than light in the sky, Cassian nudges Nesta with one of the arms he has around her. “Look.” He points.

Along the shoreline of the lake, little dots of light have lit up to welcome the evening, their blinking glow so small that Nesta almost doesn’t catch it. Fireflies.

Nesta watches the insects flit in and out of the long grasses of the lake shore, getting tangled in the weeds and wildflowers. In that moment, she remembers something Cassian once confessed to her not long after his birthday.

I want to see more beautiful places with you.

Nesta ticks this beautiful place off the long list in her head—the first place out of many that she plans to see with Cassian.

More beautiful than the scene before her is the man in her arms. The man who was kind enough to understand a woman who barely understood herself, and to be her friend when she had none. The man who is extending his kindness right now by not having made any breaking-and-entering jokes about Nesta so far, though she’s sure he’ll pull them out eventually.

Discovering that she once found Cassian, just to let him slip by running away from him, only to find him again over a decade later—it comforts the tiny part of her that’s loath to say goodbye to him in two weeks.

Like Cassian is thinking the same thing, he murmurs into the dark, “I can’t wait to come back to you.”

Nesta huffs in amusement. “You haven’t even left yet.”

“I know.” After a moment, he adds in a low voice that not even the fireflies can hear, “Thank you for convincing me to go.”

She reaches up to squeeze his bicep. “Always.” And then she adds what she really wants him to hear: “Don’t come back until you find what you’re looking for.”

“I better find it quick then,” he jokes. Still, he nods in promise against the side of her head.

The only sound after that is the chirp of cicadas and the occasional lap of water meeting the pier beams. Nesta and Cassian stay outside in the June heat long after the sky turns ink blue.

***

a/n: next chapter is just some ic bullshit so take all ur bittersweet sentimentality here and go

tagging: @sjm-things @thewayshedreamed @drielecarla @valkyriewarriors @superspiritfestival @aliveahaahahafuck @cupcakey00 @sayosdreams @rainbowcheetah512 @claralady @thebluemartini @nessiantho @missing-merlin @duskandstarlight @lucy617 @sleeping-and-books @everything-that-i-love @cassianscool @swankii-art-teacher @wannawriteyouabook @arinbelle @awesomelena555 @julemmaes @wickedqueenoffantasy @poisonous-bloom @observationanxioustheorist @gisellefigue08 @courtofjurdan @theoverlyenthusiasticwriter @wolfiixxx @cass-nes @seashade @royaltykxx @illyrianundercover @monstrousloves-explodinggalaxies @humanexile @that-golden-lyre @agentsofsheilds @mercy-is-alive @cassiansbigwingspan @laylaameer01 @verypaleninja @maastrash @bow-dawn @perseusannabeth @dead-on-the-inside666 @jlinez @hungryreadingaddict @anidealiveson @planet-faerie @shallowhighwaters @ghostlyrose2 @chosenfamily-valkyriequeens @rarephloxes @readiajin @nessiantrashh @live-the-fangirl-life @ifinallygavein @xoblivisci @sjmships @jungtaekwoonie-is-life @lysandra-tiara @lanyjoy-13 @post-it-notes33 @loosingdreams @fromthelibraryofemilyj @18moneytoad @dontgetsalmonella @champanheandluxxury @togreblog @ladygabrielli1997 @meridainthedisneyland @moodymelanist @pixieelea @teagoddess99 @mystic-bibliophile

[lovemyromance]

"Well Elriel might be attracted to each other now but that could change"

Uh .. yeah? Ok. Sure 👍

I personally think that Feysand is not endgame then. Yes I know they are together now, but that could change.

You know who's really lookin hot right now? Balthazar from the Blood Rite. I think he and Nesta could be great together. Yes, I know she's with Cassian now, but that could change.

Speaking of Cassian, I truly think he's gonna be the HL of the NC one day. Rhys doesn't like Nesta so obviously in an angry rage, Cassian will off Rhys and take over as HL. Yes I know that he's not in the lineage, but that could change.

Oh that reminds me of the lineage! I think Nyx is meant for the Day Court. I think his mate is going to be Helion's daughter or son or something! Y'all know how much SJM is an "Opposites Attract" author and Nyx's name literally means Night!! Yes I know that he's not currently related to Day Court in any way, but that could change.

See where I'm going with this? Yes a lot of things could theoretically change per the author's whim in a fictional work. But do you know why all these statements sound ridiculous?

Because SJM has given no reason for us to believe they will change.

Elriel hasn't been given a book yet, but we know enough about their interactions so far to know there is romantic attraction there. And there has been nothing to suggest that SJM is planning for that to change. So why would we believe it will?

I'm aware they haven't been officially declared yet but all the evidence so far points to romantic attraction. They have had a handful of significant moments together and a bonus chapter where they're practically gnawing at the bars of their enclosures to get to each other. So tell me, given the information so far, why should we believe this has changed?

People can argue they don't interact after Solstice but didn't Cassian and Nesta not interact after ACOWAR? Didn't Feyre go back to Tamlin and not talk to Rhys till he showed up at her wedding?

I think it's really crazy to use those examples of Nessian & Feysand and compare them to Elucien by saying "Oh Elain and Lucien also avoid each other! Just like Nesta avoided Cassian and Feyre didn't talk to Rhys!"

You know what the real equivalent would be?

If Nesta saw Cassian at the dining table and proceeded to never speak to him and left the room every time he tried to talk to her.

If Feyre saw Rhys UTM and avoided him and didn't talk to him and made zero deals with him.

That is how Elain interacts with Lucien.

A lot of things could change in this series and I'm not trying to claim anything is endgame 100%. But I am saying that given the clear evidence of what is in the books, on the page, no guesswork involved - all signs point to Elriel. Could it change? Sure. But so could everything else then 🤷🏻‍♀️

[darklove9314-blog]

Family : A Nessian Fanfic

Day 19 of Nessian month: Prompt: Nessian bonding with the IC.

Nesta gazed upon Cassian, Her hand firmly in his as Cassian knocked on the front doors of the river house, Feyre opened the door, a smile on her face, a hand pressed firmly to her swollen stomach before a five year old Nyx grinned at the sight of his aunt and uncle flinging himself in his aunt’s arms.

“Aunt Nes! You came!” Nyx exclaimed. A happy chuckle escaping her lips.

“Of course I came. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.“ Nesta smiled as Cassian cocked his head to the side staring at Nyx.

“What? No love for your favorite uncle?” He stated as Nyx’s eyes widened with excitement

“Is Uncle Az with you?” He questioned causing Nesta to hold in her laugh. Only five years old and he already mastered the art of a good come back. Even Feyre was reining in her smile.

“Say hi to your other uncle, sweetie.“ Feyre encouraged him as he wiggled himself out of Nesta’s arms and hugged Cassian.

“Hi Uncle Cass.“ He greeted. Nesta had no real idea why Nyx had grown more of an attachment to her than Cassian, but she guessed she would never really know that answer. Kids were always a mystery.

“Come inside, we’re just getting to cutting the cake.“ Feyre explained as Nesta and Cassian entered Nyx holding onto Feyre‘s hand.

Cassian‘s hand slid into hers before they entered the sitting area. Several of Nyx’s friends gathered around a table as he chatted away. He really was a social one.

Cassian pulled out a chair for Nesta, she thanked him as they took a spot beside Mor who greeted Casan with a hug.

“Long time, no see, stranger.” Mor greeted. Her smile dazzling across the whole room.

“That’s what happens when you go to the court of Nightmares for a whole six months.“

Mor shrugged taking a sip of her wine.

“It’s not easy to undo the damage the years have caused there, but perhaps in a few more years The Court of Nightmares will be a thing of the past and it can start anew.”

A fresh start. Something that a lot of the Night Court had needed. progress was slow, but nothing ever happened over night.

Nesta‘s eyes drew to Cassian, the curve of his lips at his friends accomplishment. The determination she had showed to take over the Court of Nightmares after her fathers passing and do what she thought she should have always done. Made more dreamers in the city of Nightmares. Nesta had even offered her assistance if Mor ever became overwhelmed. Which she had appreciated.

“How are things in Illyria?” Mor asked, her eyebrows raised in question at Cassian, who’s own smiled beamed, his arm going around Nesta. Pride shone in them with their accomplishments.

“We finally managed to convince Devlon to combine a two small units made up of both Illyrian and Valkeryie warriors. One of them are the younger generations who wish to become apart of the ranks and the others are the ones who have already went through the rite.”

“That’s amazing, I knew you two could do it.” Mor smiled looking over to Nesta.

“I couldn’t have done it without the steel will determination of my mate,“ Cassian explained pressing a kiss to the side of her temple.

“Don’t forget Emerie and Gwyn.” Nesta added.

“How could I ever?” Cassian smiled pressing a kiss to her hair.

“I thought the mating bond was supposed to die down some after a couple of years?” Amren asked sliding down in a chair, Varian by her side.

Cassian smirked at her. “You know that’s not how that works.“

“I dread the day you procreate boy. Hopefully the babe has its mother’s smarts.“

“I hope so too.“ Cassian told her making Nesta feel warm in her chest.

She had been thinking a lot about having children lately. Been having dreams of Cassian filling her with life. thinking of the one they would create together. Been gazing at the tea she had been using as her birth control for the past five years and been wanting to have a conversation about what his thoughts were if she stopped taking it, if they had started trying.

but they both had been so busy lately getting everything together that it had been a while since the two of them had time to be intimate, Had time to talk about the future that she wanted to have with him. Would they be able to have a baby? She knew getting pregnant as a fae could be difficult, but she was willing to try. She just needed a moment with him where they both weren’t exhausted.

Amren smirked seeming to catch how deep Nesta’s thoughts ran.

“I guess we’ll see when the time is right.“ She simply said leaning into Varian. Her wedding ring flashing in the light.

Before Cassian could say more, the door opened Azriel stepping through it as Nyx hugged him. Azriel placing Nyx on his back and carrying him into the dining room.

“Be careful there, Uncle Az, you may throw your back out.“ Cassian teased earning him an eye roll from Azriel.

“I’m in better shape than you.“ Azriel retorted. “I bet you couldn’t even lift him to your shoulders.”

“Is that so?” Cassian challeneed as Nesta heard a far off voice say.

“I hate to break up your bet with my son, but it’s time for presents.“ Rhys told them taking Nyx for Azriel’s shoulder. A wide grin on the boys face.

“Presents!” Nyx shouted happily running towards them as the other children followed. Feyre smiled rubbing at her abdomen absentmindedly.

“Do you think he’ll have any trouble not being an only child when his sister arrives?” Feyre asked as Rhys beamed.

“Not at all. though there definitely will be an adjustment period.“ Rhys assured her as Nesta looked back to Cassian. His gaze on Rhys and Feyre as Rhysand pressed a kiss to her sister’s cheek.

Nesta had always knew that Cassian had longed for a family of his own. It wasn’t that his close circle of friends wasn’t enough for him or even her, but she knew Cassian had always wanted children. She had been hesitant afraid if she would be a good mother or not.

He had assured her there was no rush for children. That he would wait hundreds of years if he had to so she could be ready for them. Nesta just had to make sure she was doing this as much for herself as she was for Cassian. She would not bring a child into this world unless both her and Cassisn were ready for one.

Nesta joined the others sitting down next to Feyre as Cassian joined Rhys and Azriel having a conversation that Nesta had no clue what it was about.

Elain was beside Mor and Amren, her laughter flooding over to them as she sent both her sisters a slight wave. Nesta waved back before turning back to Feyre, not sure how to start this particular conversation as they watched Nyx open his presents. His eyes growing wide at the mini paint set his mother had gotten him.

“Thanks mom!” Nyx said flinging his arms around Feyre’s neck as she pulled her son closer.

“You’re welcome baby.” Feyre said hugging him as Nesta took in the sight. She knew she wanted that with her own child. But she was still afraid that she would not be any good at motherhood.

Nesta watched as Nyx opened his other gifts, watching as he opened the toy that Nesta and Cassian had gotten for him. Thanking both of them with a hug.

Nesta‘s smile bloomed as she beheld the hug between Nyx and Cassian, Could almost see Cassian with their own son or daughter, How good of a father he would be. She wondered when Cassian saw her with Nyx if he thought the same thing.

“Is something on your mind?” Feyre asked when they both were alone in the kitchen. they were cleaning up while the others were in the living room showing Nyx how to use his toy and helping him set them up. Cassian had always been great at building things. He was putting the others to shame. A smile tugged at Nesta’s lips.

“When did you know?” She asked as Feyre stopped on the dish she was working on.

“Know about what?” She replied scrubbing at a really stubborn stain as Nesta handed her a better sponge.

“Thank you.“ She said as Nesta dried the dishes Feyre handed to her.

”How did you know you were ready to have a baby?” She asked. Feyre stopping mid scrub.

“Are you and Cassian-?” She started but Nesta interrupted her.

“No. At least not yet. I-I haven’t brought up the conversation with him yet.“ Shd told Feyre. Feyre nodded in understanding.

“I can understand that. It’s not a decision to take lightly. There’s a lot of factors to take into account.”

“Like how I feel like I would be a terrible mother?”

Feyre looked at Nesta with the same eyes they both had inherited from their mother.

”What makes you believe you’ll be a terrible mother?” Feyre asked. going back to the dishes.

“Because I couldn’t even take care of us when it mattered most.” She confided to Feyre.

“It wasn’t your job to take care of us. It was our fathers. “

“It wasn’t your job to take care of us either. but you still did it anyway.“

“It still doesnt mean it would have been right no matter which of us took care of the other. perhaps the real mistake was that we didnt take care of each other, but we were young and we’ll learn from those mistakes, God knows I still make them when it comes to my own child.”

“Please. You’re the definition of the perfect mother.” Nesta told her drying the dishes Feyre had worked on.

“I wouldn‘t say that. I still have the deal Rhys and I made which in retrospect wasn’t the brightest idea if you want to have kids.”

“You made a mistake, it happens to all of us.“

“I will admit we didn’t really think it through. the deal I mean. But no one ever said every decision was a rational one, but you’re deflectin. We were talking about you wanting kids.”

“I know it’s been years but I still have those intrusive thoughts that I’ll end up just like our mother.“ Nesta told her.

“We can’t live our life in fear Nesta. and remember you also have a support system in your corner. If you want to have kids than that’s your choice, well yours and Cassian’s. Just make sure that you’re ready to commit to it. To put that child before anything else, because when your baby comes. It’ll be your whole world. only you can determine what mother you’ll be, The past be damned.“

���Thanks Feyre.“

“Don’t mention it.” Feyre smiled as Cassian turned towards them getting up from his spot and heading towards the kitchen until he stopped where they were at.

“I’ve come to relieve you, my high lady.“ Cassian said as Feyre chuckled.

“Thank God you have spared me of the tedious task that is dish washing.” Feyre teased giving him a pat on the shoulder.

“I’ll see you two when you’re finished,“ Feyre told them heading to sit down beside Rhys and Nyx.

“Were you two having fun in here?” Cassian teased grabbing a dish and washing it.

“Aren’t we always?” Nesta smirked grabbing the dish from him and drying it.

“What were you two talking about?” Cassian asked. “It seemed like a pretty intense conversation.“

“It was a sister thing and…there’s something I want to discuss with you when we get home.“ She told him.

“Nothing bad I hope.“

“No. It’s just a conversation that I’ve been wanting to have with you for a while now.“ She confided in him, He nodded, relief filling his features as they worked on the dishes. talking about the party. When things were winding down Feyre pulled Nesta into a hug as Nesta also hugged Nyx,

“Goodbye Aunt Nes.”

“Goodbye buddy, I’ll see you next week when you come spend the night,“

Nyx‘s eyes lit up at the sound of that, the house adored Nyx as it had any other person, Maybe even favored him slightly. Though she didn’t blame the house. it had been a while since a child had been in it.She wondered how the house would feel to have one there permanently.

When Cassian and Nesta went home, She had found her answer in a stack of novels on the house library’s table. Books on motherhood, what to expect when you’re expecting. Nesta felt a warmth in her chest as the house also presented her the herbs for her tea. She hadn’t taken her dosage today.

Footsteps sounded in the door of the library as the books vanished from sight but the tea remained. She had made up her mind. Had known her answer as Cassian approached her.

“What was it you wanted to talk about?” He asked taking a seat beside her noting the tea.

Nesta took a deep breath. “Did you mean it? When you said you wanted kids?”

Casian nodded. “It’s something Ive always wanted. What brought this up?” He asked as Nesta took another breath.

“I was thinking-“ Nesta started. “About the future you’ve talked about for us. How you said you wanted kids?”

“Did you change your mind? Did you not want kids? Is that why you said you wanted to talk?” Cassian asked.

”No, I-I wanted to talk to you because I- I want to try for a baby. I-I want to make a baby with you.”

Cassian eyes snapped to hers, searching her face before he stood up, his calloused and warm hand going to her face.

“You want a baby?” Cassian asked. Nesta nodded. And she did. Gods did she want a baby with her mate. the love of her life.

“Yes.” She whispered to him as he smiled. The smile as bright as the dawn as he lifted trash can up eyes flickering to get tea.

Nesta’s smile curved upwards before she took the tea tossing it in the trash before Cassian‘s lips camd crashing down to hers.

He hoisted her on the desk, her back leaning against it as Cassian pulled away smiling down at her in the most breathtaking gaze she had ever saw and whispered.

“Then by all means mate,let’s get stared.“

[acourtofthought]

Making the Case for Elucien’s Book Already Having Been in the Works

The link to SJM’s Live Talks LA with Eva Chen is linked below and takes place after the release of ACOSF but here are some of the important take aways:

Do you have a book planned for the other sister? (referring to Elain)

24:50 - “Yes, to everything.  As soon as Nesta and Elain came back on the page in ACOMAF, I knew they would have journey's beyond what the reader was seeing.”

27:55 - “each book is a standalone that features it's own couple”

28:50 - Writing ACOWAR but finishing up ACOMAF - she told her editor  "what plans I had for Elain"

29:50 - "because this is where I wanted it go it allowed me to plant things for her journey and even Elain's journey early on"

30:48 - "I always try to keep one eye on the horizon when I'm writing just to make sure in the book I'm working on, I can set up for things later on. So there's lot of little secrets in SF that set up for later.” (this entire line of responses was based around having set up Nesta and ELAIN’s journey so it’s safe to say that some of the secrets she’s referring to in SF are in reference to Elain.  E/riels always use Elain and Az’s Bonus Chapter as proof of endgame and that Elain is Az’s secret but SJM is talking about secrets she’s left for the reader to find.  Nesta claiming “Az’s secret to tell” is not a secret to the reader at all.  Secrets are.....why Nesta placed the carving of the rose made for Elain next to a goddess figure.  Secrets are....hinting that Spring was MADE for someone like Elain.  Secrets are....placing both Lucien and Elain in Spring in future books as well as hinting that they’ll both end up traveling to the continent where Koschei is.  Secrets are the hints that someone other than Rhys may be High King and Lucien is showing the first markers of becoming a High Lord.  Secrets are what the real reason for Elain’s stealth like behaviors might be.  

33:13 - "basically I want to go everywhere except the Spring Court because Tamlin sucks.  But I love the Spring.  That's my problem.  Some of the seasons I adore but the people who run the courts are like giant douchebags.

50:00 - (talking about Silver Flames) We sent it off to the printer this past fall.

57:00 - Are there any iconic couples in pop culture of history or movies that you "stan", that might have been inspiring for any of the couples in any of your.....

57:36 - I don't think I was inspired by any of the couples but during the pandemic I’d done a bunch of rereading of Pride and Prejudice and listened to it and watched that BBC adaptation but Elizabeth and Darcy are......I can't get enough of their sexual tension.

58:40 - They have just as much sexual chemistry and tension as any graphically described relationship  

58:50 - I have spent a lot of time imagining what the Darcy / Elizabeth wedding night would be like.  

59:20 - I've spent a lot of time thinking about Pride and Prejudice lately. Elizabeth and Darcy and their relationship and what he does for her by the end of that book and how she evolves and changes by the end of the book.  I mean they both change and evolve and that's what I love most about their story, they're still very much themselves by the end of that book but they develop an understanding of each other and they've also grown because of each other and grown because of confronting each other.

After the last comment at 59:20, SJM then brings it back to Nesta and Cassian saying “and Nesta and Cassian I’m not going to be arrogant enough saying they’re just like Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy because they’re different stories but that’s the kind of relationship I like to write about.

.......But, Silver Flames had already been released and at 59:20, she said that she’s been spending a lot of time thinking about Pride and Prejudice lately.  So to me, she’s not thinking about P&P because of Nessian since their story had already been told and theirs was definitely a graphically described romance.  She then says Nesta and Cassian are maybe a reverse P&P where she’s more like Mr. Darcy and he’s more like Elizabeth but to me they don’t give off P & P vibes.  Sure, Nesta had stubbornness but it was more about her own self hatred.  Elizabeth and Darcy’s issues arose because of the first impressions they had about the other person which is very similar to the way Elain and Lucien found out they were Mates, it set the tone for their entire relationship so far (not to mention Lucien initially felt humans were inferior to the Fae in ACOTAR as Darcy struggled with Elizabeth’s “lesser” class).  There also wasn’t a lot of sexual tension in Nessian’s book considering the sex played a large role very early on and they lack the propriety that Elizabeth and Darcy did.  

There is no other SJM couple that embodies Pride and Prejudice more thoroughly than Elain and Lucien, two characters who need to learn to “confront one another” and I can't imagine why she would have repeatedly been reading / watching / listening to it unless she was channeling Elucien.

Azriel may be broody but his thoughts are extremely graphic in nature and he's violent (not at all Darcy like).  There’s also no way for him to still be "very much himself" by the end of his book and end up a match for Elain. SJM likes her characters to grow but not be unrecognizable.

In the same interview she spoke of hints for Elain’s journey, she calls Tamlin a douchebag so I highly doubt she’s building towards a Tamlain ship.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrC23s33UxI&t=1742s

[rhysismydaddy]

Unholy Matrimony Pt. 1 (Nessian)

Nesta’s part of the Damnation Series.

OOF this took so long sorry. I rewrote it, changed it, then deleted it entirely about 9 times. I literally started writing the version before you, from scratch, on Sunday. All parts are linked below, so I’m only tagging people on this version! To go to the next chapter, there is also a link at the bottom <3

ALSO, an important caviat: Nesta is an only child in this one! I originally wrote it for her to be adopted and not know it, but it wasn’t really relevant to the story, so... idk. Just ignore that plot hole I guess.

Parts 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 -- pls like each part I’m insecure

______________________________________________

~Cassian~

“You’re getting married.”

The glass of bourbon halfway to my mouth pauses, because despite being known for being rash and unpredictable, even I’m surprised by the sudden change in conversation.

My eyebrows raise as I look over at Rhysand, my best friend and Capo, trying to figure out if this bastard is serious. His tone says he is, but that doesn’t make sense, because before a few seconds ago, the word “marriage” was in neither of our vocabularies.

He’s been single for as long as I have, although I’m starting to suspect he’s got a bird in the city. He’s too damn happy these days, and the other day I saw him laugh at something on his phone.

Which is weird, because we both know long-term commitments don’t really do well with our lifestyle.

We were raised to not give a shit about anything except the job. We kill without remorse, live in the shadows, and whatever other shitty euphemism you want to use. Settling down in some suburban, picket-fence prison has absolutely no appeal to Made Men.

Don’t get me wrong, most of us get married at some point. But never for love.

Some men choose a bride that’s pretty and sweet. Someone who will donate to charity and help clean up their image. Governors’ daughters, women from old-money families, and social princesses make up this category.

Some men marry to advance their station in the Family. Second sons who will never inherit the business marry daughters of Underbosses to get a nice boost to their status.

And then there’s the ones who are forced to marry by their capo--ie. me-- so they choose whatever attractive woman that’s in the Family and available. Those are always the happiest.

But regardless of the reasoning, marriage in the mafia is heartless, political, and for me, unnecessary.

I know I’ll have to pick someone eventually, but there aren’t a whole lot of desirable options at the moment. Not many of the other Underbosses have daughters that are over the age of fifteen right now, and I have no interest in doing the child-bride thing.

Plus, there’s no way I’d marry someone outside of the family. At my rank, it isn’t an option.

That leaves... a widow?

The only one I know is Ianthe, and considering I highly suspect she killed her last husband and the fact that she’s crazy, there’s no way in hell I’d legally bind myself to her for life.

So he must be joking.

I take a pull from my cigar and look over at Rhys with narrowed eyes. “Uh huh. Sure. To who, exactly?”

“Volchonok.”

The Wolf Cub.

The cigar snaps in my fingers.

“You’re fucking kidding,” I say, honestly hoping that’s the case. He’s either that or insane, and I’d hate to lock someone who’s like a brother to me in a padded room.

Rhysand’s unflinching gaze doesn’t change, but his tone morphs from that of my friend to my boss. “You will marry her, Cassian.”

“She’s a fucking Russian,” I spit, not understanding. That should be reason enough for him to be joking.

In our world, being Russian is a crime similar to stabbing the Pope.

We’ve been at war over New York with them ever since they decided to try and get a stronghold on the east coast, and I’ve killed more of them than I can fucking count. Now I’m marrying one?

“Yes, she is, and so is her father, Alexei Olov.” Aka the Bratva Boss responsible for blowing up half of St. Petersburg last year when the local police refused to buy his weapons. “You will marry her, move to New York full time, and run the city with her by your side.”

“Why? Two or three more years, and we’ll have the city anyway.” Every day the Russians get weaker, and I’ve been responsible for pushing them out of my city block by block.

So there has to be a reason we’re suddenly okay with the enemy.

Rhysand sighs. “It was his idea, not mine. Orlov has agreed to sell our coke in Moscow and Seattle instead of his usual dealer and will supply us all the weapons we need for five years. There will also be no more midnight raids, bullshit arrests on bullshit charges, or missing shipments. He’s offering you a dowry, too.”

I don’t need his money, but the old fashioned term makes me laugh.

“Yeah? And how much does he think his wolf cub is worth?”

His lips twitch. “Ten million.”

“She must be a real pain in the ass, then, if he’s going to pay me that much to take her,” I chuckle.

Not that ten million dollars is anything but pocket change for the man. Orlov may be losing the fight in New York, but the bastard is richer than sin. 

Selling arms to half of the entire world will do that to a person.

“I hear she’s beautiful,” he says, trying to tempt me to not fight him.

“Then you marry her,” I shoot back, not ready to give up the argument.

“I don’t feel like it.” Fucking typical. Rhysand sighs. “You and I both know we can work this deal to our advantage, so what will make you say yes?”

He could order to me to say yes and I’d have to, but he hates enforcing that kind of authority with me.

So I think it over, make a show of lighting a new cigar. “I want Sera.”

It’s a burlesque club in New York I’ve always been a little envious of, owned by Orlov and operated by his men. I’d tried to buy it a few years back but hadn’t had enough leverage on the Russian to strongarm him into selling.

Now I do.

Rhysand--the only one who knows about my failed attempt to buy the place--nods and tells me he’ll make it happen.

“When’s all this happening, anyway?”

He looks like he might laugh. “Wedding is in a month, but she’s flying in tomorrow night.”

A quick laugh forces its way out of me. Also typical of him to give me absolutely no time to change my mind.

Well, I have a month. That’s already longer than any relationship I’ve ever had. 

Sighing, I stand and shake his hand, cementing the deal before I can even lament the loss of my bachelorhood.

~Nesta~

“Chto sluchilos?”

I slide my gaze to my father, because seriously, that’s the stupidest fucking question I’ve ever heard. 

What’s wrong? What’s wrong? Everything.

“Nichego,” I lie, assuring him for what feels like the tenth time as I look out the window. The plane picks up speed and lifts off, taking me towards an uncertain future, an uncertain place.

I might have told him nothing’s wrong, but inside, I’m screaming.

Three days ago, I woke up to find a marriage contract on the pillow beside me. There was a blank space where my name had been typed and a pen waiting for me to remedy that.

I still haven’t.

I’m not signing anything until I meet this... Cassian. 

God, what an Italian name.

An image springs to mind, one of a slumped-over, hairy-chest beast with slicked back hair and a gold chain. 

I know it’s stereotypical and hopefully incorrect, but I’ve never been to Italy and Alexei strictly forbids me watching movies that portray Italians as anything except revolting. 

But looks aside, there’s one thing I don’t need to guess to know. 

My future husband will be like all the other men in my life: controlling.

Men in the world I live in take what they want, don’t ask for permission, and feel like they’re entitled to anything and everything. I’ve dealt with it my entire life, so it’s more amusing than anything at this point.

I guess I’m a bit non-traditional in that sense, considering most of the women around me have no problems taking orders from their fathers or husbands. But Alexei and I figured out pretty early in life that wasn’t going to work for me.

As he frequently likes to tell me, I started telling him to fuck off when I was five.

What did he expect? All the kids I hung out with were the opposite sex and at least five years older than me, so my vocabulary and mannerisms became pretty... colorful early on.

Regardless, I’m just not looking forward to having to deal with yet another man who thinks he can control me.

“Ty vresh',” Alexei accuses, lips twitching. You’re lying. 

“Konechno.” Of course. 

Of course I’m upset, but I understand what’s happening. I might have found out about it three days ago, but I’ve known it was coming for far longer.

As the only child of the great Alexei Orlov, Wolf of Moscow and Pakhan of the Russian Bratva, I’ve been told my entire life that I will one day be used as a pawn to gain more power.

It would--should--piss me off, but I’ve also been told I’m to one day take my father’s place and run his company.

So by gaining more power for him, I’m also doing the same for myself.

Not that I really give a shit about that kind of thing. I started officially working for Alexei years ago, and I already have enough money saved to never have to work again. 

But in the Bratva, there’s no getting out. I was put in this world by birth, and the only thing that will take me out is death. 

In case it isn’t obvious, I’m not a typical business woman. 

My father is an arms-dealer. 

A less than legal one, if you believe the heinous lies the media spreads about him.

He sells weapons to governments, private armies, and whoever the fuck else has the money to buy. 

He’s also built himself a shipping empire to haul said weapons around the globe, runs the drugs and prostitute rings in Moscow, and has enough real estate to rival most small countries.

It probably sounds like I don’t care, and that’s because I don’t. 

I like what I do in the sense that I have a mind for business. I went to business school and graduated at the top of my class, and I enjoy running the clubs and hotels I have. Trained by Alexei himself, I’m ruthless in negotiations, enough so that people started calling me the Wolf Cub by the time I was twenty. 

But despite being good at it, I’m not particularly fond of the aspect most people think of when they picture my career in the Bratva. I detest drugs, have never hired a prostitute, and don’t really enjoy selling arms to bad people. 

The alleyway meetups, the broken bones and bullet holes, and the blown up houses are all a little tiring to me.

Sure, it sounds exciting. And for a while, it was. I used to lose myself in the chaos, used to enjoy coming home with busted knuckles. But I honestly just got tired of it.

Right now, I don’t have to deal with it as much because Alexei’s still alive. But when he dies and I officially take over the family business, I’ll have to be more involved. Even if the thought makes me want to sigh.

I pull out my laptop and look over the financial report for Sera, my newest club in New York. As predicted, everything’s running smoothly. 

I turn the laptop around to show my father, grinning when he pulls out his reading glasses and leans closer. 

“Starik,” I tease. Old man. 

He flicks my forehead, then reads the report and nods. Then he turns to his phone, probably playing Angry Birds or some shit, and leaves me to work.

The plane ride goes by quickly, and by the time we’ve landed in Chicago, I’ve gotten ahead on my schedule for next week, slept, and changed into what I’ve chosen as the “meeting my future husband” dress.

It’s simple and sleek, the black material clinging to my curves without being obscene. It’s long enough to hide the holster on my thigh, not that I feel in any danger with four personal guards stationed near me at all times.

My heels click as I make my way down the plane stairs and across the tarmac to the waiting sedan, and once my luggage and belongings are unloaded, we head to the Italian Capo’s house.

We’re meeting here, finalizing the contract, and then Cassian and I are flying to New York. 

My new home.

“Try to look happy,” Alexei tells me, his heavily accented English almost ridiculous to hear. He speaks English only when he’s in the states, and considering he hasn’t come here since I graduated B school two years ago, he’s a little out of practice.

“I’m ecstatic,” I say, intentionally using a word I know he doesn’t understand.

His eyes narrow, because it isn’t the first time I’ve used this trick, but he doesn’t call me out on it. We continue to ride in ecstatic silence, eventually pulling up in front of the Capo’s... house.

It’s almost obscene to call it that, considering it’s fucking huge. Like obnoxiously huge.

I heave a sigh, step out of the car, and take in my surroundings. The neighborhood’s quiet, likely filled with friends of the Cosa Nostra too scared to make any noise. 

A butler--seriously, a butler--opens the door and welcomes us inside, and as soon as I step in, I have to repress the urge to roll my eyes.

The amount of dirty money in the air is suffocating. It drips off the vaulted ceilings, down the artwork on the walls, across the marble floors. It’s in the little details of the crystal chandeliers and the mahogany staircase. 

Ridiculous.

One look at Alexei’s disgusted face says he’s thinking the same thing.

Don’t get me wrong, we’re rich. Grossly so. Alexei could have ten houses just like this, if he wanted them.

But he doesn’t. He owns property all over the world, but most of it is commercial or apartment complexes--property that makes him money, in other words. This, however, is a massive waste of capital. 

The butler leads us further through the house and into an office where four men wait. 

One is immediately identifiable as their lawyer, his over-priced cologne making me have to resist the urge to sneeze. The humongous man in the corner is hired muscle, if the boxy shape of the guns under his jacket is any indication.

The man behind the desk is obviously in charge, so I’m guessing he’s the Capo. Rhysand or Rhyland or something weird like that. He takes me in silently, bright eyes not seeming to miss any details. 

That leaves the man leaning against the desk to be Cassian Azara.

My fiancé. 

Our eyes meet, his golden gaze beautiful and wild, and I have to remember to keep my expression bored. 

Because the stereotype, the horrible image I’d conjured up in my mind, couldn’t be further from the truth.

For one, he isn’t hunched-over. He stands tall, leaning a hip against his Capo’s desk with obvious confidence. But I see more than just self-assuredness in his eyes. He seems a little too rough around the edges, wild gaze almost like he’s daring someone to swing at him. 

If the confidence didn’t already make him attractive, his looks sure as hell get the job done.

His hairs long and dark and curly, half of it pulled up in a rouge manner that clashes with the suit he’s filling. He has a few days’ stubble, too, like standing still long enough to shave just isn’t an option. 

His shoulders are impossibly wide, narrowing down to trim hips and legs long enough to make him tower over everyone in the room. 

His knuckles are tattooed and split open, and there’s a cut above his eyebrow that tells me I was correct to assume he’s a fighter by nature. 

Usually, that would be a deterrent for me, but there’s something about the way he’s dressed in a dark suit jacket and crisp white shirt while also looking so untamed that has me cocking my head to study him some more. 

He studies me, too, beautiful eyes taking in the long blonde hair and bright blue eyes offset by pale skin. He looks at the dress like he can see everything underneath, and I have the strangest urge to blush. Jesus, he’s toxic.

He’s attractive, is what I’m getting at.

Which is not what I had planned on, considering I’d been trying to think of a plan on how to not sleep with him, but suddenly that’s all my mind can focus on.

His lips twitch like he knows what I’m thinking, and I realize we’ve just been standing here staring at each other for a bit too long.

So I turn back to Alexei and shrug like I’ve seen what my future husband has to offer and aren’t impressed in the slightest. 

I toss the marriage contract on the desk, grab the Capo’s fancy little fountain pen out of his hand, and sign my name on the blank above my name. 

Cassian watches, but I ignore him entirely until the ink has dried. Then I look up at him through my lashes and wink, turn on my heel, and leave the room.

~Cassian~

I think I’m in love.

Fuck.

She hasn’t said a single goddamn word, but the way she looked at me has me feeling itchy all over, anticipation and nerves rolling through me. I feel like I feel before I fight or something exciting happens.

Like I’m primed and ready and need it to happen now. 

Nesta Orlov, my bride to be, is nothing like I expected. 

I was fully braced for some meek little woman, similar to most of my friends’ wives, to come in and smile and say hello. 

But nope. Nesta didn’t smile; she came in like she was walking onto a battlefield. 

And she didn’t smile. She looked me over, clinical blue gaze noticing too much, and left me feeling winded. God, she’s beautiful. Just looking at her made me hot.

She also didn’t say hello. 

Just signed the contract and left, like this was nothing more to her than a boring business deal. I mean, that’s what it is, but... I don’t know, I expected more of a reaction. 

I’ve heard from some Underbosses that their wives cried or raged when they were forced to sign, but shit if that were the case with Nesta. She honest to God looked like she didn’t care.

Alexei, on the other hand, does look a little pissed about the situation, but I couldn’t care less of the old man’s opinion. He’s signed the contract, so to me, he’s irrelevant. Regardless, he and Rhys proceed to iron out some of the details about the wedding and other shit I’m not paying attention to.

Then they shake hands, and the Russian warlord turns to leave. 

He reaches the door and looks over his shoulder at me, and there’s amusement in his cold gaze as he mutters, “Udachi.” Good luck. 

As soon as he’s gone, Roman and the lawyer follow, leaving me alone with Rhys. 

He slides the contract to me, and I sign my name next to hers, making this shit official. 

“This should be interesting,” he comments, vague as usual. 

I sigh, because I have a feeling interesting isn’t going to cover it. 

_____________________________________________________

NEXT CHAPTER

Tags: @elorcan-trash @januarystears @emikadreams @sjm-things @santas-dwynwen @thebitchupstairs @sayosdreams @perseusannabeth @cursebreaker29 @a-bit-of-a-cactus @elriel4life @girl-who-reads-the-books @shinya-hiiragi @aelinfeyreeleven945tbln @ireallyshouldsleeprn @highqueenofelfhame @rowaelinismyotp @nahthanks @ghostlyrose2 @lovemollywho @tillyrubes10 @claralady @tswaney17 @rowanisahunk @superspiritfestival @thegoddessofyou @awesomelena555 @booksofthemoon @greerlunna @jlinez @studyliketate @over300books @justgiu12 @masstrash @aesthetics-11 @bamchickawowow @b00kworm @sleeping-and-books @musicmaam @hizqueen4life @maybekindasortaace

[nikethestatue]

Love the ACOTAR couples wedding inspo!

When & where do you think each couple would get married, or with what sort of aesthetics?

Feysand:

Canon - Velaris, under the cover of darkness, in front of a priestess

Modern AU - since Rhysie is rich and powerful, it would have to be something spectacular and important. 'Wedding of the Year' of course. The Plaza Hotel in NYC? Some castle in Italy? or Scotland? BIG. Taylor and Beyonce performing.

Nessian:

Canon - disgustingly ornate, somewhere overlooking Velaris. Definitely outside. EVERYONE is invited. Helion gifts Nesta a while pegasus.

Then, a more intimate one, in Illyria. Somewhere beautiful. Overlooking the fjords. Are there fjords in Illyria? There should be. This one if relaxed, filled with dancing and bonfires and booze and games and good food.

Modern AU - I still think somewhere outside, with dramatic views. Big Sur? Positano? Switzerland? I am feeling lots of carbs--bread and pasta and cheese and wine. Cassian is letting loose.

Elriel:

Canon - definitely eloping. Something quick and simple and lovely. There is also probably a bun in the oven, so it has to be shotgun. Once things ease up a bit, there is a romantic party in Rosehall. Everything is drowned in roses, and there is a gazebo. Only family and very close friends are invited.

Modern AU - still eloping. Lake Como. Venice. It's happening in Italy. Because it has to. There is still probably a bun in the oven.

Vassien:

Canon - someone's palace. Vassa's? Dad's? Tamlin fixed up the manor for old time's sake? I feel like it has to be somehow regal.

Modern AU - vineyard? Or somewhere exotic? a chateau in France? These two will go pretty big, I think. They might like Dubai.

Mor and Emerie:

Canon - I think in Velaris, because Mor loves it so much, and it became important to Emerie as well. HoW? Perhaps. Big party, lots of wine.

Modern AU - a beach wedding. Mor loves the sun, and I imagine so does Emerie. It will be relaxed, with lots of fruity cocktails, barefeet in the sand, lanterns and heaps of seafood.