#az drabble

[lalacliffthorne]

just a lil drabble to make you feel like throwing away your phone and squeal-giggling into the nearest pillow ;)

“Sunshine?”

Cassian's voice carried over the noise that was usual for Rita's on a Saturday, and from the corner of my eye, I saw him tip his head to the side, his brows furrowing.

“What's that on your neck?”

I blinked, raising my head to look at him in confusion, and Mor gaped.

Cassian's lips parted before slowly, a wide grin started to take over his face.

“Holy shit.”

Feyre, sitting on my other side, leaned forward a little in curiosity. Then her eyes widened and she gaped, one corner of her lips beginning to curve upwards into what could only be described as a mirror to Cassian's shit-eating grin.

“Oh my Gods. Is that a –“

My heart skipped once, my eyes darted up and widened, and Mor beamed.

“It's a hickey!”

“No, it's not.” I stared at her, slightly horrified.

“Well...” Feyre squinted, a dimple forming in her cheek and her eyes twinkling mischievously. “No, that is a hickey.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but Feyre just pulled a small handheld mirror out of nowhere and handed it to me with a smirk. Taking it quickly, I pulled my hair to the side, and my breath hitched.

My lips parted as I stared at the huge dark red spot on my neck, just a bit below my ear.

Suddenly, my thoughts flashed back to only a couple of hours ago, and to a tall, solid body pressing mine against a wall; rough, scarred hands tipping my head back as teeth nipped gently at my skin, how a soft sound had escaped me and the grip around me had tightened as the lips against my neck curved upwards before beginning to slowly nip and suck at that same spot –

My heart skipped high, and my eyes darted up, flying over the crowd and towards the bar where our High Lord and the shadowsinger were waiting for our drinks. My breath hitched when they met another pair, the color of caramel in the dim lights discernable even from a distance as their owner's lips slowly curved upwards like he knew exactly what was flashing through my head.

No – fucking – way.

That godsdamned -

Feyre elbowed me into the ribs, practically vibrating with enthusiasm. “What happend?!"

"Not sure,", I grumbled, gingerly touching the bruise as my heart skipped high in my chest.

“You know, I don't think that thing was there this morning.” Mor narrowed her eyes, smirking slowly.

“Yeah.” Feyre stared at me as well, grin growing. “Did we miss something?"

Cassian's eyes twinkled as he leaned back in his seat, sending me a shit-eating grin. “I think we missed a whole lot."

I glared at him.

Giggling, Feyre leaned into my side, wrapping an arm around me.

“Aw, come on.” She wiggled her brows lightly. “You're going tell us who –“

“Don't.” I pointed at her, scowling as Cassian laughed.

“Please.. ?” Mor pouted, her eyes big. “We're in desperate need of gossip around here; with Rhys and Feyre so obscenely happy there's not a lot happening; no offense –“

"None taken.” Feyre raised her hands and shook her head in a grand gesture.

“- besides, it's been decades since you had even a fling, we want know who it is, and, you know,“, Mor smirked, “the details –“

Cassian snorted into his drink when I blinked at her.

"What details?" A drink was placed on the table, and when everyone's heads turned, Rhys raised a brow, looking amused.

Mor and Feyre exchanged a look before beaming, pointing at me and saying in unison and utter glee: "Hickey."

Rhys blinked. Then he started to grin so broadly, I groaned and dropped my head into my hands.

As Mor and Feyre launched into complaints about me withholding information and Rhys tutted, the chair next to Cassian was pulled back. I looked up and my heart jumped high when my eyes met golden ones that looked so glaringly amused, I nearly growled.

I was so getting back at him for this.

part II part III

[prythianpages]

Ohhhh would you ever write more about the witch reader x az. I loved it! I want to see feyres reaction :)

I might! I think I'd be open to making it like a series/au bc witch reader x Az makes me so soft 🥰 and I'm currently obsessed with the song that inspired it bc the song is so beautiful and whimsical and makes me wish I could experience a love like that

if you haven't read the original imagine, you can find it here.

here is a small drabble of feyre's reaction 😊 :

When you and Azriel return to the river house, Feyre is in the sitting room. She's lightly bouncing an agitated Nyx, who teethes at a cool wash cloth. "I know, baby," she coos at the infant.

Her blue-gray eyes are on you as soon as you enter and they light up when she notices Azriel's hands are ungloved and one of them is holding on to yours, fingers intertwined with another.

"How was the trip?" She asks, her lips curling up into a knowing smile.

"It was fine."

"She almost cursed Eris."

You're turning to Azriel with a playful glare and his wings twitch in response, his usual stoic demeanor now much lighter and Feyre knows it's all because of you. "It could've been a nice little hex that'd make his eyebrows fall off, you know. Just something to get him off his high horse."

Feyre laughs at the image that comes to mind. "I hope Eris didn't give you much trouble?"

"He shot an arrow through Azriel's hand."

"No."

You and Azriel exchange another look, missing the way Feyre's eyes grew distant for a brief moment.

**

They're holding hands! Feyre nearly screams into Rhysand's mind and he can feel all her excitement and joy through the bond.

He's sitting outside by one of the tables in their garden with Cassian and Mor on either side of him. If it were up to him, he'd be inside by his wife. But it was her who had kicked him outside, not wanting to overwhelm Azriel and you. "Out you busybodies!" She had exclaimed as she ushered them all out of the house.

"Hey, Cas," he grins. "You owe me twenty coins."

Cassian nearly spits out his lemonade. "What?" He sputters with wide eyes. Mor leans forward in her seat.

Rhysand then shows them the image Feyre had send him. It's of you and Azriel bickering and fussing over one another like an old married couple.

"Let's just call it even." Cassian insists, setting his cup down. "I am the one who got rid of all the dandelion root from her apothecary shop."

"Hey! Don't take all the credit. I am the one who kept her distracted!" Mor cuts in, dramatically throwing her hands in the air. "And also the one who kept Azriel from suspecting anything when Feyre had asked for an escort. Do you know how hard it is to sneak things around those two?"

"Thank you, Mor. Your hard work is much appreciated here," Rhysand says, his grin growing wider as he rises from his seat, knowing it'd only irritate Cassian further.

He catches the glare Cassian sends his way. "20 coins," Rhysand reminds him, holding his hand out expectantly.

"In a way," Cassian begins, not wanting to accept his loss. "I helped you win the bet!"

"That's not my problem." Rhysand replies with a smug shrug.

Cassian grumbles and digs into his pocket. He throws all twenty coins at Rhysand's face, who easily intercepts them with a wave of his hand. They fall gracefully into the palm of his hand instead.

Mor laughs as she also rises from her seat. Twenty coins is nothing to them. It's barely enough to buy a cheap bottle of wine.

Cassian follows shortly after, the three of them scurrying inside and wanting to catch a glimpse of you and Azriel holding hands in person. Although, they find you nestled on the couch with baby Nyx in your lap. You rub the elixir you had made earlier over Nyx's gums, smiling when you feel the babe relax in your arms, as you tell Feyre all about your venture earlier.

Azriel is seated on the armest of the couch right next to you, cutting into your story when he deems necessary. Everyone takes note of the way his hand is resting on the small of your back and one of his wings instinctively curls around your smaller form. They also take note of the lingering scent of your bond in the air, stronger now that you both have acknowledged the bond. Cedar and lavender.

**

a/n: I considered the whole Nyx being in pain to be a lie, a glamor made by Feyre to trick reader into having to go scavenge for dandelion root but decided it was better to just have Cassian and Mor be sneaky instead :)

[lokalblackie]

Imagine being so hopelessly in love with someone you completely lose sight of who you are and why you're here.

-To pleasure them obviously. Be their footstool, be their biggest supporter and be the one to win their heart.

And if you fail at that, then shit... Is about to get messy...

[theostrophywife]

hi! how are you? i was wondering if you could write an azriel x fem reader where their both a part of the inner circle and married and while playing with baby Nyx, the inner circle gang are teasing azriel and reader when their gonna have kids?

baby fever.

author's note: pain. all i know is pain because imagine az with a baby. please enjoy this drabble because i'd die for soft!daddy az.

Your baby fever has reached its absolute peak. 

You couldn’t help it. Seeing your mate carrying Nyx in his arms triggered some primal, innate need in you. Azriel was so soft and gentle, carefully cradling the tiny Illyrian with a fond smile on his face. He saw you watching him and broke out into a grin. 

“Do you want to hold him, my love?”

“No, I’d much rather watch you do this all night.” You peered into the bundle of blankets, pinching Nyx’s adorable cherub like cheeks. He cooed softly, wrapping his entire fist around your pointer finger. “Plus, I think he prefers his uncle Az more than any of us anyways. Isn’t that right, Nyxie?” 

The adorable baby boy babbled in confirmation, reaching out to Azriel’s shadows. They hovered protectively over Nyx like a veil of armor. You hung back, watching with nothing but pure adoration as your mate hummed a soft lullaby. The image tugged at all of your heartstrings and you couldn’t help but wonder what Azriel would be like with your own children. 

There was not a single doubt in your mind that Azriel would be a great father. When he loved, he put his entire heart into it. Azriel was kind, gentle, thoughtful, and extremely patient. You experienced firsthand what it was like to be loved by him and every day he made sure you knew how much he adored and appreciated you. The care and nurture Azriel displayed would surely be heightened once he became a dad.

“Look at you two. You’re adorable,” Cassian states as he watched from the velvet sofa. 

Mor nods in agreement, swirling a wine glass in her hand. “I can’t wait until you two have kids. I’m going to spoil my future godchildren so damn much.” 

You chuckled. “Godchildren, as in plural? Do Az and I get a say in this or did you already have a plan mapped out for us?”

Rhysand groaned, pulling Feyre into his lap. “These two have already predicted that you'd have a boy and a girl. A year apart, so that your son can look after your daughter.”

Azriel shook his head, smiling. “I’m surprised you lot haven’t taken it upon yourselves to name them.” 

The High Lord grinned. “Oh rest assured, brother. I know you two will make the right choice and grant my nephew the best name in the realm. Little Rhysand will thank me later.” 

You shook your head in disbelief. “Not a chance in hell, Rhys.” 

Cassian nodded in agreement. “They’re obviously holding out for a little Cassian.” 

Nesta rolled her eyes, setting her book down. “You two are delusional. They’re not naming their kids after you.”

Feyre stands, taking her dozing son from Azriel’s arms. “When you do decide to start a family, I’m sure you two will make great parents. You and Az already look after Nyx so much and he adores the both of you.” She pauses, winking. “Just don’t wait too long because my son would love to have a playmate soon.” 

Azriel tucks you into his side, kissing the top of your head. “I’m ready whenever she is.”

You beam, flushing at the declaration. Words couldn’t express how ready you were to start a family with your mate.

The moonlight streams through your bedroom window, bathing Azriel in an ethereal light as he turns over to face you. This was always your favorite part of the night, discussing the day’s events with your mate and winding down with his arms wrapped around you. 

“Az?” you ask shyly, propping your head up on the pillow. 

Azriel mirrors the movement. “Yes, my love?” 

“Did you mean what you said earlier? About being ready to start a family?” 

The way Azriel’s expression brightened made your heart leap in your chest. Even after being mated all these years, you could never get used to how beautiful he was. Azriel has always been breathtaking, but the excitement in his eyes as he looked at you now was absolutely exquisite. 

After you’d gotten home from the River House, you couldn’t stop thinking about children, more specifically, Azriel’s children. The thought of bringing a new life into this world with your mate filled you with so much joy. You couldn’t help but imagine two tiny little Illyrians running around with your hair and Azriel’s eyes. A son and a daughter, just like your friends said. The more you thought about it, the more your heart ached to make it into reality. With peace finally settling over Velaris, you couldn’t think of a single reason to wait any longer. 

“I did,” Azriel whispers, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear. “It’s your choice, my love but I would love nothing more than to start a family with you.”

“I think I’m ready, Az.” 

Your mate went so still that you weren’t even sure if he was still breathing. His fingers caressed your cheek, his features heavy with emotion. “Do you really mean it?” 

You beamed. “I do, Az. I want to have your children. I want to watch you chase our son around and take him flying. I want to teach our daughter how to handle a needle and a sword. I want to fill our home with screaming, rambunctious little versions of you that I’d love with all my heart. Most of all, I really, really want to make you a father.” 

Azriel takes your face in his hands, kissing you with fervent passion. You grin against his mouth as he places soft and tender kisses on your lips, nose, cheeks and every surface of your skin that he could reach. 

“I want to make you into a mother,” Azriel says as he kisses your forehead. You giggle as he flips you on your back, pinning you underneath him. “Can we start tonight?”

You wrap your arms around his neck, pulling him down to you. “I thought you’d never ask, my love.”

[itsswritten]

if cassian found out first the whole of prythian would find out before azriel 😭

He’d by flying over Prythian screaming for Azriel “AZRIEL YOU’RE HAVING A BABY— WAIT NO. BABIES!! Plural!!! Brother! IT’S TWINS”

And reader would be just stood on the balcony fists clenched, telling Nesta that she’s gonna kill her mate once he’s back. Nesta is literally just like “I’ll help you, don’t worry”

🤣🤣 Azriel appearing beside reader all choked up from the shadows because he heard Cassian roaring from the skies. But before Azriel can even embrace his mate over the news Cassian has flown back down and is crying bear hugging his brother lol

[mystical-blaise]

Building a Mystery: A Gwynriel Drabble

"Fuck!"

The shout echoed down the hallway, bouncing off the ceiling, and had Nesta and Cassian halting on the way to their chambers in the House of Wind. They eyed each other, both her blue and his hazel filled with suspicion.

"Az, you're doing it wrong."

"I know what I'm doing, Berdara."

"Oh, really? You're putting the D in the C when you're supposed to put the D in the A!"

Cassian choked on a laugh. Nesta quickly covered his mouth, putting a finger over her own as she pressed an ear against the Shadowsinger's door.

"For the last time, the D doesn't fit in the A! It's too tight!" Azriel said, and Nesta could feel Cassian's chest moving with his muffled laughter against her back as he loomed over her to join her in eavesdropping. 

Gwyn groaned. "Cauldron, can't you just squeeze it in?"

A single snort escaped before Nesta could catch it by covering her mouth.

"Gwyn, I'm telling you, it's too tight! If I push too much, it'll snap!"

"It's literally designed to fit! Bang it in! Make it work!"

There was a distinctive creaking followed by a masculine grunt. Then another.

Thud! Thud! Both rhythmic and telling.

Nesta peered up at her mate, who was staring down at her, amusement lighting his gaze.

We should leave them be, she mouthed up at him. He nodded and when they were peeling themselves away from the door, they heard Gwyn yell, "Harder!"

Thud! Thud!

"Just one more good whack, Azriel! Almost there…"

Thud! Azriel grunted and growled...

"Perfect," Gwyn panted out her praise. "Now, was that so hard? And you didn't break it."

Cassian could not hold in his snorting guffaw at that. Nesta smacked him on the shoulder. The noise, both voice and exertion alike, went totally silent.

Love-tapping an apologetic Cassian in the arm again, Nesta cleared her throat and knocked on the door.

"What?" Azriel asked—no, demanded—through the thick wood, his voice full of an annoyance that he usually only had with his brothers.

"You both all right in there? We heard shouts and—" 

With a high-pitched squeal, Gwyn interrupted Nesta. "We're fine! You can go now!"

"You're sure? We heard a lot of racket coming from—"

The door cracked open enough to reveal a shirtless Azriel glistening with sweat, with his arm propped up at the jamb to allow Gwyn to peek through. An equally sweaty and flushed Gwyn. Wearing a rumpled soft cotton shirt and leggings, her copper ponytail was half undone, as if she'd spent half a day flying high over Velaris.

Nesta smiled softly. She wasn't sure what was going on with them—if they'd gotten their shit together and stopped pretending they weren't perfect for each other—but she was happy for them. 

Gwyn brought out a side of Azriel rarely seen. A teasing playfulness that had only been reserved for a select few. He laughed now—a lot. And it seemed her friend Gwyneth Berdara had been making it a personal mission, a daily quota, to pull as many smiles and laughs as she could. 

Azriel pushed Gwyn in the best possible way. Their equally competitive asses always found something to bet on. And not once had Gwyn backed down, accepting everything he threw at her. Once when Nesta had asked Gwyn about Azriel and their relationship, she merely said, We're just friends, Nesta. Really good friends. He makes me feel safe.

Nesta had taken that moment to offer her observation. I see the way you two look at each other, Gwyn. It's more than friends. You two are just too scared to admit it.

In her typical unruffled Gwyn fashion, she'd brushed Nesta off. 

But now, staring at her two friends, sweat-dappled and red with exertion, she wondered if they had finally taken a new step.

"There. Proof of life," Azriel grumbled. "Satisfied?"

Nesta's smile curled up on one side. "For now." Turning her attention to the redhead tucked beneath the Shadowsinger's powerful arm, she asked, "We were concerned with all the yelling. What were you up to?"

"We were building bookshelves," her friend returned a little too quickly.

"Building bookshelves? Is that what you are calling it these days?"

"Good for you, Az," Cassian chimed in. "Nes and I built a whole damn library last night, too."

Azriel's forehead made a thud as it met the door. 

Nesta turned and punched Cassian in the shoulder at the same time as Gwyn. 

"Fuck that hurts! But nice form," the giant Illyrian baby said as he rubbed his arm.

Gwyn's sweet face tilted up to Azriel's and dipped in the barest nod. With a sigh, he moved aside and swung an arm toward the inside of his personal space.

Chaos.

Absolute chaos.

A mess.

Papers and boxes and tools were strewn about. Piles and piles of books. And behind it? 

Two tall bookcases; one empty and one now full. And Nesta couldn't help but notice the titles were mostly…romance and adventures.

Some of Gwyn's absolute favorites.

"Gwyn likes to read in here," Azriel explained, clutching his neck at the nape.

"I just like your chair."

His lips twitched. "So, I wanted her to be able to come in here to read whenever she wants without having to lug up her favorite books every time." He featured with disdain to the bookshelves. "I had to buy those from a store and put them together. I'd rather have made them from scratch, but with the missions—"

Gwyn's hand took his, lacing them together. She squeezed. "It's perfect, Shadowsinger."

He offered a small smile and Nesta swore Azriel was blushing as he said, "You deserve more than labeled pieces of cheap wood, Berdara. I promise I'll build you something nicer."

And Nesta watched as Gwyn bounded over the debris to show off her present, Azriel right there to make sure she didn't impale herself on any tools. The shadows swathing around them, serene and lingering, as if they too could see the change before them.

Cassian took Nesta's hand as they relished in their dear friends' happiness and excitement. 

Yes, those two were indeed building something.

[the-rarest-sexiest-coinkydink]

Happy Campers (Gerard Way x fem!reader)

kinktober day 23(ish): outdoor sex 

Summary: On a camping trip with the guys, Gerard and his girlfriend realise that neither of them are capable of being quiet enough for them to get away with having sex in the tent. Luckily, he has an idea that just might work... 

Word count: 2537

Warnings: tiny bit of a Frikey mention?? If you need warning about that?? But I think that’s it. 

AN: Hello friends! I’m not dead, look! I’m slowly working my way through the last of the kinktober stories (although personal love life crises, a very annoying dose of the emo flu, and two exams I forgot I had to revise for have certainly made it difficult to write. Oops.) 

I mean, maybe you could think of this as a treat, you know? This way, kinktober is actually gonna last wayyy longer than it was intended to. Silver linings and all that. 

As night fell, the five of them huddled a little closer around the fire, each warmed more by the beers they’d been drinking than by the poorly crackling embers. Except Mikey - he’d drunk four or five bottles of Sprite instead, and was now feeling a little bit sick. It was pretty obvious that none of them would be awake for much longer: actually finding their way to the campsite (which had been all the more difficult because none of them really knew how to read a map, and the GPS on their phones was painfully slow) had worn them out, and that was before they’d even set the tents up. There were three two-man tents in their little corner of the site: one for (y/n) and Gerard, one for Frank and Mikey, and one for Ray and everyone’s bags.

This was a set up they were all happy with; they’d done it before and it had worked out just fine. Ray liked his own personal space, Frank secretly liked it when he woke up to find Mikey ‘accidentally’ spooning him, and as the only actual couple it was pretty obvious that (y/n) and Gerard needed their own space. Not that it saved the others from overhearing things. As they’d discovered quite early on in the relationship, neither of them were very good at being quiet when they needed to be.

The evening was getting cooler by the minute, and it showed. Ray had draped his sleeping bag around his shoulders and bunched his knees up to his chest, cupping the almost empty beer bottle close. “Think I’m gonna get some sleep when this is finished, guys. My legs are killing me.” 

With his head in Frank’s lap, eyes closed as the shorter man ran his fingers through his hair, Mikey looked like he was already asleep. “Mmm yeah, sounds good. Might read the comic I brought with me.” 

Frank rolled his eyes. “Well you’d better let me share it this time. Otherwise I’ll have to steal it once you’re done and then the light will be on for twice as long.” 

“Well I’m only gonna share it if you’re gonna read quietly and not keep making stupid comments the whole way through.” 

“See, I can’t promise that.” 

Keeping his hands warm under (y/n)’s hoodie, Gerard nuzzled into her neck. “You wanna go to bed too sweetie?” 

“Yeah, I’m pretty worn out.” She was sat between his legs, her back pressed to his chest as she traced little patterns on his thigh. “It’s been a long day.” 

On the opposite side of the fire, Frank smirked at the two of them. “Is that code for sneaking off for some alone time? ‘Cause you don’t need to bother, you guys are noisy enough that we’d know anyway.” 

(y/n) made a half-assed attempt to chuck a marshmallow at his forehead, snorting when it landed on Mikey’s face and made him blink in confusion. “No, you weirdo. I’m tired after spending the whole day listening to you whining about your feet hurting while we tried to find this place. I actually want some sleep.” 

“Yeah, like I believe that.” 

All groaning softly, stretching their tired limbs, the five of them picked themselves off the ground and kicked the dying fire out properly. Wanting to snuggle down in their tents as soon as possible, they said quick goodnights to each other and ducked inside the thin fabrics, each zipping themselves in for the night. 

As the little reading lamp in the boys tent switched on, Gerard peeled his jeans off and tugged on a pair of soft plaid pyjamas, not missing the way his girlfriend’s eyes lingered on his soft thighs. “I didn’t think walking would tire me out so much, you know? It’s crazy how exhausted I am.” 

“Well, you can blame your little brother’s terrible map reading skills for the amount of walking we ended up doing.” Having changed into her pyjamas earlier in the evening, all (y/n) had to do was snuggle up in the sleeping bag. “C’mere. It’s getting cold already and you’re so warm and cosy.” 

He grinned, tucking himself under the thick material and pulling her into his arms. “Aw, is my baby starting to freeze up? Well we can’t have that.” He settled with her head on his chest, littering kisses across her hair as his arms tightened around her back. He was content like that for a little while before shifting a little, lips trailing from her forehead to her cheeks, and finally to her lips. 

She smiled into the kisses as he moved to hover over her, breaking for just a fraction of a second to make sure that he was resting her head against the pillow rather than the uneven ground that could be felt through the tent’s thin floor. His knee instinctively moved to settle between her thighs as he stroked her waist, giggling a little as her hands wandered into his hair. 

They felt like a pair of naughty teenagers trying to make out at a sleepover without being caught by their friends, especially as his hands slipped beneath her t-shirt. His fingers were surprisingly cold in comparison with the rest of him and she couldn’t help but squeak, the noise lapsing into a sigh as they brushed across her nipples. 

From there, things got a little more heated; hands crept beneath waistbands and hips bucked in search of friction, each of them needing just a little bit more from the other person. But they had good reasons to be holding back. There were only a couple of metres between each tent, and the flimsy material would be basically useless at blocking out sounds. They might as well be getting it on out in the open, it made such little difference.

And as a familiarly needy moan escaped (y/n)’s lips as his knee pressed against her core, the idea came to Gerard like it was obvious. “Honey, you have to be quiet.” 

She squirmed a little. “I don’t think I can. Not if you keep doing that.”

“Then we’ll just have to move somewhere they can’t hear us.” 

A frown creased her forehead. “What are you suggesting?” 

“Well, we aren’t too far off the forest... we’d only have to head a little way past the treeline to get some more privacy.” 

And she realised what he was thinking. “No way.”

“Come on, it’s a great idea.”

“It’ll never work!” 

“Of course it will, you trust me don’t you? I’ll make it work. You can be as loud as you like out there.” 

Thinking it through, she nodded. “Fuck it, let’s do this.” 

Grinning, he sat up and passed her shoes over, shoving his own trainers onto his feet before unzipping the tent and tiptoeing out into the night. It was almost completely dark now, with the little electric lampposts casting a gentle glow across the entire campsite just enough for them to be able to avoid tripping over the other tents - that would certainly be a giveaway that they were up to no good. He tugged her to her feet, catching her against his chest as she stumbled before leading her towards the treeline. 

She hesitated a little as they reached the point half way between their little camp and the woods, folding her arms over her chest as the cool air pricked at her skin. “Hey, you’re not taking me out here because you want to murder me, are you? Because I have to warn you, it’s a terrible idea. You’d get caught before sunrise.” 

“Of course not.” He grinned, tilting her chin up so he could press a soft kiss to her lips. “There’s no way I’m ever getting rid of you.” He took a moment to assess her expression in the dim light, wanting to make sure she was still okay with the idea. “Still up for it? It’s fine if you’ve changed your mind, we can just go back to the tent and smother each other with pillows to keep the noise down.” 

Sliding her hand back into his again, she kissed the tip of his nose. “Nah, I’m still cool. Just... had a sudden thought about all the spiders and insects and shit that might be crawling around.” 

Sweet laughter bubbled from him as he led her on again, keeping her a little closer as they passed the treeline and entered the woods. “Well don’t worry, I promise I’ll protect you from any nasties that are hiding in the dark. That’s what I’m here for.” 

They didn’t go too far in: having to text the others to come and rescue them because they’d got lost trying to find somewhere private for a quick shag would be the embarrassment of the century, and the rest of the band would never let them live it down. They’d probably gone less than ten metres in before finding somewhere that looked ideal to stop; there was a particularly large tree that looked like it would be nice and stable to lean against, and a little ring of space around it that wasn’t crowded with much shrubbery. 

Nodding towards it, Gerard raised an eyebrow - not that she could really see him now they were under the shadowy leaf coverage. “What do you think?” 

“Perfect.” 

“Just like you then.” 

He put his hands on her shoulders and pushed her gently towards it, making sure to protect the back of her head so she didn’t get hurt accidentally. As her back hit the tree, she tugged him closer, bringing her lips to his ear and whispering seductively. “If I get bitten by anything that isn’t you, I’m not kissing you for a month.”

He giggled, sucking another gorgeous purple bruise into the skin of her neck. “So we’ll make it quick then, yeah? Give those nasty bugs less of a chance to take a shot at what’s mine.” 

The way his arms caged her in against the slightly cold wood mixed with the soft possessiveness in his tone made her melt, and she brushed her nose against his. “Sounds like a plan to me.” The ground was mercifully clear of twigs around their feet, meaning they didn’t have to worry about accidentally snapping any. Although it was definitely cold out, the warmth they were both exuding was more than enough to stop it from being a problem - as was the thrill of the thought of fucking each other so openly. Any late night wanderer could pass by. 

“Good.” Gerard tugged her fleecy pyjama bottoms down, leaving them to bunch around her trainers as he pushed her underwear aside. He trailed a finger through her folds, capturing her gasp with a sweet kiss as he shoved his own pants down. At least out here, they didn’t have to worry quite so much about being overheard. She was deliciously warm against his cool fingers, her thighs twitching in anticipation every time he drifted away from her core. Hooking a leg up around his waist and giving himself a few quick strokes, he slid into her with a gentle whine. 

(y/n) dug her fingers into his shoulders, the soft rustle of the leaves in the breeze above barely hiding her moans. It was her absolute favourite thing, to be filled completely by him. No matter what the situation was: sneaking about in tiny store cupboards and tour bus bathrooms, in a specially booked hotel for their anniversary with rose petals and champagne, at home with their entire toy box to play with - wherever they ended up, the one constant was just how good it felt to be as together as it was possible for two people to be. And this moment, together under the stars and damp foliage, was something incredibly beautiful. 

Considering they’d decided it would be a quickie his thrusts were relatively slow, following a languid rhythm that he knew would still drive her insane. One hand rested against her lower back, pulling her hips even closer to his while the other cradled the back of her head. She alternated between letting loose the breathy moans that had been so hard to hold back in the tent and nipping softly at his neck, leaving little marks that would certainly match the ones on her own throat in the morning. 

Every roll of his hips hit just the right places inside her, and soon she was writhing against him, his name falling from her lips in barely discernable whines, the sounds echoing a little amongst the surrounding trees. All concerns about volume were forgotten now - with nobody there to hear them, they could be as loud as they wanted. And so they were. Her sounds pitched up as her orgasm hit, tightening around him as her head fell back against the tree with a soft thud. 

That sudden increase of friction made his hips stutter, and the little keening cry that fell from his lips as he came was almost enough to make her tip over the edge all over again. 

The mixture of his cum and hers trailed across her thighs as he pulled out, groaning softly against her shoulder. He tucked himself back into his pants before helping her pull hers back into place, both of them pulling slight faces at the sticky sensation on their skin. Still, it was a pretty hot reminder of what they’d just been doing - and the others would be none the wiser. 

The two of them crept carefully back to their group’s little set-up, very glad they could remember the route they had taken, giggling softly every time a twig broke under their shoes or one of them stumbled in the dark. The little electric lights hung up nearby illuminated things just enough for them to get back without causing too much chaos, shushing each other as they tried to get back into the tent. 

As they did the zip back up, tucked themselves back into their sleeping bag and cuddled up, they considered the whole operation a success. But as they settled, there was a slight rustling sound from the tent next to theirs. And then voices: first Frank’s, pitched up and breathy, then Mikey’s, in a scarily good impression of his older brother. 

“Oh Gerard, yeah, right there!” 

“(y/n), baby, yes!” 

The two of them were only able to keep the act up for those two sentences before cracking up, howling as they clung to each other’s shoulders in the dark. They each managed a couple of dramatic moans between bouts of laughter, tears rolling down their cheeks. 

(y/n) buried her face into Gerard’s chest, both of them blushing deeply as their friends continued to mock them as much as they could through the wheezing. Then, they heard Ray’s sleepy voice coming from the third tent. 

“Guys, knock it the fuck off. You two are worse than they are. Save it for the morning, okay? I just wanna sleep.” 

That made the couple laugh too, glad that he was on their side - for now, at least. They fully expected him to join in with the teasing the moment he was conscious enough to. Eventually when the others settled down, they finally managed to get to sleep, drifting off in the cool night air. 

It was something they could tick off the bucket list, to say the least. 

[impossiblescissorspeachpaper]

Come back Nesta, please

This is perhaps the silliest thing I’ve ever written. Honestly it’s ridiculous. But considering Nike has her own Cassian at home I’m sure she can relate to these antics. Maybe :)

Happy birthday @nikethestatue! It’s been so lovely getting to know you this year and honestly I cannot imagine a day going past without chatting with you. Not only are you strong and intelligent, but you are so generous and truly care about your friends. So, here’s a little drabble of ridiculousness just for you. Don’t ever leave your Cassian 🤭 lots of love to you today, and always 💕

Bat boys + background Nessian. 1.3k words. Fluff/idiocy.

The final bars of a moody Mariah Carey song blasted through the tiny apartment Azriel shared with his brothers. It was tough being a fresh university graduate and they all told themselves the living situation was temporary, but really, it was second nature.  Azriel, Cassian and Rhys had all been living together since Rhys’ mother had fostered the other two boys when they were eleven and even shared a dorm during their college years.

It felt like home for Azriel, and he really didn’t mind it. That is, until last night. When Cassian had decided to incessantly play that fucking song on repeat. That whiny, depressing, shrill song. We Belong Together. Over and over and over.

Sure, Mariah could croon with the best of them, but his last nerve was fraying. Her voice was blasting though the speakers and echoing down the hall from Cassian’s room where he’d been holed up for about fourteen hours now and Azriel had developed a tick in his jaw.

Rhys, even more infuriatingly, seemed unperturbed.

Azriel tried to concentrate on the words he was typing on the resume he was updating to send to prospective jobs he intended to apply to. His jaw clenched as he deleted the last line he’d messed up, backspacing aggressively.

As the final notes of the tune faded off, he breathed a sigh of relief… before he heard that insufferable song start up. Again.

Slamming his laptop closed, Azriel only saw red as he muttered darkly, “I’m going to fucking kill him.”

Rhys’ head snapped up from his phone at the violent declaration, lazily sprawled in a brown leather armchair, one leg hitched up on the armrest. He sat up at attention when he spied the livid look on Azriel’s face.

“Wait. Az. Stop—”

Abruptly standing from the couch, Azriel shoved his laptop aside as he trudged down the hall, his footfalls stomping loudly, ensuring Cassian would be well aware of the onslaught that was heading his way.

Azriel didn’t even turn around as he growled back, “It’s been long enough! And if I have to hear that gods damned song one more fucking time—”

“He’s just upset, leave him be. You know what Cass is like,” Rhys reasoned, trailing after Az as he barrelled down the hall.

Azriel had reached Cassian’s room and, not bothering to knock, he burst through the door with such force Rhys was surprised it hadn’t been ripped clean off the hinges.

…I should have held on tight, I never should have let you go I didn’t know nothing I was stupid I was foolish, I was lying to myself…

The song pounded through the small space, like a wave engulfing them as Azriel opened the door. The melody ricocheted off the walls of the tiny bedroom, the curtains drawn tightly closed, Cassian seemingly intent on giving the room a cave like quality in his melancholy.

Peering around Azriel’s shoulder, Rhys spied the most pathetic sight he’d possibly ever seen: lying feebly in his bed like an 18th century maiden who had taken ill and required to either be shipped off to a distant aunts’ home by the sea or await her demise on her deathbed, was Cassian.

If Azriel hadn’t been so irritated, he would have laughed, then perhaps felt a little bad for the guy. But as it were, he was just annoyed.

“Cass!” Azriel shouted over the loud music. “Turn that shit down, or turn that shit off, but either way I do NOT want to hear it again!”

Cassian turned his hazel eyes onto his brothers, now both standing in the doorway; Azriel’s face twisted in a look of disgruntled rage, while Rhys’ mouth seemed to be wobbling, either trying not to burst out laughing or truly feeling sorry for his friend.

From his bed, he curled into a foetal position on top of his duvet, clutching his pillow with the most wretched, forlorn looking expression on his face. After a beat of silence between the brothers, Cassian just dramatically started singing along to the words, intent to ignore Azriel’s requests to turn it off.

“When you left I lost a part of me, it’s still so hard to believe, come back baby please, ‘cause we belong together.”

Azriel just exhaled through flared nostrils. “For fucks sake, Cass—”

“Who else am I gonna lean on when times get tough…”

Rhys, this time interjected. “She didn’t even—”

Cassian only got louder, singing over his brothers’ fruitless reasoning. “WHO’S GOING TO TALK TO ME ON THE PHONE ‘TIL THE SUN COMES UP?”

“Cass. She’s only—”

“WHO’S GON’ TAKE YOUR PLACE THERE AIN’T NOBODY BETTER OH BABY, BABY, WE BELONG TOGETHERRR!”

Azriel and Rhys could only stand there dumbfounded, each with various shades of disbelief and incredulity splashed across their faces.

Rhys leaned towards Azriel, his eyes flaring in alarm and flicking towards Cassian before landing back on Az. “You’d think after draining the life out of that song repeatedly for the last 14 hours he’d know the words,” Rhys muttered from the corner of his mouth, a smirk fighting its way across his lips.

Azriel pinched the bridge of his nose, breathing deeply, trying to fight the urge to straddle Cassian where he lay and suffocate him with his own pillow. Instead, he just stomped to Cassian’s desk and turned down the volume, Mariah reduced to background noise as his brain finally cleared of its rage induced fog.

“Cassian, get a fucking grip, man!”

“You don’t understand!” Cassian started heatedly, sitting up on his bed, his hair ruffled and matted behind him.

“It’s really not that bad, Cass,” Rhys placated, leaning against the door jamb, his arms crossed against his chest.

Cassian scoffed. “Easy for you to say. Feyre didn’t just up and leave you!”

“Oh my god,” Rhys sighed. “Nesta did not just up and leave you!”

“She did! She’s gone, she’s not here!”

“She is on student exchange for two weeks. TWO GOD DAMN WEEKS! You’re acting like she ran off with her yoga instructor,” Azriel exasperated, arms flailing around him as he tried to make his brother see reason and stop the insanity.

Cassian narrowed his eyes, before hurling his pillow at Azriel’s face.

“At least I express how I feel. Pined after Elain much, lately?”

Azriel caught the pillow and promptly launched it back at him.

“I don’t pine! And she has a boyfriend.”

“She dumped him months ago!”

Rhys interjected, sensing one of their infamous brawls brewing, and he didn’t feel like replacing a lamp or cleaning up pieces of broken desk tonight. “Cass, why don’t you just call Nesta? She wouldn’t be starting classes straight away.”

Cassian averted his gaze, a look of sheepishness fleeting across his rough-hewn face. “I tried. I don’t think she’s landed in Japan yet.”

Azriel snorted and Cassian cast narrowed hazel eyes in his direction, as if daring him to say something. Rhys swallowed his lips, smothering his own desire to make fun of his friend as he grabbed Azriel by the shoulder and led him out.

“Well, come out when you get hungry. We ordered pizza…”

Cassian just grunted in response as Rhys closed the door behind them.

They hadn’t reached halfway back down the hall when the music started blaring through the corridor again, Mariah serenading them all once more, to Azriel’s dismay.

“Nesta better not extend her exchange program. I’ll be throwing a sack over his head and abandoning him in a forest otherwise,” Azriel muttered.

Rhys just chuckled, clapping his brother on the shoulder before responding, “It would be no use anyway, he’d eventually find his way back home. He’s incredibly needy.”

*******

tagging: @offtorivendell @fawnandshadows @swankii-art-teacher @pagemasters @the-laughing-bubble @sakurakittypeach @tswaney17 @wingedblooms @thefangirlofhp @alwayssara @ultadverb

[clodsiremom]

Crawling out of Area Zero once again...

Beaten, injured but among friends. The 3 days in quarantine felt like forever, though. Rika spent some time each day with Ferenze. The first was taking the upload from Giovanni and putting it in the slot on the body of the paradox ninetails. She knew nothing would change, Giovanni had said as much, but it didn't help her not feel crestfallen that her new friend wasn't themself.

The second day, she sat with fire on her fingertips and lit a cigarette. Retelling the unresponsive Iron Nine how it felt being synced. The urge to set things on fire, but in a calculated way. Strategic for their victory. Smashing the typing platforms together.

The third day, she talked about all the things she had planned to do with Ferenze. The places she wanted to show him. People she wanted him to meet. At length, she spoke of her reporter partner, Remy. She just knows Ferenze would like them.

The emptiness still persisted.

It wasn't until they left the desert and quarantine that something clicked. Warmth drifted over her, and she looked at the Iron Nine once more, expecting nothing in return, but a familiar chuckle filtered into her mind when she spoke of their excitement to shoot the big fire gun.

Of course, she burst into tears. Of course, she threw herself onto the body of her friend to hug them. And of course, she wanted to set something, anything on fire to celebrate.

She settled on lighting a cigarette and telling her hopes of travel to Ferenze once again.

[quiisquiliae]

A reunion, of sorts.

Drabble for @daughterofhighever-blog and I's arranged marriage AU between Azriel Trevelyan and Elissa Cousland. Takes place after the attack on the Couslands, Elissa was taken to the Circle for safety by Duncan and Warden recruit Finn Tabris. Azriel has just arrived to retrieve her and guess who shows up to recruit help from the mages.

The ride had felt like a blur, despite how painfully long it had taken the pair to reach the Circle of Magi near Redcliffe. Word had first been received that the Couslands had been viciously slaughtered, and shortly after, word received that Elissa and their young daughter had escaped and been on their way to the Circle for safety. Azriel had spent the last ten days hauling ass, pushing his mare as fast as she could go to get to the Circle. He had to see if Elissa and Evie were ok. They had to be alive- right?

Rita's head hung low, exhausted by the pace they'd set the last several days as he and Alaric pulled up to the inn on the edge of Lake Calenhad. Alaric's mount wasn't faring much better.

"Let's ask the innkeeper if we can keep our horses here," Alaric suggested. "It's not like we can take them on the boat- or have any use for them at the tower."

Azriel was loathe to stop and make small talk, but he had to admit his brother had a point. His own mind was clouded with fear and anger, and it was good that at least one of them was thinking straight. He nodded, having not spoken much on the ride and dismounted, tying Rita to the rail.

"Let's just make it fast."

As they entered the inn, it was delightfully warm, the smell of hearty roast and stew wafting through the air. A pang in Azriel's stomach prompted him to realize he had forgotten the last time he'd eaten anything.

"Can I help ye?" The large, friendly looking innkeeper asked from behind the bar where he was drying some glasses. He eyed the pair, noting how tired and worn they looked. The blond looked like he hadn't slept in weeks. "We got a room open if yer lookin'."

"No, not right now," Azriel started. "Would it be at all possible if we could keep our horses here while we go to the Circle across the lake? We shouldn't be too long, I just need to get my wife and-"

He was cut off, as a large dog barked from upstairs excitedly, and came bounding down the stairs, jumping on him and toppling him over into a table behind.

"Hakkon!"

The dog barked happily, covering Azriel's face in slobbery kisses as Azriel cracked a smile for the first time in weeks, some of the weight having lifted from his chest. Figuratively speaking anyways, as there was a hundred plus pound Mabari pinning him down. If Hakkon was alive, then maybe-

"I take it he knows ye?" The innkeeper laughed. "He hasn't much let anyone around him or the babe since they were brought here. Certainly not me, and barely my wife."

"The babe?" Alaric looked at Azriel, who paused the petting of Hakkon to return the hopeful glance. "Then that means-"

"My daughter is here?" Azriel was pushing Hakkon off, looking at the innkeeper, hardly able to contain himself. "Where-"

"She's here, safe and sound," The innkeeper's wife said smiling, as she came down the stairs with Evie in her arms. Evie cooed and squealed in glee as soon as she saw her father, reaching her chubby little arms out to him. "It seems this little one belongs to you."

Azriel took Evie in his arms, holding her as tight as he dared and pressed his face into her soft red curls. For a moment, it seemed as though time had stopped. His daughter was safe. The toll the last few weeks had taken on him and the immense relief he felt right then was too much, and he started to cry silent tears into her little dress. They were only missing one more piece, and then everything would be ok again… Right?

"Thank you," he rasped out, voice breaking.

Alaric rested a hand reassuringly on his brother's back. "Where's Elissa? Evie's mother?" He asked the innkeeper.

The wife shook her head. "There was only a Chantry sister who came with the dog and baby. The mother- Elissa- stayed in the Circle. There's been a lot going on, and she was concerned for Evie's safety and so sent her here."

It was then that the door opened once more, and all four adults looked up to see who it could be. A redheaded elf entered, followed by a redheaded lady, a dark haired mage, and another young man. The men were wearing the classic blue and silver indicative of the Grey Warden order.

"Grey Wardens!" Alaric breathed softly, surprised. Hakkon wagged his nub of a tail, almost smiling at the elf. Azriel raised a confused eyebrow at the dog.

"Back so soon my friend?" The innkeeper asked, smiling.

The elf nodded, looking at Hakkon, offering his hand for the dog to sniff and receiving an affectionate lick in return. "Good to see you too. Both of you." He turned towards the innkeeper, as Hakkon and his own Mabari sniffed each other inquisitively. "Any word on what's going on? The Templar at the boat seems rather tight lipped."

"You're trying to get to the Circle too?" Alaric asked curiously.

Finn tilted his head, looking at the other. "We are. Why, are you? What business do you have there?"

"My wife is there," Azriel said. "I need to go get her."

"Dunno if you've heard, but apparently there's a Blight trying to start and we're hoping they could help us," the other man said.

The innkeeper shook his head, frowning. "They haven't let anyone over there in awhile since the mages returned from Ostagar. Something's going on with the mages. Dunno what, that fellow with the boat is pretty tight lipped."

"We're Wardens. They have to listen to us… Right?" Finn looked at Alistair, raising an eyebrow.

"Perhaps we could intimidate him into letting us cross," the mage offered.

Finn shook his head. "No. We're Wardens. I'll talk to him."

"Can I come with you?" Alaric asked. "I can fight- I've trained to be a Templar, but I haven't taken my vows just yet. I can handle a sword and bow though."

"You're a former Templar recruit too?" Alistair asked. "We should really start a club!"

"A club for former Chantry dogs who've since come to their senses?" The mage quipped.

"Morrigan!" The red haired lady admonished.

"We'd be happy to have you along." Finn reached out a hand and Alaric grasped it, both boys smiling. Finn turned to Azriel, still snuggling Evie close. "Are you coming as well?"

Azriel's stomach dropped to the floor. On one hand, he wanted desperately to go to his wife and make sure she was safe. On the other, he couldn't stand the thought of letting his daughter out of his sight again. Or even putting her down for that matter.

"We have a goat," the innkeeper's wife offered softly, seeing the concern written on his face. "She's been eating well here and has been an absolute delight. We wouldn't mind having her for a little longer."

Alaric rested his hand on his brother's back once more. "But no one will blame you if you stay. I promise I'll bring Elissa back safe and sound."

Azriel rested his lips against Evie's forehead and said a silent prayer for forgiveness and a promise to return to her quickly. I love you baby girl. Steeling himself to not cry again, he handed her back to the wife giving her a nod. "Please keep her safe for me."

"Of course I will," she responded solomnly, taking the babe in her arms once more.

"You keep an eye on them, got it?" Azriel said to Hakkon, who dutifully sat next to the wife and Evie.

"Alright. Let's go."

[lalacliffthorne]

when Az has a nightmare, because even in this alternative universe, he has just as many scars. but also someone to kiss them better.

(this broke my heart a little and healed it at the same time. urgh. I´ll go cry in my lil corner now.)

Carefully closing the door to the bathroom as quietly as possible, I started to pad through the dark hall towards Azriel's room, pulling the sleeves of his sweatshirt over my hands and shivering at the coolness of the wooden floorboards under my feet.

The moon and the streetlights outside threw a soft light into the hall from the living room and the kitchen as I snuck past Cassian's room, barely holding back a giggle when I heard a soft snore from the other side of the door. Rhys had left the kitchen window open, and the smell of rain and cool night air filled my lungs.

Slipping through Azriel's half-closed door, I heard the blankets rustle and winced, because damnit; apparently, I hadn't been as careful as I had thought I'd been when I had snuck out from under his arm.

Cursing inwardly, I softly closed the door, then I turned around.

Something in my chest lost it's footing when Azriel threw his head around and gave a soft sound that made something cold wash over my spine.

Shit.

From my spot at the door, I could see his face, illuminated by the light falling through the curtains, his jaw shifting and tensing, brows drawn together and eyes squeezed shut. There was sweat forming on his forehead, his hair sticking to his skin as his shoulder muscles shifted and flexed and his fingers curled into the blanket, gripping it so hard, my heart turned over and toppled.

Shit, shit, shit.

Azriel had told me about the nightmares that used to be frequent and became rare after years and years of working through the reason they haunted him. It had been the same night he had told me about the burns scarring his hands, leaned back against the headboard, eyes tired but steady as I had sat across from him, something shattering silently in my chest as I had stared at him and felt a weight on my chest that had made my sight blur.

"Az?"

My voice was soft and a little weak as I stared at his trembling form, curving my hands into fists to keep them from shaking as a pit opened in my chest.

Carefully, I took a step forward, only to jump when Azriel jolted abruptly. His eyes flew open, and he scrambled up, fingers digging into the blanket as he threw his head around.

"Hey." My breath got caught in my throat at the sight of his eyes, wide blown and frantic as they darted through the room until they landed on me.

A shudder went through him, his shoulders slowly sagging, and Azriel squeezed his eyes shut, dropping back against the headboard as he dragged his trembling hands into his hair, tugging harshly as his breath staggered.

“Az?” My heart turned over, and quickly, I moved over the cold floorboards, carefully climbing onto the mattress. My heart clenched tightly when Azriel glanced at me through the gap between his flexing forearms, the muscles in his jaw shifting as his hands slipped out of his hair, one of them dropping to grip at his chest.

“Can't. Breathe,”, he pressed, deep voice husky and muscles in his jaw working as his eyes squeezed shut again for a second, and his breathing got quicker, clipped and shuddering.

Something like an iron fist closed around my heart, my fingers trembling when for a second, my head simply felt empty, gaping as panic rose in my chest. Then I blinked, my breath hitching and voice small when I whispered: “Tell me what you need me to do.”

Azriel blinked quickly, his fingers digging into his chest as something like panic flashed through his eyes as they darted through the room, his breath now heaving, and something skipped high against my ribs.

Without thinking, I leaned forward, grabbing his hand and pulling it away from his chest.

“Azriel, look at me.” My voice was soft but somehow, I managed to keep it from trembling as my fingers slipped through his and squeezed tightly as I tugged his hand towards me. “I need you to breathe, baby, okay; focus.” My grip tightened, maybe to keep myself from shaking. “Az. Look at me.”

Az squeezed his eyes shut as I pressed his palm onto my chest, and I leaned forward, staring at him desperately. “Azriel, look. At. Me.”

Azriel's eyes snapped open and found mine, and I tried to keep my heart from staggering when I saw the way his pupils were dilated, almost swallowing the amber of his eyes.

Somehow, I willed my breath to stay steady as I whispered a little shakily: “C'mon, baby, breathe.”

Azriel exhaled shudderingly. There was a harsh sting in my chest as I felt his fingers curl into my sweatshirt, and I squeezed his hand, drawing slow and long breaths as I fought the way my throat closed up, felt something surging in my chest as Azriel's eyes pierced into mine, still slightly frantic but slowly, very slowly, loosing the panic deep within as he started to breathe, harshly but steadier with every minute.

I didn't know how long I crouched on the mattress in front of him. The flat was silent, only sometimes broken by the muffled sound of a car passing on the quiet street outside. At some point, I slipped into a seated position, my knee pressing against Azriel's side as little by little, his breathing calmed. His body slowly sank back against the headboard, the rise and fall of his bare chest evening out little by little, still sometimes broken by deep shuddering inhales that slowly ebbed off into small hitches. His shoulders slowly lost their tension until they slumped, and his head tipped back against the wall as he stared at me, his tired eyes piercing into mine like he was holding onto it.

Finally, when his breathing was quiet and steady again, Azriel blinked. His hand twitched under mine, and quickly, I loosened my grip, but Azriel's fingers threaded closer through mine, and something tipped over in my chest when he mumbled, deep voice impossible rough: "'m sorry."

I stared at him, feeling my throat tighten as a gentle weight settled on my chest, and quickly, I shook my head, whispering: "It's okay."

Azriel's golden eyes pierced mine. Then he leaned forward, and my breath hitched when he wrapped an arm around my waist and dragged me into his lap.

My arms slipped around his shoulders like muscle memory, and Azriel pulled me closer, his hands sliding under my sweatshirt as he wrapped his arms around me, closer, tighter; until it felt like he was trying to wrap himself around me. Drawing his knees up to press me more into his body, he curled his fingers into my sides, and something pulled tight in my chest when he buried his face in the crook of my neck and breathed in, soft and with the barest tremble.

Quickly sliding my arms tighter around his shoulders, I dropped my head to press my nose against his warm skin and squeezed my eyes shut tightly.

I didn't know how long we stayed like that. Azriel's grip was unwavering, but his body slowly melted into mine as he buried himself further in my neck.

When he finally pulled his head back a little, the cold sweat on his skin had dried, his grip had lost some of its tightness and the ache in my chest had shrunk into a small emptiness.

Straightening a bit, just far enough that I could look at him, I felt Azriel's arms slide down until they rested on my waist as he dropped his head back a little, leaning it against the wall as he stared at me. He looked tired and exhausted and a little lost, and I felt my heart clench.

Reaching up without even really thinking about it, I brushed the still slightly damp strands of hair away that curled over his forehead, and something rose in my chest when Azriel's eyes fluttered a little, his head tipping into my touch.

My heart lurched, and breathing in softly, I leaned in, gently pressing my forehead against Azriel's. My eyes fluttered shut, and something closed around my chest when I felt Azriel brush his nose slowly over mine before tilting his head to repeat the motion. His hand came up to brush some hair out of my face, carefully tucking it behind my ear as his other arm gently pulled me closer until our chests were pressed together again. Gently pressing his palm against the side of my jaw, Azriel breathed out, his thumb slowly stroking over my cheek, and without really thinking, I turned my head and pressed my lips against his palm.

Azriel stilled.

Slowly, softly, I pressed another kiss onto his warm, scarred skin. My nose brushed over his fingers when they curled against my cheek and I pressed my lips against his knuckles, ghosting them over his skin as I peppered soft kisses over his hand. Then I raised my head, and my heart tipped over and tumbled.

Azriel was staring at me, his throat working as he swallowed harshly. His iris was swimming with something I couldn't discern, rising quietly as the gold in his eyes melted into a soft shimmer and his gaze dragged over my face. Then he slid his hand into my hair, and my heart rose in my chest when he pulled me forward and firmly pressed his forehead against mine, closing his eyes. The soft ache in my chest grew when I felt the slight unsteadiness of his breath hitting my skin and saw the crunch of his brows.

"They're never gonna hurt you again."

My voice was barely above a whisper, and soft, and unsteady, but it made Azriel go still.

"Promise,", I mumbled, sniffling softly and crunching my nose a little. "Cass won't let them, and Rhys won't let them." I swallowed, and something tightened in my chest. "And I won't let them."

Breathing out, I pulled my head back a little and opened my eyes to stare at him, my voice raspy when I whispered: "No one's ever gonna hurt you like that again." My lips quivered a little when I sent him a small, crooked smile and mumbled thickly: "Don't care who I have to fight. I'll fight those dreams if I have to." I felt my lips curve as I added a soft: "Promise." My eyes tracked over his face, and my voice became even more quiet when I added in a whisper: "You'll never have to do this alone again."

Azriel stared at me. Throat working like he was holding back the urge to swallow, brows drawn together, shimmering eyes darting over my face. Then he blinked; his hands slipped up to cradle my jaw, and leaning forward, he kissed me, deep and warm, feverish and desperate.

My heart rose in my chest as the ache in my chest thrummed, and I dug my fingers into his sides and kissed back just as desperately.

When he slowly pulled back, Azriel breathed out, and his nose nudged against mine. His fingers gently brushed away hair that had gotten caught on my lips, and I could feel his thumb tracing the line of my cheekbone when he dropped his forehead against mine. Then he mumbled, his deep voice quiet and soft and so, so hoarse: "Thank you."

I nodded quickly, feeling my throat close up, and Azriel's jaw shifted, brows crunching as he swallowed, his thumb slowly brushing over my cheek.

My eyes slowly began to feel heavy, and a yawn built in my throat. Pulling back my head a little, I found Azriel's eyes on my face, deep and dark and tired, freckles dusting his nose and a strand of dark hair curving over his forehead.

"Pinky promise,", I whispered, and Azriel's lips curved. Then he mumbled back, soft and deep and hoarse: "Pinky promise."

I stared at him, counted the golden flecks in his eyes as they dragged over mine, exhausted but almost hungrily, like he was trying to commit it to memory.

Azriel blinked, then he moved, and I slowly slid off his lap and curled up under the blankets. I could feel the mattress dip under his weight, then his warm body pressed against mine, and his arm wound around my waist as mine slid over his shoulder. Tugging me closer, Azriel tangled our legs together until there wasn't a place I wasn't pressed tightly against him, couldn't feel the warmth radiating from him as he dropped his forehead against mine and closed his eyes. Then he crunched his brows a little.

"Is Cass snoring?"

I started to giggle, and Azriel huffed softly, but I could feel his lips curve.

"You're gonna get any sleep?", I whispered, feeling something dip a little in my chest, and Azriel breathed out, his hand sliding under my sweatshirt and pressing against my skin.

"Yes." His voice was soft, but steady, and sent a soft tingle down my spine when he added hoarsely: "You're here."

My heart rose, rose until I couldn't breathe, and I wrapped my leg over his waist and tugged him forward until his tall, solid body was draped over mine, warm and there and burying me under his weight as he nuzzled his face into the crook of my neck.

"Pinky promise,", I whispered into his hair, and Azriel's lips curved against my skin.

"Pinky promise,", he mumbled softly.

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @secret-ly-here @knmendiola @luvmoo @azriels-mate123 @bookishbroadwaybish @maybe-a-winchester @stayinglow-exploringworlds @harrystylesfan2686

[prythianpages]

in a field of dandelions, I was so ready for the y/n to say the dialogue 'Don’t talk to me like that' and I was ready for it to hurt. az saying it somehow hurt so much more

omg I didn't even think of having the reader say the dialogue! so I wrote this spin-off i guess? or au lol of y/n saying the words instead, which starts as soon as they get to her apartment. you can read below! you can find the original imagine here

The walk to your apartment is silent and you begin to wonder if you should apologize for your outburst earlier. It was not within your nature to raise your voice at anyone…or harbor anger toward someone. But Eris had tried to hurt you, hurt Azriel and then shamelessly sneered about it.

Azriel follows you into your home, watching as you set the ingredients you collected down. He expects you to bid him farewell and kick him out but as you turn to him and your gaze falls to his injured hand, you sigh.

“Come on,” you offer, reaching out for his hand and he recoils. You frown.  “Does it hurt?”

“No.” 

You know he’s lying by the way his jaw clenches and you can’t help but notice that he appears to be repelled by your touch. You almost laugh, even though you want to cry. “I promise I won’t curse you. I actually never cursed anyone before.”

Azriel’s expression remains unreadable.

“Just let me see. I can help you.”

“I’m fine.” He says through gritted teeth.

And as his blood drips onto your floor, you burst into tears because it’s all your fault. That arrow was aimed toward you. It was meant for you and if you hadn’t been distracted, maybe you could’ve protected Azriel. He wouldn’t have gotten hurt. He wouldn’t be trying to hide his pain. 

“It’s all my fault. You’re hurt because of me,” you voice your thoughts out loud. You’re crying, wiping hastily at your tears, but they keep spilling and no matter how hard you’re trying, they’re not stopping. “I’m so, so sorry.”

Azriel’s gaze softens and is bridging the distance between you both. The sight of you crying is more painful than the injury in his hand and he hates himself for every agonizing tear of yours. He uses his uninjured hand to coax your gaze to his. He wipes your tears for you and you blink up at him, finding yourself lost in his hazel eyes. They’re a beautiful fusion of earthy browns and grassy green and they ground you like a tranquil forest kissed by sunlight.

“This,” Azriel inclines his head toward his injured hand. “It’s nothing to me. I’ve been through worse and I’d go through worse for you. I will always protect you.”

“Please,” you’re begging and you close your eyes but you still feel his gaze burning into you. “Don’t talk to me like that.”

“Why?”

“It’s cruel and heartless and you don’t even realize.” Your voice drops to a pained whisper and Azriel has never beheld anything more breaking.

He can’t do this anymore. He can’t keep hurting you. His mate.

“y/n,” he calls softly, his gloved thumb brushing against your cheek. You reluctantly open your eyes. “You’re my mate and I pushed you away because I--fuck, I don't deserve you. I thought I was doing you a favor but now I realize, I only hurt you instead. Please forgive me.”

“I know you're my mate." You confess and his breath hitches. “I’ve known since the moment I met you. I wanted to tell you right away but I didn’t want to scare you and when I was ready to tell you, you were avoiding me. I thought you hated me because–because, well, I’m a witch and not everyone is fond of them and I can’t blame–”

Azriel gently interrupts you with his lips. They’re soft and warm against your own and you’re kissing him back with a soft pressing need. You feel him smile against your lips and the butterflies in your stomach are dancing and fluttering all the way to your heart. He pulls away and rests his forehead against yours. You’re able to appreciate his smile and you’ve never seen anything more beautiful. You’re inclined to ask Feyre to paint it for you later.

“I owe you an explanation,” he breathes. “Where do I even start?”

You smile back at him. “How about we start with taking care of your hand?”

**the rest of the imagine would continue with Azriel still being hesistant to show you his hands but you accept him wholeheartedly bc who wouldn't?? <3 and it ends the same way*

[dabs-into-oblivion]

prompt: "people like us don't get to decide when we're done"

When Hawke walks out of the viscount's palace, the Templars stay behind. Not the city guard, for Aveline has followed Hawke. The remaining Qunari file out silently too, carving a small river around the body of their dead Arishok. Cullen checks to make sure they took the tome with them, then turns to Meredith.

Her back is ramrod straight as she surveys the damage: the body, the blood, the dented pillars. Her mouth is pressed in a familiar line.

"Meredith?" he says quietly.

She doesn't turn, doesn't look at him. "The body," she says. "Burn it. In the Gallows."

Surely that is the responsibility of the city guard, not -- "What about you?"

Oh, she looks at him, then, her eyes full of fire. "What about me?" she demands. "I am the only leader this city has now. You think there is time to waste? Cullen, I--" Her face drops. Like this, she looks younger than her years, younger than him even. "There is no one else to do what needs to be done. That is what it means to be a Templar. Our work is never finished."

He wants to hold her, but it's too public, and she's right: the Arishok's body needs to be disposed of. Giving her a sharp nod, he turns from her and exits the room.

[theostrophywife]

Can I request an Az X Reader? Some random court attacks the Night Court and the IC is just fighting against the intruders, and after the fight Az says the whole "who did this to you?" 🥹 🛐

who did this to you?

author's note: i love this concept! you know i had to make it enemies to lovers with a little sprinkle of scarlet witch aesthetic for good measure.

“How much longer is this going to take?” Azriel asked.

“Do you have something better to do?” you scoffed. 

You frowned as you hovered beside the shadowsinger and sent a pulse of your power through the protective barrier surrounding Velaris. The thread of scarlet magic crackled around the invisible force field, prodding and testing for weak spots. Earlier that night, you’d woken up from a dream that someone was attempting to invade the city you called home. Anyone else would have just written it off as a nightmare if it weren’t for the fact that your dreams often came true. 

You informed the High Lord right away and he rallied the rest of the inner circle back at the River House. Rhys and Cassian were currently patrolling the eastern side of the city while Feyre and Mor flanked the western side. Amren, Nesta, and the Valkyries were stationed at each quarter of the palaces, leaving only Azriel to accompany you to the edge of the Sidra. 

Needless to say, the shadowsinger wasn’t exactly thrilled to be woken up in the middle of the night and even less so when Rhys tasked him with accompanying you to the barrier. To be fair, you weren’t all that enthralled with the idea either. You’d much rather have Cassian or Feyre or literally anyone else in the inner circle join you, but your magic combined with Azriel’s shadows would be able to cover more of the barrier than any other pair. The shadowsinger knew this fact perfectly well, but he still acted like it was a huge inconvenience to be out here with you. 

Since Rhysand welcomed you into the fold, Azriel has always had a problem with you. In the beginning, you tried your best to befriend him, but you couldn't seem to break through his icy exterior no matter how hard you tried. Eventually, you just told yourself to ignore the loaded stares and heavy sighs your presence seemed to coax out of the Illyrian warrior. Not everyone was going to like you and you'd accepted Azriel's aversion towards you, but it was still highly irritating given the fact that you hadn’t done anything to earn such a reaction.

“Do you even know what we’re supposed to be looking for?” Azriel states condescendingly while his shadows swarmed the invisible wall. 

You spun mid-air, hands hovering by your hips to keep you airborne. On any other day, you would have let his attitude roll right off your shoulders, but enough was enough. You were equally as displeased with the current arrangement and highly stressed from the possible threat, but you weren't taking it out on Azriel.

“What is your problem with me?”

Azriel’s wings flared behind him as he turned to face you. “I never said I had a problem with you.” 

“You don’t have to say it when it’s written all over your face.” Something unreadable flashed through his hazel eyes. He opened his mouth, then closed it again. You sighed. “Forget it. This isn’t the time to discuss this anyways. Just do me a favor and let me know if your shadows find anything. A gap, a hole, any indication that the barrier has been compromised.”

The shadowsinger nodded as you floated further down the barrier. Scarlet wisps of your power returned to your fingertips, unable to find anything during the initial search. The feeling of dread that washed over you in the midst of your dream was so raw and visceral that you kept on prodding despite the fact that nothing seemed to be amiss. To your right, Azriel pushed at the shimmering barrier with brute force. 

Out of the corner of your eye, you spotted it. A metallic pin no bigger than a needle protruding from a nearly nonexistent gap in the wall. As the shadowsinger moved closer to it, you screamed. 

"Azriel!"

Hurtling through the sky, you shot straight into Azriel and sent the both of you careening through the clear skies. A second later, a deafening explosion lit up the horizon while dark wings shielded you from the blast. To your surprise, the Illyrian warrior grasped you in his arms protectively and held on tightly while shards of metal rained down from the sky. Your gazes met for a brief second before your ears started ringing. 

His mouth was moving, but you couldn't make out what he was saying. You shook your head, gesturing to your ears to indicate that you couldn't hear.

Azriel swiped his thumb against your ear and blanched when his fingertips came back covered in blood. The world seemed to tip on its own axis as you wiped away the blood running down your cheek. A tinny sound echoed within you before Rhysand’s voice crackled through your consciousness. 

“What the hell was that?” asked the High Lord. 

You blinked and saw Rhys hovering over you with Cassian at his side. The Sidra glittered to your right as Azriel set you down. You hadn’t even realized that he’d flown you to safer ground. The shock of the explosion was still rippling through your senses. 

“Are either of you hurt?” Cassian prompted with concern. 

“No, she caught it just in time. Practically tackled me out of harm’s way. I’m fine, but her ear is bleeding pretty badly. Must have ruptured it from the blast,” Azriel murmured as he wiped at your ear with a small cloth. 

You swatted his hand away. “I’m fine. It’ll heal. I need to close the gap before anyone gets through.” 

Just then, a whizzing sound scraped through the air. You looked up and found a horde of harpies charging at the barrier. Each hybrid that flew by was more terrifying than the last. The top half of each creature was partially human save for the feathered wings protruding from their backs, but the lower half was purely vulture. They clawed at the entrance with their sharp talons and every slice rippled through the protective magic surrounding Velaris. 

“Like hell you’re going up there,” Azriel said. 

You pulled yourself to standing and glared at him. “It’s my job to make sure the gate is secure. Besides, you’re going to need my help against the harpies. I'm the only one who has experience fighting their kind. They're nasty creatures, but they can be killed."

The shadowsinger stubbornly turned towards Rhysand who gave his brother a pointed look. “She’s right, Az. We need her skills on the battlefield.” 

Azriel didn’t look pleased, but merely nodded. He barely gave you a second glance before saying, “You’re with me then. We’ll take the eastern side.” 

He shot into the sky and you soon followed after. A blanket of your magic projected over the both of you as you and Azriel broke through the barrier. The harpies hissed as you shot through the air, sending blasts of your power to knock them back.

Azriel stalked for their first line of defense with lethal speed while you summoned a sword in your hand. As you glided through the sky, you cut down harpy after harpy with acute precision. One of them darted towards you at breakneck speed, but you pivoted and buried your blade into its back. 

Blood as dark as night splattered all over your dark hooded cloak, but you paid no mind to it as you continued to fight. The harpies may have brute force on their side, but you were quick and lithe, cutting through the monstrous creatures like ribbons of flesh. You led the harpies to an open field just outside the protective barrier, luring them into an environment that was more advantageous for your style of combat. 

Azriel landed right beside you and a knowing look passed between you, warrior to warrior. The shadowsinger flipped Truth-teller in his hand while you conjured two short swords in your hands. Back to back, you continued to battle against the would-be invaders. 

As another harpy fell to your feet, a High Fae male stepped out of the shadows. The cruel smile and sharp features sent a shiver down your spine. Like a demon out of hell, the male's black eyes haunted you. Before you stood Anthrin - the only living kin of the King of Hybern.

Anthrin's cold, empty gaze survey you with disgust. “The Darkstar,” he says with a sneer. “I have heard of your immense power and yet you waste it by protecting the weak. Is this what Prythian has reduced you to, witch?”

“Anthrin,” you say with venom laced in your voice. “What do you want?” 

Even across the seas, everyone knew of the cruel, sadistic male. The ruthless prince who once enslaved and hunted humans for sport. It was fair to say that Dagdan and Brannagh took after their horrid father. 

Anthrin smiled, but the action didn’t meet his eyes. His stare was hollow and vacant, void of any emotion. “Justice. Vengeance. Retribution,” his expressionless gaze sent a shiver down your spine. “I want Rhysand’s whore to pay for butchering my children.” 

Your grip tightened around the hilt of your weapons. “My High Lady did the entire realm a favor by ending your abominable son and daughter. They got what they deserved.” 

The look Anthrin gave you was one of pure malice. “So will you and your beloved city, witch.”

The male charged at you with a broadsword in hand. You blocked the blow with an upward swing of your blade and slid to your knees across the hard ground. Dirt scraped against your leathers as Anthrin spun to dart towards you again, but you were too fast. 

The heavy onyx cloak tied around your neck fell to the jagged terrain as you went on the offensive. You charged at him with careful, calculated strikes that push him further and further away from the barrier. He met your blows with equal force. Anthrin’s sword required a two-handed grip, but the male was strong and relentless. 

The dance between you was one of pure strategy. Anthrin was both bigger and stronger, but the more energy he expended, the slower his movements were. You made sure to use that to your advantage. The short swords you wielded came down on him blow after blow and the male struggled to shield himself from your attacks. 

You withheld one of them and sent a blast of your power to his side and Anthrin staggered as it hit his right leg. 

“You little bitch,” he spat, clutching at the singed fabric of his trousers. 

Anthrin lurched toward you, his sword singing against yours as magic met steel. A jolt went through your arm as the force of the blow pushed you back. The vile male took the opportunity to yank you by the wrist, pulling you down to the ground and driving his knee against your ribs. 

With the air knocked out of you, a trickle of blood splattered in the ground while you spit out the metallic taste coating your tongue. You clutched your side, growling in anger as your eyes glowed with scarlet magic. Anthrin had the good sense to appear terrified, retreating back to where the rest of the harpies were gathered. 

Azriel looked up as you hovered above them, his dagger driving into the side of one of your enemies without even looking in its direction. He broke off into a sprint before launching himself into the skies. 

“Need a lift?” He asked, gesturing down to where Anthrin was reconvening with his creatures. 

You nodded and Azriel grabbed both of your hands, dangling you in mid-air while he flew at breakneck speed. He swung you underneath him and sent you careening through the horizon as you rained hellfire down on Anthrin and his troops. 

You flew alongside Azriel as the harpies began to attack from above. The leader of the pack dove straight for your direction and you braced yourself to block the sharp talons from scraping through you, but a dark shadow struck the harpy before it could reach you. 

“Don’t fucking touch her.” Azriel growled as he rammed into the creature. 

You staggered back in surprise, but quickly regained your bearings to focus on the incoming group. Magic surged through your hands as you summoned a crimson wave of your killing power over the creatures. 

One by one, they dropped like flies until the High Fae male was the only one remaining. Azriel tossed you to the ground and you quickly rolled through the air, swinging your blade down before Anthrin could even blink. The scarlet sword pierced right through him and he fell with a loud thud at your feet. 

At the fall of their master, the harpies dispersed and began fleeing in fear. Azriel took off to the skies and eliminated the last of the stragglers while you flew up to the barrier and repaired the hole that the invaders left. 

You ran a hand through the force field and scarlet magic rippled through you in waves as your power knit together the hole that was blown through the wall. In the distance, you could see Rhys and Cas flying towards you. Fuzzy white noise rang in your ears while you kept your eyes on the horizon. 

Just as the barrier locked in place, you felt the sky shift beneath your feet as though the world was spinning off its axis. With your power drained, you wobbled backwards and careened through the clouds. As your eyes fluttered closed, you could hear a familiar voice screaming your name over and over again. 

The voice didn’t belong to the High Lord or the General. Instead, it was the Azriel’s pleads cutting through the air. The raw desperation was unlike anything you’ve ever heard out of the shadowsinger. 

Before you could plummet into the Sidra, strong arms wrapped around your back and legs, carrying you to safety. 

“It’s alright,” Azriel murmured softly. “I’ve got you.”

The last thing you remembered before blacking out was the sunrise painting his eyes golden while he looked down at you. 

You weren’t sure how much time had passed since the battle at the Sidra, but it was dark when you finally woke up. The large glass windows at the House of Wind reflected the starry skies outside as you craned your neck to see. A dull ache throbbed at the back of your head, which always occurred when you’d expended too much of your power in a short amount of time. 

You blinked as a shadow curled through your wrist, its cool touch snaking through your limbs with careful assessment. It seemed satisfied with whatever it found as it traveled across the room. Perched on a velvet reading chair, Azriel rubbed his eyes and perked up as his shadow returned to him. He listened for its report before turning his gaze back to you. 

“You’re awake.” 

You grimaced, fully feeling the aftermath of the battle in your battered body. “How long have I been out?” 

“Two days.” 

From the looks of it, Azriel had been sleeping in that chair for just as long. His clothes were rumpled and his hair was sticking up in a dozen different directions as though he’d been tossing and turning in the tiny chair.

You slowly sat upright, wincing as the action placed weight on your aching ribs. Azriel was beside you in a flash, carefully guiding you to lean back on the pillows for support. The shadowsinger scanned your face and perched himself on the mattress. 

“You scared the hell out of me,” he says softly. “You shouldn’t have used up all of your power like that.” 

You frowned, crossing your arms. “I was only doing my job.” 

Azriel leveled a stubborn gaze at you. “Not at the expense of your own well-being. Madja said that if you expended any more magic, you would’ve run yourself dry.” 

“I’m fine,” you respond with resolution. 

To ensure the shadowsinger, you leaned forward to sit up on your own, but your own stubbornness backfired as pain shot up through your side. 

Azriel gripped your arm gently. “What’s wrong?” 

Instinctively, your hand ran along your ribs and you winced at even the slightest touch. The shadowsinger wrapped his fingers around your wrist and set it on his lap. 

“May I? I need to see if Madja needs to look at you again.” 

You nod silently. With careful consideration, Azriel lifted up the hem of your shirt. The Illyrian warrior sucked in a sharp intake of breath as he beheld the large purple bruise covering the majority of your side. With heat blazing in those hazel eyes of his, the rage within him was barely contained as he gritted his teeth. 

“Who did this to you?” His voice was calm and deathly silent, but the lethal promise of his wrath carried in every word. 

The reaction was entirely perplexing. Azriel had never shown care towards you, but then you remembered the flash of anger on his face while he growled at the harpy for trying to attack you. You weren't sure what to make of it. Surely, there was a perfect explanation for his odd behavior. Perhaps he was just angry that you’d let an enemy get close enough to hurt you. 

“It doesn’t matter,” you say, shying away from his touch. 

Azriel refused to break eye contact. “It does matter,” he says gruffly. “It matters to me.” 

You frowned. “Go on then, tell me how careless I was to allow Anthrin to inflict such damage. I’m sure you’re dying to tell me how insufficient my skills are.” 

Azriel’s gaze softened. “Is that what you think I’m angry about?” 

“What else would it be?” 

The shadowsinger furrowed his brows. “That piece of shit is the last thing I care about. I’d rip him to shreds if you hadn’t already done it yourself,” he took a deep breath to calm himself. “I’m angry because I wasn’t able to protect you. I’m angry because you give and you give without any consideration to how it may affect you.” 

“Why do you care?” 

Azriel chuckled, his humorless laugh bouncing off the walls. “Haven’t you figured it out yet, sweetheart?”

He moved closer and you felt yourself drawn to him, mesmerized by the ardorous look on his face. Azriel rarely showed any emotion, so to see him overcome with such fervent passion was a brand new experience.

“Are you that entirely blind to how I feel about you?” 

You swallowed thickly. “I - I don’t understand. You can’t even stand to be around me. I thought you hated me.” 

Azriel grazed your cheek with his fingertips. “I have never hated you. I only hated myself for not having the courage to tell you how I felt.” 

Your voice is barely a whisper as you gaze into his eyes. “How do you feel, Azriel?” 

The shadowsinger grabs your hand and places it over his chest. You could feel his heart beating erratically underneath your palm. “I feel like I’ve lived nearly five centuries just waiting for you. It’s almost as though I’ve been holding my breath until the moment you came into my life and showed me what it’s like to have the wind knocked out of my lungs.”

Your chest tightened at his words. You were all too familiar with that feeling because you felt it every time he looked at you. At first, you thought it was just pure loathing, but you knew that if you truly hated Azriel, you wouldn't be this affected by his presence or care whether or not he liked you. The feelings you had for the shadowsinger were complicated, but they were definitely strong. The verdict was still out on whether they were good or bad. 

They always said that there was a fine line between love and hate. As you met Azriel's gaze, you couldn't differentiate which side you were teetering towards.

“When you fell, every opportunity I had to tell you the truth flashed before my eyes. In all honesty, it was easier to let you believe that I despised you than open myself up to the possibility of rejection. But then, you were unconscious for nearly two days and the thought of losing you killed me. I don’t care about rejection anymore. You can say that you’d never reciprocate my feelings towards you and I’d respect that, but I am done holding it in.” 

He stood, putting space between you. “I am sorry for how I’ve treated you. For pushing you away when you made every effort to be my friend.” Regret flashed through his features and your chest tightened. “I have always known that I wanted to be more than that to you. Maybe I didn’t go about it in the best way, but there it is.” 

For the first time since you met him, Azriel looked uneasy. The cool demeanor slipped away and you saw nothing but sincerity in his eyes. He lowered his gaze, slowly backing away from the bed. 

“I understand if you need time to process all of it. I know you’re recovering, but I promised myself that I’d tell you the minute you woke up.” He shifted his weight to one foot with uncertainty. “I can go if you wish.”

Azriel turned, but you caught him by the wrist. His gaze dipped down to your hand and you noticed the way he clocked the lack of hesitation in your grip as you slipped your delicate fingers through his scarred ones. 

“Stay.” 

The word stretched between you. Azriel softened, linking his fingers in yours as you scooted over to make room for him on the bed. He leaned against the headboard and you turned, slightly grimacing from the movement. Azriel instantly wrapped his arm around your waist to support you. 

“Can we start over?” you asked softly. “I’d like to get to know you, Azriel. The real you. Starting tonight.” 

There was so much hope swimming in his eyes that your heart fluttered at the sight. 

“I think I’d really like that,” he whispers tenderly. 

[chaosdisowned]

"Well, well, well~ You DO exist!"

The new voice gets a small jump from the little vessel as a boy in shows up at her side. He's faceless at first, a dark body with three tails that has splotches of lighter colorings, then he changes. Donning orange hair, a fancy shirt and skirt and golden markings along his face. It's someone she doesn't recognize, but she can feel the heart reacting strongly to them. "I- I mean... I'd be confused if I didn't? Who, uhm... who are you...?"

"Call me, L! You're LOVELY show host for the evening!" The boy chuckles, sitting in the air and tapping on an earpiece. The former a intentional mannerism he knew familiar to the little vessel. "And because I'm the host~ Allow me to congratulate you on being the contestant for our fantastical challenge show here! After all, who better to take on this season's challenge than the vessel for the Chaos Heart itself."

"I, uh... Challenge?" A glance around, looking to see if there was anything but L around, but there wasn't anything of much significance. "I don't think... I should..."

L can't help giving a boisterous laugh at that, grinning widely. "Oh Az, honey~ You don't have a choice in this matter!" The chilling tone is left to hang in the air for a moment before the tailed person continues. "Now, let's issue your challenge~! Being a vessel for one of, if not THE most destructive force in the multiverse, clearly it's your specialty! SO~! You my dear, have until the end of the year to take out at least one world with that lovely little all-consuming of yours! If you manage it? I'll teach you something that you'll find rather useful!"

"Y... You can't be serious- I.. I can't- I don't want to do that- I-"

"Well that's a shame, isn't it~?" Another bout of laughter, hands on his hips as he leans down and pats her head. "Like I said, you don't have a choice. Plus, if you fail-"

"I'll erase you where you stand."

That statement gets Az to freeze in her tracks, earning another head pat and grin from Leah. "And with that challenge issued; let the show begin! Tata for now! We'll be watching, little vessel~!"

[az-cain]

santi x reader smut w “make a little magic” by the nitty gritty dirt band?? lmk if yall want to b tagged in this whenever i write it lol

background: maybe they’re on a business trip (i’m thinking lobbyists maybe for boeing?) and you stay in a nice hotel, the two of you are close friends of 10+ years and good coworkers so you share a room w/ two queen size beds, but one of you has a nightmare so bc you have nightmares of the same things, one of you switches beds.

I don't need the same excuses / All this talk is really useless / You run for cover / Everytime I'm close to you

maybe yn has a crush on him, kinda shies away when they’re one on one lately. maybe that hurts him a little, gives him the opposite idea.

Don't want to hear about the others / There's something here we should discover / Let's make a little magic / Before the night is through

either yn or santi mentions a date or an ex? n the other gets kinda touchy

Oh, you've seen it all before / And heard the same lines / But if you're willing to take a chance / It could be all right, so fine / We'll find ourselves dancing by firelight

“what? we’ve talked abt this before.” / “well yeah but.. idk. i just don’t wanna think abt that rn.” / “why not?” / “doesn’t matter.” / “why not” / “don’t wanna lose you” (kind of an evasion, could mean they dont want someone else to have the other or they dont want anything to happen to them”

So don't you try to change the subject / Or try to put yourself above it

see above

A boy could get pneumonia sitting next to you / That's true

“don’t lock down on me, let me in. how long have we been friends?” / “..10+ years. and i’m not locking down on you.” / “right. so you know that whatever’s bothering you, you can tell me. it won’t change how i feel about you or anything if that’s.. the concern?”

A little sleep is all we're losing / It's up to us to do the choosing / Let's make a little magic before the night is through / Make a little magic before the night is through

“look. i don’t want to hear about your date, because i don’t want you going on dates with anyone but me.” then smut! yay!

Ooh, to the blue skies / Where no one can reach us / It may sound crazy but just hold on tight / Never has a love run deeper / Baby my heart is true / Baby my heart is true

“i’ve loved you since basic” “i’ve loved you since rotc, dumbass”

A little sleep is all we're losing / It's up to us to do the choosing / Let's make a little magic before the night is through

more smut