#cassian drabble

[multi-fandom-imagines8]

Solstice Gifts

A/N: Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! 🎄✨ This is a collection of short drabbles of how I imagine ACOTAR men would give the reader a gift during Solstice. I originally planned to write for all the High Lords, but I ran out of time (and ideas). Still, I hope you enjoy this!

Azriel

Being Feyre’s younger sister, you were new to Rhys’s inner circle and Azriel wasn’t sure if you would accept a gift from him, or if it would even be appropriate. So when the time came for exchanging presents, he didn't immediately hand you his.

As a Shadowsinger and a Spymaster, he had observed what you liked and wanted. So when he decided to get you a gift, he let his shadows quietly place it in your room, unwilling to cross that boundary himself.

When you returned that evening, you found it waiting for you, simply wrapped with a small card in his neat handwriting: For you. From Azriel.

The simple words made you smile, warmth blooming in your chest. But your surprise only grew when you unwrapped the gift and found the very thing you’ve been quietly wanting for so long.

Later that night, you made your way to his room, your nerves making you knock so soft you almost hoped he wouldn’t hear it. But his sharp senses caught it anyway, and when he opened the door, his eyes widened slightly in surprise at the sight of you standing there.

You stammered a little before managing to thank him, your cheeks warm. He dipped his head slightly, his voice low as he replied, “I wanted you to have something that mattered, something that you truly wanted.”

On impulse, you stepped onto your toes and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. You thanked him again, before pulling back and reluctantly walking back to your room.

His heart skipped a beat, shadows curling around his shoulders as he watched you go. Part of him wanted to call after you, to say something to make you stay, but he held back. It wasn’t the right time…not yet.

Cassian

Unlike Azriel, Cassian was anything but subtle. When you joined Rhys’s inner circle, he couldn’t resist flirting with you at every opportunity. Your friendship quickly became filled with playful banter, though you almost always dismissed his shameless remarks with an eye roll or a sharp retort.

On Winter Solstice evening, as everyone exchanged presents, he plopped down beside you on the couch, his thigh pressing comfortably against yours. You narrowed your eyes at him suspiciously. “What do you want?” you asked, half exasperated, half amused.

“I want nothing,” he said, grinning as he handed you a small box. The wrapping was so crumpled it looked as though he’d wrestled it into submission. You couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking your head as you opened it.

Inside was a stunning necklace with a rare gemstone. For a moment, you were speechless. His taste had completely taken you by surprise, you hadn’t thought a warrior like Cassian would pick out something so elegant. “This is…beautiful,” you said softly, unsure of what else to say as you leaned in and wrapped your arms around him in thanks.

When you pulled back, his grin widened, and you knew what was coming even before he opened his mouth. “I thought about how good that stone would look between your breasts and couldn’t resist getting it,” he muttered, his tone dripping with playful mischief.

Your jaw dropped, your face heating as you stared at him, momentarily speechless. Then, you elbowed him lightly in the ribs. “You’re absolutely shameless.” Though the smile tugging at your lips betrayed you.

Cassian only laughed, leaning back into the couch with a satisfied smirk. “You wouldn’t have me any other way.”

Rhysand

Rhys whisks you away to the top of the House of Wind, Velaris glittering below you. With a wave of his hand, a small box appears in his grasp. “Go on, open it,” he urges, his violet eyes sparkling with anticipation.

You do as he says, carefully unwrapping the box to reveal a pendant with a tiny glowing star encased within. “Rhys, you shouldn’t have,” you murmur, awe and gratitude flooding your voice.

He leans in, pressing a kiss to your temple before replying with a smirk and a wink. “Oh, that’s nothing…wait till you see what I’ve got planned for you in the bedroom.”

You give him a pointed look before shaking your head. “I’m serious.”

“So am I,” he quips, his smirk widening. “And I don’t just mean in the bedroom. There are more gifts waiting for you there. Come on, let’s go.” He takes your hand and begins leading you downstairs, his excitement barely contained.

“Rhysss!” you groan, pouting slightly as he tugs you along. “I told you, I don’t need gifts. Having you is enough.”

He pauses mid-step, turning to cup your cheek and pinch it playfully. “I know, darling,” he says softly. “But I can’t help it. I want to shower you with gifts and spoil you like you deserve. After all, you are my greatest gift, and there’s nothing I can do that could ever compare.”

Lucien

Feyre had invited Lucien to this year’s Winter Solstice, and although his duties kept him busy, he had agreed to come, if only for the chance to spend more time with you, his mate. Though you hadn’t accepted the bond yet, you hadn’t rejected it either. This was all new to you, and Lucien had resolved to give you as much time and space as you needed, not wanting to push or make you uncomfortable in the slightest.

He had missed you. It had been months since he last saw you, back in the summer. So when you descended the stairs that evening, his heart drummed wildly in his chest. His amber eye and russet gaze tracked your every step until your eyes met his. You greeted him with a polite nod, and he returned it, the faintest of smiles playing on his lips.

Throughout the evening, he lingered on the edge of the festivities, watching you from afar as the others exchanged gifts, laughed, and drank. Finally, mustering his courage, he approached you, his palms damp with nervousness.

“I came across this during my travels,” he muttered softly, handing you a small package wrapped in elegant paper. “I thought you might like it.” Curiosity piqued, you unwrapped the gift, revealing a vintage wooden box. Inside lay a pair of earrings, their intricate design unlike anything you’d ever seen. The craftsmanship was exquisite, the kind of artistry that carried stories within its details.

When you looked up, you found him watching you intently, his gaze warm but hesitant. “It’s nothing compared to what you deserve,” he murmured in a low tone. “But…it’s from the heart.” A small, almost shy smile curved his lips. You took a deep breath, steadying yourself before speaking. “I have a small gift for you too.”

His brows furrowed in confusion as you disappeared into the kitchen. Moments later, you returned, holding a single cupcake on a small plate. Handing it to him, you said softly, “I hope you like chocolate. I baked it myself.”

At first, Lucien didn't react. Then realization dawned on his face. “Oh. OH!” His voice rose slightly as the significance of your gesture hit him. “Is this wh- are you aware of what this means in fae tradition?”

You nodded, a faint blush dusting your cheeks.

His breath hitched. “Are you sure?” He searched your gaze for any hesitation. But when you smiled and nodded again, his resolve melted.

Lucien carefully picked up the cupcake, taking a deliberate bite. His eyes closed briefly as he savored it before opening again, now glowing with warmth and joy. “It’s delicious,” he said, his voice dipping slightly as he stressed the word. “Thank you.”

Setting the cupcake aside, he stepped closer, his hand gently cupping your cheek. “May I?” he whispered.

When you nodded again, he closed the small distance between you, brushing his lips against yours in a kiss so soft and full of longing it stole your breath. It wasn’t just a kiss, it was a promise, a declaration, and the sealing of the bond he had waited so long for.

Eris

Being Rhysand’s sister and Eris being Beron’s son made your relationship…complicated, to say the least. Some days, you couldn’t stand the sight of each other. Other days, the tension simmered so hot it was impossible to think of anything but dragging each other to the nearest bed…or any available surface to fuck.

Eris, of course, would never admit it, not even to himself, but he was in love with you.

On Winter Solstice, he sent an urgent message demanding you meet him halfway between your courts, in a clearing deep in the forest. His tone had been curt, and you’d feared the worst as you rushed to the meeting spot.

When you arrived, he stepped out of the shadows with his usual smirk. Before you could say a word, he tossed something at you. “Catch.”

Instinct kicked in, and you lunged to catch the small package before it hit the ground. Straightening, you narrowed your eyes at him, holding the elaborately wrapped gift in your hands. “This was the ‘urgent’ matter?” Eris shrugged, shoving his hands deep into his pockets. His gaze flickered to the horizon, refusing to meet yours. “It’s nothing big. Don’t read too much into it. Just…open it.” His voice was smooth, nonchalant, but you could sense the tension beneath it. He stood rooted in place, his head tilted as though he wasn’t watching you, but you could feel the weight of his focus. A part of him feared you’d hate it. Another part clung to the hope that you’d like it, that your eyes would sparkle and you’d smile, that rare, genuine smile he secretly craved.

Slowly, you unwrapped the package. Inside was a bracelet, simple yet elegant, crafted with the kind of skill only found in the Autumn Court. The small fire-red gemstone set into it caught the light like a glowing ember, warm and alive.

And there it was…that flicker of surprise, the soft curve of your lips, the quiet joy in your eyes. He’d found what he was looking for, and it was enough. That moment was his true gift this Solstice.

But when you glance up to thank him, he was already turning away. “Happy Solstice,” he murmured, his voice cool and distant, as though the gift hadn’t taken him weeks to choose.

Before you could respond, he winnowed out, disappearing into the night without a backward glance. Because if he’d stayed, if he’d looked into your eyes again, he wasn’t sure he’d have been able to stop himself.

[illyrianbitch]

Plank You Very Much

Pairing: Reader x Cassian

Summary: Cassian gets roped into a Pilates class by you—and quickly realizes he’s in way over his head.

original request

Warnings: nothing tbh, cocky cassian being humbled, his fun lil internal thoughts

Word Count: 1.4k

✹ ✶ 𖧷 ✶✹

This was a horrible, stupid decision, Cassian realized. 

He’d probably tell his kids about this someday, label it as one of his top twenty worst moments—and for the Lord of Bloodshed, that meant something.

It wasn’t the first time he’d been coaxed into something ridiculous. He wasn’t proud of that. But usually, those bad ideas involved Cassian yelling “I’m in.” before anyone could talk him out of it, not… this. Not kneeling on a yoga mat in a room that smelled like lavender and sweat, surrounded by people half his size who apparently had spines made of liquid steel. 

The incense burning clung to the air, all flowery and relentless, tickling his nose in a way that made his nostrils flare with the urge to sneeze—an urge that hovered just out of reach, enough to drive him mad. Gods, he thought his allergies were bad in the Spring Court. This was worse. At least in the Spring Court, he wasn’t expected to twist himself into a pretzel while being assaulted by fragrant warfare.

He didn’t know what had possessed him to agree to this. 

Well, okay, he did know. It was you. 

With that damn mischievous smile and the way you’d batted your lashes at him, like you knew he wouldn’t say no. You’d done it on purpose.

“Oh yeah?”

Your voice had been as sweet as poison after he’d made a very ill-advised joke about Pilates not being “that serious.” All because you’d complained—just once—about being sore from a class. He’d grinned, all cocky charm, and drawled something like, “How hard can it be?”

He’d meant it as flirting, a way to make you laugh, but he should’ve known better. You and that damn spiteful streak.

“Come with me, then,” you’d said, tilting your head in that way you always did when you were trying to be convincing. “Unless, of course, you think it’s too hard for you, big guy.”

You might as well have stabbed him in his pride.

“We both know that’s not true.” Cassian had shot back, grinning like the cocky idiot he was. He’d even flexed a little as he’d said it, lounging against the counter with all the confidence in the world. “Bet I could do it no problem.” 

Because Pilates? It didn’t even sound hard. A bunch of stretching, maybe some light balancing. Easyyy. He could do this in his sleep. He’d been fighting in wars since before most of these people were born, for Cauldron’s sake. His muscles were made of steel. His body was a weapon. 

You’d grinned at him like a predator scenting blood, and he’d known, deep down, that he was screwed. “Alright,” you’d said, voice a little too sweet. “Tomorrow morning.”

He really needed you to spend less time with Mor and Azriel. Their sass and competitive streak had clearly rubbed off on you, and the result was downright dangerous. It was also, much to his frustration, ridiculously attractive. He fell for it every single time.

And now, every muscle in his body was actively trying to kill him. He was sure of it.

To make matters worse, he’d made yet another critical error at the start of class. Everyone else had grabbed the pastel three-pound weights that looked more like props than actual workout equipment. But Cassian had gone straight for the twenty-pound dumbbells.

“Really?” you’d said, your tone half amused, half incredulous.

“Three pounds are basically paperweights,” he’d replied, doing a quick curl with one arm to prove his point. The weights had felt fine then.

That didn't last long.

You'd even given him a knowing smile, one that probably should’ve warned him. But Cassian, in all his infinite wisdom and bravado, didn’t back down.

Halfway through the warm-up, his arms were trembling. Trembling. The weights that had felt so manageable had dragged his shoulders into a slow, humiliating burn.

Now, those same arms quivered as he attempted to hold the plank position for what felt like the fiftieth time in as many minutes. His shoulders burned, his thighs screamed, and sweat poured down his face in rivers. His hair was plastered to his forehead in a way that was more disgusting than it was ruggedly sexy. The surrounding mirrors of the room confirmed so.

“Engage your core!” the instructor chirped, her voice far too cheerful for someone overseeing torture. She walked by him like a predator looking for weaknesses, sparing him a sympathetic yet clearly entertained glance. She didn’t bother helping him. 

He wasn’t sure where his core even was anymore. It might have abandoned him somewhere around the second round of something called “boat pose,” which had made his abs cramp in places he didn’t even know existed. He fucking hated boats. 

“Hold that plank,” the instructor trilled. “Focus on your breath.”

Focus on his breath? Cassian was focused on not dying.

He grunted and grit his teeth. This was so stupid, he thought to himself. He was the General Commander of the Night Court. He led armies. He was built like a god.

So why the hell was he shaking like a newborn fawn?

Maybe this was some kind of humiliation ritual, a weird form of foreplay you enjoyed—watching your partners get broken down by this absurd torture you somehow found fun. Cassian had always suspected you were the freaky type. This could definitely be a sex thing, right?

“Doing okay over there?” Your voice drifted over from your mat, smug and far too amused. Cassian glanced at you—and immediately regretted it.

You were perfect. Every movement you made was controlled and precise, your form flawless as you transitioned into a side plank. Your leggings clung to every inch of your legs, your sports bra showing off the delicate curve of your back, and—Mother above, was that a bead of sweat sliding down your collarbone?

Cassian’s train of thought derailed so hard it might as well have exploded.

Which was exactly when his arm gave out.

He hit the mat with a loud, undignified thud, sprawled on his stomach like a dead fish. A chorus of muffled laughter erupted from the group of fae behind him, and he groaned into the mat. He couldn’t even bring himself to glare at them.

“Oh no,” you teased, resting on your side like you were lounging on a beach, not halfway through what had to be some kind of medieval punishment. “Looks like you fell.”

“This was a trap,” he mumbled, voice muffled. “Your revenge for something.”

You laughed, and Cassian couldn’t decide if he loved or hated the sound at the current moment. A mix of both, perhaps.

Who was he kidding? He wanted to bathe in it. The only thing more pathetic than his lack of Pilates skills was his infuriating crush on you.

“You walked right into it. I didn’t even have to try that hard.”

He lifted his head to glare at you, his face flushed from both exertion and embarrassment. “You’re evil.”

“And you’re cocky,” you shot back, grinning. “I figured this was the only way to get you to tone it down.”

Cassian flopped onto his back, chest heaving, and stared at the ceiling. His wings spread out beneath him, sticking awkwardly to the mat, and he couldn’t bring himself to care. “You’re lucky I like you,” he muttered, more to himself than to you.

“Oh, I know.”

You stood up then, brushing off your leggings, and offered him a hand. He hesitated, narrowing his eyes, but finally took it. Big mistake.

You tugged him halfway up—just enough for him to feel a spark of hope—before letting go. He dropped back to the mat with another thud, the air leaving his lungs in a loud huff.

You were laughing again, and despite himself, Cassian felt the corners of his mouth twitch. “Okay,” he said, sitting up on his own this time. “You’ve had your fun.”

“Not yet.” You smirked. “We still have the second half of class.”

The second half. Cassian groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I’ll never live this down.”

You crouched beside him, tilting your head. “Oh, don’t worry,” you said sweetly. “I’ll be gentle when I remind you of it. Probably.”

Cassian laughed, then, even as his entire body ached. “You’re the worst,” he said. But his voice was full of something softer than annoyance.

“And you’re stubborn,” you shot back, nudging him with your elbow. “It’s why I like you.”

For a moment, he forgot all about the embarrassment, the pain, and the endless torture of Pilates. For a moment, all he could see was you, smiling at him like he was the only person in the world.

And Cassian thought, then, that he’d endure this kind of hell a thousand times over if it meant another moment like this.

✹ ✶ 𖧷 ✶✹

authors note: im back baby!!! how is everyone doing? so so good i hope <3

pls send the best vibes and energy my way, i have sooo many wips i wanna jump into!! lemme know if theres anything specific y'all would like to see from me :)

[lalacliffthorne]

means to distract from anxiety may include colouring stuff in - including one's roommates ☁️

(anxiety has been doing its thing lately, and in trying to distract myself from that, this came to life. so I figured I'd just post it bc what the hell, why not)

The flat is quiet when I wake up.

For a while, I just blink into the grey half light. Raindrops patter softly against the window. Then I slowly push myself up and rub my eyes.

The kitchen smells like bacon and coffee. Cass has left his hoodie hanging over one of the chairs. I slide into it, fighting my way through the fabric until it pools around me, the hood flopping over my head, then I put the kettle on and crawl onto the small couch. I curl into a ball, burying into Cassian's hoodie and staring out of the window. The sky outside is grey, wind whipping through the trees.

I wait until my tea's done, then I take it back into my room. Barely any light filters in through the thin curtains, but I don't bother turning on the fairy lights. I crawl back under my blanket and curl into a ball, watching the steam rise from my mug.

My eyes slowly become heavy, and I breathe out and bury my nose in my pillow.

I wake up again to the sound of Cassian's and Azriel's voices.

Slowly, I blink, my eyes beginning to focus as the warm, drowsy feeling sleep has brought starts to disperse.

For a second, I don't move, just stare at my nightstand tiredly, blinking and feeling the warmth of the duvet surrounding me. Then I slowly slide out from under the blanket.

I can hear Cassian's deep chuckling when I push open my door. Burying deeper into his hoodie, I slowly pad through the hall and stop in the doorway to the kitchen.

Azriel and Cassian are towering in the space between the table and the counter, unpacking groceries from Azriel's backpack. Cassian's shoulders shift under his dark t-shirt as he holds out packs of pasta, a strand of dark hair falling into his face as he chuckles softly under his breath, his cheeks creasing. Azriel's still wearing his padded sweatshirt, the hood pulled over his head, a light dimple next to his mouth.

I slowly lean into the door frame, and like he can sense me, Azriel looks up. His eyes find mine, and his gaze settles, something calming in his eyes.

"Hey."

His slow, deep voice brushes down my spine like a warm touch, and I smile softly and exhale gently. "Hey."

Cassian throws a look over his shoulder. He, too, seems to clock something, because his wide, lazy grin shifts a little, becomes gentler and warmer just like his voice.

"You okay?"

I breathe out and shrug softly. Curling my fingers into the sleeves of his hoodie that fall over my hands, I bury into the fabric more.

"I don't know." I crunch my brows a little and tap my chest, smiling softly. "Lil heavy here."

Both Azriel's and Cassian's movements seem to slow, become absentminded like their focus shifts. Azriel closes the cabinet, and Cass turns to sink onto the edge of the table, his eyes flickering over my face, warm and worried. "Anxiety?"

The question is simple and calm, and I nod softly.

"Yeah, I guess."

Azriel leans his shoulder against the fridge. His gaze drags over my face. Then he asks, his deep voice slow and steady: "'bout what, love?"

Something squeezes gently in my chest. I exhale and rest my temple against the doorway.

"I don't know. Just - a lot." I smile softly and shrug. "Everything?"

Azriel's eyes flicker over my face, and his brows draw together gently.

"Tried to drown it out, but my last colouring book is full." I grin gently and lopsidedly, fiddling with my sleeves and mumbling: "You know anything else doesn't really work."

Cassian and Azriel exchange a look, Cassian's eyes warm and concerned, Azriel's frown deepening. Then Cass blinks and crunches his brows in thought.

"Hey, you got any eyeshadow palettes?"

"You sure this is okay?"

Rain patters against the living room windows. The warm lighted lamps chase away the grey, and the TV is playing quietly in the background. I'm sitting on the couch, legs pulled in, a blanket draped over my knees, my hands nearly disappearing in the sleeves of Cassian's hoodie as I hesitate, fingers wrapped around a thin make-up brush and a big eyeshadow palette.

It's the third time I've asked, voice soft and uncertain, and it's the third time Cass crunches his brows at me adorably.

"Fuck yeah, baby!"

I hesitate, sending him a soft, crooked grin and mumbling: "Where did you even see this?"

Cass shifts, his thigh pressing against my leg when he slouches back into the couch more comfortably, tattoos at the base of his neck rippling when he shrugs. "I don't know; think I saw some girl do it with her boyfriend on Tik Tok or some shit."

"I've seen it." I twist the brush between my fingers and mumble with a soft grin: "Just wasn't sure any of you would let me do it."

There's a small huff that almost sounds like a quiet snort, and when I raise my head, Azriel places two cups with coffees and one with hot chocolate on the coffee table. There's marshmallows bobbing in the cocoa and the ghost of a crease forming in Azriel's cheek.

"I think what Azriel's trying to say -", Cass raises his brows, his grin shit-eating as his eyes follow his best friend, and Azriel flips him off.

Cassian's smile widens, and he chuckles under his breath, turning his head to look at me. "Is that you severely underestimate how much you got us wrapped around your little finger." His long, tattooed fingers close around my pinky and shake it lightly.

My heart swells gently, and I roll my eyes softly. Cassian grins and winks at me, and a soft laugh bubbles in my chest, causing his dimple to deepen.

Something warm brushes against my back, and when I look over my shoulder, Azriel plops onto the cushions behind me. His side presses against my back when he shifts to get comfortable, sliding his arm over the back of the couch, and warmth slowly seeps through the fabric of my hoodie.

There's another empty couch on the other side of the coffee table he could sit very comfortably on by himself. But Azriel just looks up and his piercing amber eyes find mine, a gentle twinkle growing in his iris.

He raises an eyebrow.

"You gonna ask a few more times or you just gonna start?" His deep, low voice vibrates through me, slow and lazy, and something swells gently in my chest.

Exhaling softly, I turn around and place the eyeshadow palette on Cassian's thigh, then I grab his hand and pull his arm towards me until it rests over my knees. Cassian shifts to sit more comfortably, his rough fingers absentmindedly starting to tap against my leg gently, and I carefully slide the brush through a vibrant pink before letting my gaze flicker over the tattoos scattered over his whole arm, starting at his knuckles and rising all the way up his muscled biceps where they disappear into the sleeves of his t-shirt.

Warm, rough fingers brush against my neck, my heart leaps softly against my ribs; and when my gaze flies up, Azriel gently tugs at Cassian's sweater engulfing my frame until the hood sits more comfortable against my throat.

Something heats softly in my chest, and my gaze settles on the wing stretching over the side of Cassian's biceps.

"When I'm done with him, you're next,", I mumble softly. Cass starts laughing, the deep sound vibrating through me as his head tips back, and I can feel my lips curve gently.

When I throw a look over my shoulder, Azriel is watching me, one corner of his mouth tipped into a lazy smirk.

I turn back around, warmth swelling in my chest, and Cassian settles in with a chuckle as I carefully start colouring in the tiny feathered details on his skin.

I don't hear the front door. I'm only torn out of the calm, concentrated state my mind has settled in when a familiar, deep voice vibrates through me.

"Look at that."

I raise my head, and Rhys leans his shoulder against the door frame, a dimple forming in his cheeks when he smiles, his nearly violet eyes twinkling. "And to think none of you told me I'm missing out on a colouring session; I'm hurt."

Cassian chuckles and shifts in his seat, craning his neck to look over the back of the couch and grinning lightly. "We're improvising."

"I'm next." Azriel doesn't look away from the pictures he's sorting - one handed, his arm still draped over the back of the couch. But the way he says it leaves no space for arguing.

Rhys seems to notice, because the twinkle in his eyes grows, and his smirk deepens. Then he winks at me and pushes off the door frame, and I drop my head again, focusing back on the butterfly tattooed onto the back of Cassian's hand. Closing my fingers around his to tilt his palm up a little, I carefully fill the membranes of the wings with a soft green.

There's the quiet click of a shutter behind me, and when I look over my shoulder, Azriel lowers his camera. His eyes look molten in the warm light, and one corner of his lips curves upwards.

Something swells gently under my ribs, and I turn back ahead, letting my gaze flicker over Cassian's arm. The usually black ink is filled in with colours, reaching from his hand up to where I've rolled up the sleeve of his t-shirt to reach the black intricate patterns at the top of his bicep.

Rhys appears back in the door, in joggers and a loose t-shirt.

"What are we watching?" He bumps his knee against Cassian's until Cass grumbles and shifts, sliding closer until my legs press against his thigh and I'm boxed in between him and Azriel, and Rhys plops down next to him, stuffing a pillow between himself and the armrest and kicking his feet up onto the coffee table.

"You know there are plenty of other seats here, right?" Cassian eyes him with, his grumpy tone losing its severity when I catch a glimpse at the way his lips curve into a grin.

Rhys shrugs and steals Azriel's coffee cup, earning himself a glare. "Yeah, but this is nice." He catches my gaze, and I see the question so clear it feels like I've heard it in my mind.

I nod gently.

Rhys blinks, and his smile slowly widens until his eyes crinkle.

Something warms in my chest, and I smile back, feeling my heart swell. Then I drop my head again and slide my hand under Cassian's other palm to pull it onto my knee, dipping my brush into the dark ruby red.

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @icey--stars

@stayinglow-exploringworlds @secretlyhers @knmendiola

@luvmoo @azriels-mate2 @bookishbroadwaybish

@maybe-a-winchester @harrystylesfan2686 @ssmay123

@kalulakunundrum @brekkershadowsinger @acotar-lover

@xadenswhore @ailyr92

[readychilledwine]

Howl at the Moon

Summary - Your daughter's way of exploring the world and expressing herself is a bit unorthodox

Warning - Motherhood and children

A/N - I wanted to give you all a glimpse into where I've been with life using our favorite girl dad. I really should take the time to make a GirlDad!Cassian Masterlist

✨️Master Masterlist ✨️Cassian Masterlist ✨️

“Sorcha! No,” Rhysand's voice was distressed, even if he was laughing. “Baby, Uncle Rhys said- Ow!” Your eyes shut, knowing what probably had happened. Your 16-month-old was a lot the past month. Her world was currently being explored with her mouth, and unfortunately, that meant her people, too. 

Her cry started a few moments later. Cassian seemed to sense the stress your daughter was going through and ran into the house, ready to be daddy. You followed him into the living room where Rhysand was trying to comfort your daughter. Her little wings were slumped, his hand in her curly dark hair. She was yelling more than sobbing. 

“I'm sorry. She bit my knee,” Rhys started. “I yelled-”

“Yelped,” you corrected. 

Rhysand shot you a dirty look, one that had you not been his sister would have scared you. “I gave a manly yelp,” he looked down at Sorcha. “I think it scared her.”

"No. She is upset because she was told no," Cassian got down to her level, taking her into his arms, “Hey, it's okay. You're okay. Being told no is normal, baby. It's okay."

You only stared at Rhysand as her howling began, your brother caught very off guard by the sad little “ah-woos” now coming from your daughter. “She does this lately,” Cassian explained to Rhys. “My little wolf.” 

Rhys was looking between you and Cassian, slightly confused. Nyx, your lovely nephew, had never gone through this feral phase. He had always been refined whereas Sorcha in all her spoiling was, well, sometimes just wild.

The problem was Cassian encouraging her. 

She howled, he howled with her. She bit, he gently nibbled her back. She yelled or screeched, well, he did the same. He matched her energy like it had become his own purpose in life. As if she was his very soul turned into this beautiful creature of playfulness and joy. 

He gave her a soft ah-woo back, making her begin to giggle and howl even more. “That's my happy happy girl,” Cassian picked her up, hugging her as he walked her outside. “Let's go run off some energy, baby.”

You moved to your brother, checking his knee for injury. “Last week, she bit my cheek when we were cuddling and made an almost growling noise,” you stated. Your eyes met his, your brother's dark brow was cocked. “I know. I know it's inappropriate. I am battling Cassian's enabling and he doesn't tell her no like I do. It's why he's the favorite."

"I don't think he's her favorite. She still watches for you like a hawk and screams in excitement anytime you walk into a room," Rhysand chuckled as he made you stand with him and then walked with you toward the patio door.

“You know what I see,” his eyes were now where Cassian was slightly chasing Sorcha, her loud belly laughter so innocent and unapologetically loud. “I see a father who loves his daughter and is playing with her. I see my niece, getting to explore the world most naturally to her. I see parents working to ensure their only child is raised with confidence. Even if she is a bit spoiled. She's frankly too damn cute not to spoil with those dark eyes and hair and that little food belly.”

Cassian had playfully caught Sorcha, tossing her in the air just high enough to make your stomach twist with worry. Your voice held a vulnerability that Rhysand had grown used to you using lately, “Do you think we're failing her?”

“Because she likes to chew? Cauldron, no. It's her instinct, sister,” Rhysand laughed. “She can't help it. It's soothing for her, it's how she's learning. Has the biting others slowed down?”

You nodded, “Its mainly Cass and I now. And evidently you.”

Rhysand hummed, “So the fae she feels safest with. I should be honored then, being loved so much by her she wants to be herself with me.” Soft blue eyes looked at you, the coloring almost violet. “You're doing great.”

Cassian was lying in the grass with Sorcha now, her little body on top of his. He had a wing up enough to block the sun from her eyes, his shut as his baby girl got comfy and let out a content and dramatic sigh. Her energy seemed to be burned out for now. She bit into Cassian's shirt, almost using it as a pacifier. Cassian gave her another soft howl, and Sophia dropped his shirt to echo him.

“You're doing great,” Rhysand repeated, his voice tight and eyes watering.

General Taglist:

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

[inkedinshadows]

cassian x 29? 👀

Distraction

Pairing: Cassian x reader

Word count: 452

Warnings: none

A/N: I fear y/n is really all of us in this one...

29 - sweat (writing game)

Everyone believed you hated going to training because it was exhausting and intense, or because you simply had no interest in it—which explained why you'd normally lose every sparring match. But the real reason was something else entirely.

You hated training because you couldn't focus.

And how could you, when Cassian looked like that?

Summer had arrived in earnest, and the sun blazed hot over the training ring at the House of Wind. Cassian had, of course, taken the opportunity to remove his shirt and was now demonstrating a new sword technique.

But your eyes weren't on his movements. You didn't pay attention to his stance, or how he moved his arms to slice the blade through the air.

No, you were staring at his chest.

At the rippling muscles shifting with every movement. At the tattoos glinting in the sunlight, a thin layer of sweat glistening on his golden skin. At the droplets trailing down those absurdly toned abs that you just wanted to touch and kiss and—

“Y/N?”

You snapped out of it at the sound of your name and looked up to find Cassian staring at you.

“Hm?”

His lips quirked. “Were you listening to me?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“Then repeat what I just said.”

You froze, desperately searching your mind for a scrap of information. But you came up empty.

The only thing on your mind was that godly body of his.

“You didn't hear a single word, did you?” Cassian teased. He dropped his stance, letting his arms fall to his sides as he relaxed. “You always get distracted.”

“Sorry,” you mumbled. “I was… thinking about something.”

He lifted his brows, but you shook your head. “It's nothing,” you assured him.

Cassian stepped closer, now standing in front of you. You resisted the urge to reach out and touch him.

“Nothing, huh?” he repeated with a smirk. “Then why are you always staring at my abs when you're thinking about ‘nothing'?”

Your eyes widened, and he laughed.

“Yeah, I noticed,” he said. Then he grinned. “Why do you think I always take my shirt off?”

Despite your red cheeks, you narrowed your eyes at him. “I'm going to throttle you.”

“And how exactly are you going to do that?” Cassian looked you up and down, as if sizing up an opponent. “You never pay attention. You won't land a single blow.”

“I could murder you in your sleep,” you offered.

“I guess you could,” he murmured, tapping his chin as though seriously considering the possibility. Then he looked at you again and grinned from ear to ear.

“But then you wouldn't be able to stare at my abs.”

Oh, you were going to kill him.

Taglist: @navyblue-eternity @paintedbyshadows @highladyandromeda @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @azrielsmate3 @mollygetssherlockcoffee @mirandasidefics @tinystarfishgalaxy @anarchiii @readinggeeklmao @anneas11 @lilah-asteria @lorosette @azrielsrealmate @pey2618 @k8r123-blog @daughterofthemoons-stuff @minnieoo @saltedcoffeescotch @georgiadixon @quiet-because-it-is-a-secret @ivy-34 @yesiamthatwierd @lreadsstuff @littlest-w01f

[illyrian-dreamer]

Bat boys drabble!

How each of the bat boys would react to being called ‘bro’ 🦇

Did I not promise to write a least a little something while I’m travelling?? 🥰 Thank you @aroseinvelaris for letting me use your super fun prompt! ❤️

18+ smut under the cut. It’s brat taming time 😏 💥

Rhysand

Wouldn’t like it one bit

You have heaps of loving pet names for one another (darling of course, princess, tiny, kitten and mischievous one for you) (handsome, lover boy, baby and mosthandsomeandcunninghighlord for Rhys). Bro is certainly not on the list.

He blinks those dark lashes once, the most surprise he’d ever show

A sinister grin grows on his face

“A beg your pardon, darling?”

He stalks closer, placing his hands on either side of the wall of whatever surface you’re near, trapping you between him, his purple eyes sparkling, almost daring you

“What was that you called me? Bro?” You can hear the distaste in his voice

His scent evenlopes your senses, and you swallow thickly

Tracing the bob in your throat, Rhys quirks a brow at you, faking an expected answer for a victory he already knows is his

He tuts before leaning in that much closer, his lips against your throat. Seconds later, canines gently graze your soft flesh

“I dare you to call me that again,” he murmurs into your neck

Even if you wanted to, you couldn’t find your voice as Rhys licks where his teeth were resting, your core now throbbing

He’d probably sink his teeth in just a little before taking you against the wall

Cassian

Laughs at first, you were on the same team at games night and he chuckled, returning your high-five when you won

But as the night went on, you used the nickname a few more times, and it begin to eat away at him

Which you noticed in your partner, his laugh turning to a smirk, then a frown, and finally an outright scowl

Still, you delighted in irking him

Cassian was unusually quiet on your way home. As soon as you got through the door, he grabbed your wrist

“What was that all about?”

“What?” You answered innocently

Cassian levelled a look at you. “Why did you keep calling me bro? I’m your mate.”

You heart could have broken at those puppy dog eyes. You should have realised that kind of teasing would have hurt him, Cassian being the big softie he is

“Oh, I’m sorry Cas. It was- I was just irking you.”

Cassian raises his brows. “Oh! Oh.”

A wolffish grin spread across his face, before you were flipped over his shoulder as he stalked towards your bedroom

Throwing you on the bed (and not gently either), Cassian had your wrists pinned and body pressed against you in seconds

“So my mate likes to tease me, huh?”

You giggled as he nipped your neck, giving a very weak attempt to throw him off you

“I am your mate, sweetheart. And only your mate can make you feel like this.”

Cassian thrusts his groin into yours and holds it there, your laughter immediately halting as pleasure shoots up through your core

Cassian delights at the shock on your face, before moving against you a few more times, slowly rutting, fully clothed

“You’ve gone all quiet, sweetheart, and gone all pink,” he teases. “What’s wrong, got nothing else to say?”

You can barely speak beyond moaning his name as Cassian flips and fucks you, the whole damn bed on its final hinges

Azriel

Does nothing in the moment, beyond quirking a brow at you

Bahaha boy oh boy will you be paying for it later though

It’s like he has a clicker in his mind, and each time you use that word, he tallys the amount of spanks you’ll be receiving that night

Azriel sees the word bro as a challenge – it’s mocking, questions his dominance, and is a weak attempt to toy with him

That’s why later that night, you’re bent over his lap, panties pulled to the side as he soothes your red cheeks after a fifth spank, Azriel cooing softly

“Who am I?” His voice is deep, commanding

Your face is as red as your ass. “Daddy.”

“That’s right. And what am I not?”

You gulp, willing yourself not to snort as you say it

Azriel pinches your ass – you’re taking too long

You yelp before manage to get it out. “My bro.”

“Good girl.” Azriel continues to rub a soothing palm over your stinging cheeks before squeezing at the flesh.

He fucks you sensually, only because you took your punishment like a good girl

[redbleedingrose]

This is Rhys with his ass slapping

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPR3J1meA/

You know....

This truly screams Cass to me!

Don't get me wrong!!!! Rhys is smacking your ass whenever he gets the chance.

But I feel like his can range from a light tap (so you know he is there and watching you kinda situation) to making sure his spank leaves a mark (usually when you're being extra spicy around him ;)

Cassian, on the other hand, is out to bruise your ass every. single. time.

Bastard Illyrian male has NO SHAME!!!!! He is smacking your ass this hard in PUBLIC!!!! In front of the INNER CIRCLE!!!! HIS HIGH LADY AND LORD?!?!?!? They are sick of his antics!!!

But all of them cackle at every meeting or dinner when you struggle to sit down on the couch, squirming around cuz you can barely sit on your ass comfortably cuz of the general's incessant need to mark it.

Don't worry though, he kisses the bruises all better and makes sure to rub some cream on the marks with his large warm hands. He might grope your ass while he's at it, but he's gonna take care of his pretty little mates ass no matter what <3

[multi-fandom-imagines8]

Lovers' Day

A/N: This is a collection of short drabbles of how I imagine ACOTAR men would celebrate Valentine's Day with their S/O. Enjoy!

Azriel

Azriel didn’t need words to show love. He never had. 

He let his actions speak for him, the way he always seemed to be there, anticipating your needs before you voiced them.

So when you woke up on Lovers’ morning, you didn;t think much of it. It was just another day. Azriel never made a fuss about things like this, and honestly, you had completely forgotten.

But Azriel, well, he never forgot anything when it came to you. And this time, he had planned ahead, with a little help from Rhys.

A week prior, Rhysand had informed you about an incoming mission. A simple infiltration, something requiring subtlety and mingling. The only strange thing was that Rhys had specifically told you to wear something nice, to blend in. It had seemed odd at the time, but you had dismissed it and agreed without question. 

Now, standing on the roof of the House of Wind, you found Azriel waiting for you, arms crossed, face unreadable. But instead of his usual Illyrian leathers, he was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit.

You blinked. “Oh, you’re also going to blend in tonight? Not staying in the Shadows as always?” 

His lips twitched slightly, amusement dancing in his hazel eyes. “Something like that.” 

There was a subtle smile tugging at his lips, but he said nothing more as he extended a hand to you. You took it gladly, intertwining your fingers with his scared ones.

The familiar pull of winnowing wrapped around you, and when the world settled again, you found yourself atop one of the highest rooftops in Velaris. The city stretched out below like a sea of stars, the Sidra reflecting the soft glow of faelights. 

And in front of you-

A single candlelit table, dinner spread out with  precision only he could manage. Your favorite cuisine, appetizers, carefully arranged, two glasses of Rhysand’s most expensive wine waiting to be poured.

But that wasn’t all. On the ground beside the table lay a large, thick blanket, with two more folded ones resting at the side. A woven basket sat nearby, promising more hidden surprises.

You turned to face him, and he was already watching you standing so close his hands easily found your waist. He still hadn’t spoken much, letting the weight of the moment settle between you.

“Az…” Your voice was soft, uncertain. “What’s this?”

His thumb brushed over your hip, his gaze never leaving yours. “Do you like it?” His voice was low, almost hesitant.

You looked at the table again, at the small details that spoke volumes, how much he had thought about this, how much he knew you. “Th- this is for me?” Your brows furrowed in confusion as your mind caught up. “I thought we were supposed to be- wait, what about the mission?”

He shook his head, a small secretive smile playing on his lips. “There’s no mission, baby.”

It took a second for the words to sink in. “Then what about Rhy- Oh. Oh!” You turned back to him, realization dawning. “You planned this with him, didn’t you?”

His lips parted slightly, watching the way your face lit up in understanding. He nodded, his smile growing when he saw yours. “I wanted to do something for you.”

Something warm bloomed in your chest. Without thinking, you closed the small space between you, stepping onto your toes as you pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “It’s perfect,” you whispered against him.

His shadows curled around your wrist, a silent response, as he intertwined his fingers with your and led you toward the table. 

You glanced toward the blankets, curiosity flickering in your gaze. “What’re those for?” 

Azriel pulled out your chair, waiting for you to sit before settling in across from you. “I thought we could watch the stars together after dinner,” he admitted, his voice softer now, more vulnerable. “The blankets are just in case it gets cold.”

You smiled, warmth radiating through you, not from the candlelight or the wine, but from the male sitting in front of you, the one who loved you in the quietest, most breathtaking ways.

Cassian

Cassian wasn’t very good at keeping secrets, or throwing surprises. He was too impatient for that. 

So on Lovers’ Day, he burst into your room at the crack of dawn, grinning like a fool. “I challenge you,” he announced.

You groaned, barely awake, propping yourself up on your elbows as you blinked blearily at him. “Cassian,” you muttered, rubbing your eyes, “What in the Mother’s name are you on about? A challenge to what?” 

He folded his arms over his broad chest, expression smug. “An arm-wrestling match.”

You snorted. “Oh?” You raised a brow, an amused smile curving your lips. “Or…you could just tell me what you want, since we both know that you’d win.”

His grin widened as he sank onto the edge of the bed, looming over you. “A kiss.”

You rolled your eyes. “You get kisses every day, Cass. Come on, tell me what you really want.”

He leaned in, voice dropping to a husky murmur. “I want to take you out for breakfast.” His fingers brushed along your arm, making your skin prickle. “And then, I have a little gift for you.” His grin turned downright wicked as he added, “As for my gift…I want you.” 

Your stomach flipped at the way he said it, low, certain, possessive. But before you could respond, he continued, pausing just long enough to let the anticipation build. “Lying in bed tonight,” he murmured, his lips dangerously close to your ear, “with nothing on but a ribbon…while you wait for me.”

Your jaw dropped. Then, without hesitation, you grabbed the nearest pillow and  threw it at him. Cassian caught it with ease, laughing as he tackled you onto the mattress, pinning you beneath him. His hands pressed into the sheets beside your head. “Happy Lovers’ Day, sweetheart,” he whispered, lips brushing over the curve of your neck. 

And judging by the way his body pressed against yours, you knew he wasn’t going to let you leave this bed anytime soon.

Rhysand

Rhysand had been smirking all evening.

He had something planned. He always did, but you weren’t sure what, and that was what made you suspicious.

The two of you sat comfortably in the living room, a deck of cards between you, glasses of expensive wine half-full. Rhys dealt the next round, his violet eyes twinkling with mischief.

“If you win,” he mused, “I’ll grant you one wish. Anything you desire.”

You arched a brow. “And if you win?”

His smirk widened. “You’ll have to find out.”

You narrowed your eyes, determined to beat him at his own game. But always, Rhys played dirty. Lingering touches, whispered words in your mind, distractions that made your thoughts fog over.

When he laid down his winning hand, you groaned, glaring at him. “Fine. What do you want?”

Rhys leaned in, brushing his lips against your ear, his voice a slow, sinful purr. “You. Every second of tonight, in whatever way I please.”

Your heart skipped a beat, throat tightening. Not that you were complaining. Or that he didn’t already have you however he pleased often. You swallowed hard, shrugging in what you hoped was a nonchalant gesture. “Fine.”

Before you could blink, darkness surrounded you, and the next thing you knew, you were standing on a balcony overlooking Velaris, the city glowing beneath the moonlight. Rhys stood behind you, his hands sliding to your waist as he leaned in, his breath warm against your skin. “Open your eyes.”

A shiver ran down your spine at the anticipation. Rhys always found a way to surprise you, ways to keep you on your toes. And you never knew whether the night would be one of slow seduction or raw passion.

Your lips parted in surprise as you took in the sight before you. “Oh.”

The bastard smirked. “Not what you were expecting, huh?”

You turned to him, mock glaring. “In my defense, you were insinuating something else.”

“You have a dirty mind, darling,” he teased, his grin widening as your glare deepened. 

Before you could retort, he leaned down again, his voice brushing against your skin like silk. “Don’t worry, you weren’t wrong.” He pressed a kiss to your forehead before lowering his lips to your ear once more, drawing out every word, slow and deliberate. “But first, dinner.” A pause, then, just as your breath caught- “I’m feeding you before I feast on you.”

Your eyes widened, heat flooding your cheeks as you smacked his chest. “Rhys!”

He chuckled, catching your hand in his and pressing a kiss to your knuckles. “Come on, darling,” he murmured, tugging you inside.

Lucien

Lucien was a hopeless romantic. He spoiled you every day and every night. But today, he was determined to spoil you even more. 

You woke to the softest of touches, featherlight kisses pressed to your face, the warmth of his lips trailing along your jaw. A gentle hum rumbled in his chest, the only indication of his presence as he continued his slow, unhurried worship.

It was only when you stirred, a sleepy murmur escaping your lips, that he finally spoke, his voice low and affectionate. 

“Good morning, my love,” he murmured against your skin.

You groaned softly, your voice husky with sleep. “Mm, morning.”

Lucien chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear before tilting your chin up. “Come on, wake up. I’ve planned a lot today, starting with breakfast.”

When you finally opened, you saw a beautifully arranged tray sitting on the bedside table. Your favorite fruits and pastries, along with a delicate teapot filled with your preferred brew Everything meticulously placed, because of course Lucien would make sure the presentation was just as perfect as the taste. 

“Lucien,” you whispered, your heart clenching at the effort he had put into this. “You shouldn’t have.”

He only smiled, brushing his lips against yours in a slow, lingering kiss. “Of course, I should. You deserve nothing less.”

After breakfast, he led you outside, winnowing the two of you to the Dawn Court.

Your breath hitched at the sight, the golden hues of the rising sun reflecting off the crystal clear lakes, soft melodies of birdsong filling the air. Everything about the Dawn Court was serene, ethereal, and today, he had planned the most romantic day imaginable.

The day unfolded like a dream. Horseback riding through rolling meadows, Lucien effortlessly guiding the reigns with one hand while keeping you steady with the other. Then, a private boat ride on the lake, where he reclined lazily, one arm draped around your shoulders, his other hand trailing absentmindedly through the water as you talked about everything and nothing at all.

As the day faded into twilight, Lucien winnowed you both to a quiet hilltop overlooking the sunset. The sky was a masterpiece of oranges and violets, the cool breeze tangling your hair as he wrapped his arms around you from behind, holding you close against his chest. His chin rested atop your head, his heartbeat steady against your back.

That night, after winnowing back home, he sat you down in front of the fireplace, his hands trembling slightly as he pulled a folded letter from his pocket. His amber eye flickered with emotion as he met your gaze. “I wrote this before we were together,” he admitted, handing it to you. “I never had the courage to send it.”

You carefully unfolded the paper, your breath catching as you read the words, his confession, his longing, the love he had harbored in silence for so long. The ink was slightly smudged, as if he had gone over the words countless times, his heart laid bare on the page.

When you finished, your eyes burned with unshed tears. “Lucien…”

But before you could say anything more, he reached for another paper,  his lips quirking into a shy smile. “That was then. But now…” He cleared his throat, straightening his posture. 

And then, he recited a poem. A poem he had written just for you. His voice was deep, smooth, steady, filled with adoration and reverence. Every line a promise, every syllable laced with love, By the time he finished, your heart was a mess of warmth and something else. You didn’t hesitate before launching yourself into his arms, kissing him deeply, hungrily, whispering his name like a vow.  Lucien chuckled against your lips, holding you tight, as if he never planned to let go.

“You are the greatest thing that ever happened to me,” he whispered, and you knew, he meant every word.

Eris

Eris did not do romance. 

He scoffed at the very idea of Lovers’ Day, calling it foolish, a ridiculous excuse for people to parade their affection like desperate fools. 

And yet- he still sent for you.

Later that evening, you arrive at your usual meeting point between your two courts. Eris was already there, leaning against a tree, arms crossed, his face carefully impassive.

He was fiddling with something- a small box, rolling it between his fingers.

 When he saw you approaching, he straightened forcing himself into stillness, his voice carefully nonchalant. “You came.”

You narrowed your eyes. “You said it was urgent. What’s wrong this time?” 

His smirk was slow, calculated. “It was urgent. I needed to see you.” He pushed off the tree, approaching you with lazy, confident steps, though the tension in his shoulders betrayed something deeper. He stopped just in front of you, holding out the small box. “Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

You raised a brow but took it anyway, fingers brushing over the carefully wrapped edges. “I thought you didn’t believe in this holiday?”

He scoffed, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I don’t. I just…” His jaw ticked as he glanced away. “Wanted to get you something.”

A smirk curled on your lips. “Ah, and it just happens to be on this specific day?”

His eyes snapped back to you, sharp as embers. “Don’t push your luck.” 

You huffed a laugh, shaking your head. “You really called me all the way here for this? You’re starting to make a habit out of it. Next time, I might not-”

You didn’t get to finish the sentence. Because in a single, swift movement, Eris closed the distance, grasped your face, and crashed his lips against yours.

The heat of him was blistering, unbearable- yet you couldn’t pull away. Didn’t want to. 

The kiss was measured yet scorching, each calculated movement knocking the breath from your lungs. His mouth moved with slow precision, as if he were branding himself into you, as if he hated how much he wanted this but couldn’t stop himself.

When he finally pulled back, you smirked against his lips, murmuring, “Next time, lead with that.”

His grip tightened slightly on your chin, his thumb brushing over your jaw in warning. “Shut up,” he muttered, before tilting your head up and kissing you again, deeper this time, hungrier, as if he were making damn sure you’d never forget the way he tasted- like fire and temptation, like something dangerous you’d willingly burn for.

[illyrianbitch]

can I request a cassian drabble where he cuddles with her when she has a migraine 🥺 asking for a friend of course 🥴

Tender

Pairing: Cassian x Reader

Word count: 683

Warnings: None <3

✹ ✶ 𖧷 ✶✹ 

Cassian wore a large grin on his face as he ran into your room, the door hitting the wall behind him with a loud, heavy thud. 

“Sweetheart! You won’t believe what happened—” 

You grimaced at the noise, at how loud and full of energy his voice is. Normally, the sound would bring a flutter to your heart, make your stomach flip. But now, with the pounding in your head and the throbbing echoes behind your eyes, it sent a spike of agony through your head. 

You groaned softly, raising a hand to your temple as you pushed your head further into the pillow. “Cass, please,” you murmured, “Quiet.”

Cassian stilled, the low tone of your voice sending a wave of worry through his body. He frowned in concern as he took you in, your still form in bed, the curtains of your shared room drawn to block out the light. Another wave of worry ran through him, much stronger than the first.

“What’s wrong?” 

His voice had dropped to a softer tone. 

“Migraine,” you managed to breathe out, squeezing your eyes tightly.

Cassian’s face softened.

“Oh, sweetheart,” he said quietly, his voice now falling to a gentle whisper. 

With surprising quietness for someone of his size, he crossed the room in a few long strides, carefully sitting at the edge of the bed. He brushed a few strands of hair away from your face. 

“What can I do?”

You shrugged slightly, face contorted into a painful frown. “Fix it.” 

The crease between his brows deepened. He gave no verbal response, but you felt the bed lift as he stood up, his footsteps quieting as he walked into the bathroom. Faintly, through your painful haze, you could hear the rustling of fabric and running water, and then he was back at your side, the bed dipping as he pressed a cool cloth to your forehead. You let out a sound of relief at the sensation. 

“Here,” he said softly, scooting closer to you as he helped you sit up slightly. He offered you a small glass of water. “Drink.”

You frowned, the pounding in your head worsening at the tension created between your brows. You blinked hard. 

“Cass-”

He gave you a face.

“Sweetheart,” he said, “I already know you haven’t had enough water today. Please.”

You let out a sigh. 

“Okay,” you whispered, carefully leaning forward to take a few sips.

Cassian helped you with the cup, taking it gingerly in his hands to place on the side table as you laid back down. 

He settled beside you, careful not to jostle you as he pulled you into his arms, cradling you against his chest. His heartbeat was a steady rhythm under your ear as you leaned further into his touch. 

“This okay?” he asked, breath warm against your hair.

You nodded slightly, nuzzling even closer to him. The warmth of his body spread throughout your skin.  “Perfect.”

Cassian’s hand stroked your back in slow, calming circles, fingers tracing soothing patterns through the delicate fabric of your shirt.

“Good, sweetheart,” he whispered, “Just rest. I’ve got you.”

You let out a small sigh, the tension in your body slowly easing with every brush of his fingers.

“Cass,” you murmured into his chest, “Could you rub my head?”

“Of course,” he replied, almost instantly. He shifted slightly, hand moving to your head as his fingers began to gently massage your temples. You let out a deep, relieved breath.

“Is this helping?” 

“Yes,” you breathed, closing your eyes. “Thank you.”

Cassian continued to rub your head, his touch tender and careful. He hummed softly, a lullaby-like tune that vibrated through his body. The sound was gentle, almost like a purr, as it lured you to sleep.

From deep within your chest, you could feel Cassian’s worry— could feel his need to make things better for you. Now, in the blissful silence, your heart fluttered with a familiar warmth. 

As you drifted towards sleep, you heard him faintly whisper, “I’ll stay right here. As long as you need.”

✹ ✶ 𖧷 ✶✹ 

permanent tag list 🫶🏻: @rhysandorian @itsswritten @milswrites @lilah-asteria @georgiadixon

@glam-targaryen @cheneyq @darkbloodsly @pit-and-the-pen

[fieldofdaisiies]

Omg I loved the Azriel Drabble about the sex ban could you do one for Cassian???

of course, here we go❤️

The general groans dramatically when he lets himself fall face-forward onto the bed. "Please, I already apologised." He groans and starts boxing the pillow, wiggling his legs.

"Sweetheart, please. It's been five days, I need you," he whines and then lifts his head, turning his gaze to you.

You only smile at and shakes your head.

"Alright, you wanted it that way." With a low groan the tall general pushes off the bed. He throws you one wicked grin over his shoulder and then disappears into the bath room.

He takes some time in there, but you can hear him rummaging around, drawers being opened and closed, something clatters onto the floor. It piques your interest and you keep watching the door, waiting for it to open.

And you wait for quite a while until--

Your breath catches in your throat when the door finally opens and your mate steps out of the bathroom. You swallow, hands falling slack to the mattress beside you.

You nearly start to drool at the sight revealed to you. There he is, Cassian, dressed in nothing but the skin he was born with, his wings coated in a layer of oil.

"Thought I am doing my wing oiling routine now, what do you think, sweetheart?" He grins from one ear to the other, leaning his very naked butt against the dressed behind him, large wings spread wide.

He pour a little more oil onto his hands and then brings one wing forward, to start tending to it. Soft groans, sighs and hums live his throat as he moves his hand over his wings.

"You are a bastard," you grumble through gritted teeth. But you can't tear your eyes away from him – it is impossible. You just have to keep looking at him, he is like a god, and your eyes are simple captured by his naked beauty.

"Says the one who put me under a sex ban." His lifts his gaze and grins, his eyes sparkling brightly as he watches you slowly come undone. You will crumble, he knows this.

"Mhm, fuck, that was the sensitive part," he mumbles, and your press your thighs together, your gaze sliding over his body, but quickly snapping up to his eyes again.

You start tapping your finger against the mattress, groaning under your breath. "Okay, fuck it, Cassian. Come here, let me do it."

But now it is Cassian who shakes his head. "No, I think I might do it myself." He bites down on his lower lip, and lets one oily hand slide down his solid, sculpted chest, lower and lower–

You jumped out of bed and in the same moment, rip your sweater over your head. Two can play this game or so?

Once you are both naked, neither can stay away from the other much longer, and your bodies come together, souls finally united, and all the passion and hunger fully unleashed.

"Never again, sweetheart," Cassian mumbles when he pushes in.

You only grin in answer.

[lalacliffthorne]

pumpkins, movie nights and a halloween party - autumn and spooky season headcanons (remastered) 🦇🎃💀

bc not writing anything to honor one of my favourite seasons and holidays would be a crime.

spooky season is one of your favourites

anything witchy and slightly shudder-inducing causes massive increases in your general happiness

so in true witchy fashion

Mor, Feyre and you decide that it will only truly be beginning of spooky season once you have carved jack'o'lanterns

you argue you can use them for Rhys's big annual Halloween party -

but really, you just want to carve pumpkins and make a mess

and so, the first week of October you meet at the flat

Feyre brings the pumpkins in two big wooden crates the two of you lug up the stairs

you have ordered a bunch of sharp knives for the occasion

and Mor brings drinks

tho, as she says as she places them on the counter with a meaningful eyebrow-raise

those are better left untouched until any activities including sharp objects are finished

"Huh."

You raise your head, and Mor squints.

"Is it me... or does this guy look a little more like Vlad the Impaled?"She turns her pumpkin, and both Feyre and you cackle. Mor grins and wiggles her brows.

You're sitting in the kitchen, the big table covered with a picknick blanket to protect the wood from the big bowls with stinky gourd intestines. Candles are flickering in the window, the speakers are connected to Feyre's phone and playing some halloween playlist, and there are mugs with steaming hot chocolate standing in front of all of you.

Feyre and Mor are perched on the couch, your best friend squinting in focus while Mor's tongue sticks out the corner of her mouth in concentration. You're sitting on one of the chairs, one leg pulled up as you happily saw a grimace into the pumpkin in front of you. You're going for a traditional evil grin. Feyre is carving some intricate side profile of a witch with a crooked hat, and Mor is winging it.

The front door opens, and you hear three pairs of heavy footsteps and the shuffle of jackets being shed. But you only raise your head once you hear Cassian's deep, familiar voice.

"Hello la-", he breaks off mid sentence and sniffles, his charming grin melting into a grimace. "The fuck -"

Rhys pushes past him, nose crunched as he heads for the window. "God, it stinks in here."

"Eh,", all three of you echo, brows crunched in focus.

"Who thought it was a good idea to supply you three with sharp knives?" Cassian leans into the doorframe, smirking lazily as he crosses his arms, and Mor raises her head, slowly beginning to smile sweetly.

"Why...?" She switches her grip on her knife to prop the handle onto the table and smiles brighter and wider, and there's a soft, amused huff that makes you raise your head again.

Azriel pushes past Cassian, one corner of his lips twitching as he throws his best friend a look.

"Dug yourself right into that one."

Your breath catches at the sight of your boyfriend. His hair is tousled from the wind outside, his shoulders straining against his t-shirt as he moves past Rhys.

Mor waves her knife at Cassian playfully, and you grin up at Azriel when he slowly comes to stand behind you. His hands close around the backrest, muscles shifting under his shirt, and straightening in your seat a little, you crane your neck to look up at him.

Your eyes find amber ones, warm in the flickering light of the candles, the golden specks twinkling in amusement when he lightly arches a brow at you, and your heart leaps happily.

You feel the muscles in Azriel's arms shift when you lean the back of your head against them and beam up at him. "Hi."

"Hi." Azriel's low, deep voice vibrates through you, slow and amused, and you feel your smile widen.

"They gave me a knife."

Somewhere to your left, Cassian begins to laugh, his shoulders shaking as his head falls back.

Azriel stares back down at you, and slowly, very slowly, a smirk spreads over his face, and your heart leaps against your ribs as a flutter rises in your chest at the sight of the creases in his cheeks and the lazy twinkle in his eyes.

"Yeah?" His warm, deep voice trickles down your spine, and you widen your eyes and whisper loudly: "Actually, I just took it."

"Oh, dear God." Rhys turns his eyes towards the ceiling exasperatedly, and Mor cackles while Feyre starts rolling with laughter.

You beam up at Azriel, and your breath hitches when his lips curve and he sends you a light wink.

the finished pumpkins are placed all over the flat and the balcony, with candles flickering inside every evening

it's the cue for the start of several movie nights

for the ones where it's only you and the boys, you hole up in one of your rooms

it's usually yours

(Cass claims it's bc it smells the nicest

Rhys usually retorts that bc you don't leave smelly socks lying around)

but also 9/10 times, the ambience in your bed room is just cosiest

you light candles and fairy lights

drag several blankets into your room

and turn your bed into one big cozy pit

on the nights where it's the whole gang

you usually make a sleepover of it

you and Cass turn the living room into one big cozy landscape

you push the couch table to the side, drag mattresses from your rooms and push them into between the couches

then you fill everything with pillows and blankets

since the colder months have started, Rhys and you spend even more time in the kitchen

you use every opportunity you have, and the movie nights aren't any different

so usually, the flat smells like apples, cinnamon and butter when Feyre and Mor arrive

the latter and Cass have claimed spots as designated taste testers for new recipes

which means most times, Mor makes a beeline for the kitchen, grinning and pressing a smacking kiss onto your cheek in greeting before giggling happily at the food

Feyre usually brings non-baking related snacks, for which Cassian hugs the shit out of her

she still doesn't look like she's used to that yet

then, as it gets dark outside, you all change into pyjamas and huddle up in the living room

it's usually a bit of scooching and wiggling until everyone is comfortable

sometimes, you and the girls all curl up on the mattresses on the floor, propped up and surrounded by dozens of pillows

the boys all stretched out on the couches, Cassian and Azriel kicking at each other in a fight for the big blanket

other times, Rhys and Cass claim the mattresses while Feyre and Mor huddle up on one couch and you end up curled against Azriel's chest

his scarred hand slipped under your hoodie, his chest warm and solid against your back and his chin dropped against your head

you playing with his fingers and huddling into your blanket happily, your heart thrumming

there are candles lit everywhere, the window sills, the dining table, the shelves

Rhys keeps everyone supplied with big mugs full of steaming hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream

bowls with snacks distributed and handed back and forth between you

the actual choice of movie depends of who gets to the remote the quickest

you watch some classics like hocus pocus or corpse bride on the nights one of you girls get your turn

when Cassian is quickest, you end up buried under a blanket between Mor and Feyre with only your noses peeking out while a full on horror movie plays in the back

it's got its funny moments

but most of the time, you're hiding your face against Mor's shoulder, flinching everytime she squeaks

for more spooky vibes, Mor drags you to a Halloween themed dinner she's been dying to go to for two years now in the second week of October

it's at a restaurant located in the old part of the city, with small crammed tables under big stone arches

the place went all in with the decorating, and the menu holds all kind of spooky takes

you're very impressed with the life-like spider cake

you can even choose from several witchy potions/drinks and "brew" them yourselves

safe to say, you have the time of your lives

Rhys takes you to a screening of some old black and white horror movie a couple of days later

you deck yourself with drinks and snacks and occupy two of the fancy velvet chairs in the last row

your legs thrown over Rhys's knees so his long legs have space and your giggles barely suppressed against his shoulder while Rhys grins and steals your popcorn

like every year, spooky season mounts in Rhys's big annual halloween party

this year, he has decided, after a quick vote, that the big annual halloween party will not actually be that big

read: you'll hold it at the flat

which means, it will still be one hell of a party

just a bit less fancy

and a few less people

...

which just means more exclusive and still with a shit ton of people

bc who are we kidding

Rhys will still go all in - he's just not in the mood of the hassle that comes with a pompous location

and a smaller party means that he gets to create a fancy buffet

you go shopping for decorations a week before Halloween

Rain is pattering against the window, the smell of coffee hanging in the air as you giggle under your breath and try to fight off Azriel's fork that keeps lazily swiping pieces of pancake from your plate. You've made them for breakfast, with caramelised apples that made Cass groan when he came in earlier to get his water bottle before leaving for the gym. Now you're sitting at the table, the sky outside dark and grey and Azriel opposite of you, steaming mugs in front of you and Azriel's plate empty.

"Hey, darling?"

You raise your head at the sound of Rhys's deep voice, and Azriel easily swipes a whole fork of pancake and apples from your plate. You curse softly, and Rhys sticks his head through the kitchen door.

"Are you busy today?"

You glare at your boyfriend who lounges in his chair, his lips curving as he chews slowly, a lazy crease forming in his cheek when he sends you a light wink.

You glower, and Azriel's eyes twinkle in the warm light like he's trying not to laugh.

There's the sound of fingers snapping, and when both you and Azriel tear your eyes away from each other and look towards the door, Rhys smirks and leans a shoulder against the door.

"You know, I was going to ask whether you wanted to come shop for decorations for the party, but looking at the two of you, how am I supposed to tear you apart?"

In unison, Az and you roll your eyes and flip him off.

Rhys grins until he looks like the Cheshire Cat. "Look at that, you even share the same brain cell..."

"Why is he so mean?", you grumble, digging into the last bit of your pancakes.

"Probably in heat,", Azriel mumbles under his breath, his lips twitching when Rhys snorts and you fall into a giggle fit.

"Okay, seriously, sweetheart; I could use your help." Rhys pushes off the doorframe.

"I mean,", you pick up your mug and shrug, "technically, you could use Az's help too, to carry stuff." Innocently, you blink over the rim of your cup.

Azriel's eyes narrow, and he starts to glower at you.

You feel your lips twitch. Then you look over towards the door, catching Rhys's gaze, and at the same time, you both start to grin.

"C'mon, Azzie boy." Rhys's smirk is positively wicked when he winks at his best friend. "Bet your girlfriend's gonna be very happy with you if you tag along..."

Azriel's grumpy glare would make most people cower.

With Rhys, it just makes his grin grow until it nearly splits his face as he raises his brows.

Azriel's scowl deepens, then his eyes flicker towards you. He looks like he's regretting it the same second, because you're beaming at him, wide and cheeky as you raise your brows.

"Please...?"

Rhys laughs, his head falling back and shoulders shaking, and Azriel glares at you.

Still, you're almost sure to see an amused flicker in his eyes when he rolls them.

safe to say, when you leave the flat half an hour later, Azriel is behind you, wearing a thick jacket over his hoodie and raising his brows at you when you beam up at him

you're definitely sure you see the corners of his lips twitching lightly tho

Mor comes too, bc she's a sucker for shopping

and bc you need her car

Rhys has located the best shops for decoration in town

you and Mor get excited over and over again, eyes widening and squeezing each other's hands whenever you spy something new

Azriel just trails after you, a faintly amused expression on his face while Rhys chuckles at your exciement

at the first store, you buy loads of fake spiderwebs and dozens of big black spiders

also an array of skulls and skeleton hands you can use for candle holders and the buffet

Mor scares the crap out of you when she uses one of the hands to gently scratch the back of your head when you're not looking

you nearly die, darting into Azriel's chest

and Mor cackles for five whole minutes

Azriel's is so obviously trying not to laugh that his eyes crinkle at the corners as you bury your face in his chest

Rhys doesn't even try

at the next store, you get a whole bunch of candles, a whole armada floating candles you can hang off the ceiling and a ridiculous amount of paper bats

you get a giggle fit when Mor holds one up next to Azriel's head and contemplates the uncanny resemblance

the glare Azriel levels her with would make the biggest man cower

Mor just grins widely

you also find mugs shaped like black cauldrons and wine glasses with stems like skeletal hands for the bar

after lunch, Rhys makes a pit stop to confirm the rental of a fog machine

the store he's going to rent it from is big and with a massive load of things to rent, like human sized skeletons and witches

Mor pretends to dramatically waltz through one of the wide aisles, pulling you with her until you fall into fits of giggles

Azriel watches, dimple digging into his cheeks and eyes twinkling

Rhys decides to rent some spotlights as well to really make the fog shine and half a dozen of the big skeletons

then you're on your way again

Mor's car is pretty stuffed already at this point, but you make two more stops

at the first, you get a massive assortment of funkily shaped bottles and some stuff for the buffet

at the second, you buy table cloth, witches hats and some fake ravens

a couple of days later, Rhys and you go shopping for the food

you visit several supermarkets to get everything for the dozens of snacks he has planned, all spookily on theme

your pinterest has been great help when it comes to inspiration

you also get a massive amount of booze for the bar, including loads of glittering ones, a huge load of crushed ice and stuff for spooky garnish

the day before the party, Rhys and you spend in the kitchen

you make a little pre-party of it, with music and hot cider as you prepare most of the snacks

little spider cakes inspired by your and Mor's dinner, mummy sausage in a blanket, pomegranate chocolate skulls, candied apples that look like they might poison you if you try them, chocolate ghosts, monster munch popcorn -

the amount of candy eyeballs and melted marshmallows for webs you use is concerning

Feyre drops by in the late afternoon

Rhys flirts so unabashedly that after only ten minutes she's glaring at him while her cheeks are gleaming with a blush

but he doesn't seem deterred in the slightest

on the contrary

his grin only widens whenever she huffs at him

but you haven't invited her to play cupid (at least not solely)

while you and Rhys start filling the bottles you bought and cleaned with the varieties of alcohol, pimping some with some edible glitter

Feyre starts writing the etiquettes

everything gets a new, spookier, more witchy name, the actual name of the booze scribbled in the corner in Feyre's ornate handwriting

there's witch's tears, fairie's breath, dragon's flame, vampire venom -

she even draws little sketches on the labels before charring the edges of the thick paper and glueing them to the bottles accordingly

then she writes some spooky recipe suggestions you have found on instagram on the same kind of paper, drawing little doodles of ghosts, witches and cats all around them

witches' brew, midnight margaritas, ecto martini, vampire's dinner -

the options are endless

if there's anything you've learned from last year

it's to not leave the costume until a week before the party

even though it will be a smaller affair than the last one, you know Rhys will still go all out

and so you put the utmost care into your costume

first, Mor, Feyre and you spend an afternoon on the couch, browing pinterest and an array of online shops in search for ideas or center pieces

neither of you girls really has a plan at first

but then...

There's a flash of lightning, and when you raise your head, thunder cracks in the distance, rumbling and making you shiver happily.

Rain is pounding against the windows of the living room, and the candles flicker as Feyre hums absentmindedly to the music playing in the background. The mugs with hot chocolate you've made have been empty for quite a while now, but the warm, sweet scent still lingers in the air.

"What are you looking for?" Mor scrunches her brows and chews on her pen as she leans forward, browsing on your laptop.

"Not really sure?" You squint, adjusting your spot on the cushion on the floor while you slowly scroll through your pinterest on Rhys's tablet. Then you raise your brows and hold the tablet over your head. "I like this."

In unison, Feyre and Mor who sit behind you on the couch, lean in.

"Oh, I like that!" Feyre's eyes starts twinkling. "That actually fits with what I got so far."

"Huh." Mor squints at the screen. Then, suddenly, she slowly start to grin widely. "Guys. I've got an idea."

You crane your neck to look up at her, and Mor raises her brows, her grin growing. "What have we got here?"

Feyre crunches her brows. "Huh?"

Mor rolls her eyes before widening them. "Between all of us? We're the most iconic thing in mythology and spooky fiction - three women! We're the Fates, holding human life in our hands, we're the three faces of Hecate, the goddess of Magic, we're the Sanderson sisters -"

Both Feyre and you stare at her blankly.

Mor whips out her arms. "Dude, we're a coven!"

Both Feyre's and your eyes widen.

"Wait -"

"That's genuis!" Feyre beams. "We can all go as witches!"

"But those vibes!" You frantically point at your tablet.

"Exactly!" Mor is grinning widely. "We're dark, spooky, but elegant, alluring." She widens her eyes. "Think about it; silk, lace, dramatic silhouettes -"

You groan happily and turn on the spot, wiggling in excitement. "Okay, what are you thinking, all of us dresses or -"

as soon as you got the vibe down

dark, spooky, but elegant, alluring

you slowly work out the looks you want to go for

you scour several online stores for inspiration and end up ordering the base piece for your look

a few days later, you go shopping

for the vibe you're all going for, you decide to scour the plenty of vintage shops you all love first

at the first, Feyre finds a black dress with puffy sleeves that slide off her shoulders

you already ordered one piece of your planned costume; a tiered black cotton skirt

but at the next shop, you stumble upon a tight lace shirt with billowing sleeves

Mor finds you a black corset with embroidery all over the front a few stores later

along with the flowy, tiered black dress she decides to use as base for her costume

you buy some more lace for a cape Feyre is going to design for herself and some structured tights that look like overlapping spiderwebs for your costume

oh, and

as Mor puts it

"a shit ton of accessoires"

the day of Halloween all of you spend decoration the flat

Mor and Feyre show up for the late breakfast (pancakes with googly eyes and whipped cream ghosts)

after Azriel had to pull you out of bed and carry you into the kitchen

Cassian made you watch another horror movie and let's just say you didn't sleep all that much

then, after lots of coffee, hot chocolate and food

you begin to set up

Mor and Fey both have their costumes with them in big bags so they don't have to go home again

they stash them in your room before joining the rest of you

Mor pulls up her spooky autumn playlist, then you split into groups

Rhys disappears into the kitchen to prep the rest of the foods that aren't stored in the fridge yet, the decorations for the drinks, and to set up the bar

Mor starts to spread spiderwebs all over the rooms, Feyre trailing after her to carefully attach big black spiders in the webs

meanwhile, you begin distributing fake candles all over the flat

the windowsills and shelves, the couch table and the fireplace, even the floor -

Cassian and Azriel are tasked with everything that needs hanging up

big spiders dangling from thin cords everywhere, floating candles attached to fishing lines at different heights, and swarms of paper bats that sway lightly in the breeze

once Mor and Feyre are done, they start helping you sprinkle the rest of the decorations around

skulls and skeleton hands that carry murky glasses with unidentified contents that Mor brought

more spiders and bats sitting on all the possible vantage points

witches hats that sit atop the chairs, some ravens up on the shelf

and confetti in shape of tiny bats, spiders and cauldrons

"the only thing we're missing at this point is a black cat,", Mor comments when the big skeletons along with the fog machine and the spot lights are delivered at noon

"why, we got Azriel,", you throw back absendtmindedly, and Mor starts laughing

you put the skeletons in different corners and the guys set up the smoke machine while Feyre finds good places for the spot lights

then you help Rhys set up the basis for the buffet on the dining room table

you bought a big black velvet table cloth you spread out carefully

then you put up a couple of tall candelabras

on the table in the kitchen, Rhys has put up a big cauldon that actually steams

the flat is mostly done by 5 pm

and all of you are starving

Rhys orders a bunch of pizzas

Feyre starts to do Cassian's make up

his hair is pulled up messily as she starts to line his facial structures with a thin brush and white paint

Cassian catches your eyes and winks

you just grin and wink back

when the pizza arrives, you and Mor take turns feeding Feyre pieces, bc now her hands are smeared with black and white paint

it takes time -

in which the rest of you polish off four massive pizzas and Cassian whines whenever Feyre chides him for messing up her work when he takes massive bites of pizza

but after a whole lot of precision work

his whole face is turned into a ghostly white skeleton on shiny black paint

Feyre even painted spine bones down his throat

when she's done, you switch so she can actually eat properly

and you use the black paint you ordered specifically for this to paint the space between Cassian's teeth black

when he grins at you, you nearly topple backwards off the couch

both Rhys and Azriel haven't shared what they're dressing up as

tho in Azriel's case

it is more of a case of whether he's gonna dress up at all

at a little after 6, Mor drags you to your feet to get ready

you hole up in your room, shutting the door and putting on some music

outside, it's already dark, and you can see families and groups of children roaming the streets in the warm glow of the street lights

you end up sitting on the floor as you start curling Feyre's hair, giggling at the stories Mor tells

you carefully pin half of Feyre's hair up while she puts Mor's hair in soft waves and Mor does her own make up

the candles you lit on the windowsill are flickering

and it smells like apples and biscuits

Mor's eyeliner is sharp enough that you just wordlessly hand her your make up bag

Mor grins and squeezes your cheeks before getting to work

all the while, Feyre does your hair

then Mor does Feyre's make up as well while you lean against the bed, shaking with laughter at the grimaces Mor pulls to try and get Feyre to crack

when she's done, Mor disappears into the bathroom to get dressed first

"Guys."

Feyre and you raise your heads, and Mor grins and opens her arms.

"What d'you think?"

Feyre whistles lowly, and you raise your brows with a cheeky grin. "Hot."

Mor winks before doing a dramatic spin. Her lightweight flowy gown spins with her, billowing around her. It's so long, it sways around the ankles of her knee-high chunky boots when she comes to a still and grins, doing a happy, giddy wiggle.

"I didn't even notice the details before." You clamber to your feet to inspect the ruffles and the way they cleverly add layers and dimension to the fabric.

"I know!" Mor widens her eyes and happily swings her sleeves in front of her face, raising her brows. "I'm just gonna start wearing this day to day."

Feyre giggles as she picks up her clothes. "Grocery shopping is gonna be a blast."

Mor wiggles her brows and winks, then she grins and turns around to float out of the room. Feyre grins at you and follows her to disappear into the bathroom, and you close the door to get dressed yourself.

The tights you found at a drugstore sit snug against your legs as you slip into the black boots with the chunky heels that already resided in your closet. You bought them a few years ago with Mor, who lent a similar pair to Feyre as well. Then you straighten and carefully pin one side of your soft black skirt up, until it's rouched and gathered at your waist, and the side of your thigh is showing.

There's a light knock, and you make a face as you fight your way into your corset, nearly getting caught on your lace sleeve.

"Mor?" You grumble. "Can you help me with the corset, cause I'm not sure I can lace it up at the front -" You raise your head, and your heart catches in your throat.

In the mirror, you see Azriel leaning in the doorway. His hands are slipped into the pockets of his black jeans, and his shoulders are straining against his black t-shirt. His dark hair is curling and tousled, a strand falling into his forehead as his gaze slowly drags over your body, and something shifts in his gaze, grows warm and deep and heated.

He looks like he always does.

Except for one major change that makes your lips part and heart leap into your throat.

His eyes, always a warm shade of caramel, are now a deep, twinkling gold.

Something suddenly starts fluttering against your ribs.

One corner of Azriel's lips curves upwards. Then he sends you a slow, lazy smirk, and your heart topples and nearly stops beating when you catch the flash of sharp fangs.

Holy shit.

The smooth planes of his face are illuminated by the warm light, throwing shadows under his cheekbones and jaw as he pushes off the doorframe, and you watch in the mirror, your breath hitching with every inhale as he slowly walks towards you. His soundless, smooth gait somehow seems even more prowling than usual, and you have to keep yourself from swallowing violently when he comes to a half right behind you. His body towers over you in the mirror, and you can feel his body brush against your back when he shifts his weight, his bright eyes piercing yours before he lowers his head.

His warm fingers brush against your back, and through the lace, you shiver, your heart leaping into your throat.

Azriel throws you a look, and one corner of his lips twitches. Then he drops his gaze again and starts lacing up the back of your corset.

Your breath catches, and suddenly you feel very, very hot.

You're sure Azriel has to hear your heart pounding as he gently pulls the black silky ribbons tight, working his way from the top to the bottom. You're tempted to ask with a cheeky grin how he knows how to do this.

But you're afraid your voice won't listen.

There's a concentrated furrow between Azriel's brows as he carefully ties the ends of the ribbons in a bow, then he raises his eyes to meet yours in the mirror, and one corner of his lips quirk as he reaches up to lightly straighten one of the broad straps sitting on your shoulders.

"Good?" His deep, low voice vibrates through you and makes your heart leap high, and you swallow despite yourself and nod softly.

The curve to Azriel's lips deepens, and the ghost of a crease forms in his cheek when he sends you a slow, lazy smirk. The deceptively real looking fangs flash in the light, and suddenly, your skin tingles.

"Thanks." Your voice is soft and a little weak and catches in your throat when Azriel carefully reaches up to tuck some hair behind your ear.

He sends you a slow, light smirk, and somehow, you pull yourself together and grin back cheekily.

"Any specific thing you're supposed to be?"

Azriel shrugs lazily, raising his head and raising a brow. "Demon."

You blink, and suddenly, your throat is dry again.

"Right." Your voice is breathless and a little high, and Azriel's lips curve. Then his hands slide down to your waist, and gently, he tugs you around until you face him. Even in the high boots, you have to tilt your head back to look up at him, and something starts rising under your ribs, warm and pulsing when your chest brushes against Azriel's.

The crease in Azriel's cheek deepens as one corner of his lips curves into a light grin. Then he drops his head, and your heart tethers when his breath brushes over your skin.

His nose brushes against yours tantalizingly slow, then Azriel dips his head and kisses you.

A soft sound breaks from your throat, and you stretch, your hand sliding up to bury in Azriel's dark hair, the other clinging to his shirt as you kiss back, firm and just a little desperate.

The fangs graze your lip, and your breath catches. Your lips part, and Azriel makes a low sound deep in his chest, his hand coming up to slide into your hair and tilt your head back, and he kisses you deeper, harder, his chest pressing into yours as his tongue lazily maps yours.

"Dude!"

Feyre's indignant voice makes you pull back with a soft gasp, your fingers digging into Azriel's t-shirt, and he rolls his eyes and looks over his shoulder to glower at Feyre, but she just glowers back.

"Get your hands out of her hair, I worked hard on that!"

you somehow manage to pry yourself out of Azriel's grasp

your willpower must be magnificent

bc the way he's gazing down at you, his golden eyes piercing and heated and twinkling

makes your stomach throw loop after loop

you're glad Mor isn't the one who caught you

or that she hasn't applied your lipstick yet

Feyre shoos Azriel out of the room, and he lets her, just looking grumpy yet faintly amused

then she calls for Mor, and you somehow shake yourself out of the fast thrum of your heart and the pull in your lower stomach

Feyre looks spectacular

the black dress she's wearing has billowy sleeves that fall off her shoulders and a long tired skirt

she wears the corset you ended up ordering for her

black and with intricate stitching

and her tights glitter in the light whenever she moves

together, you lay last hand on your costumes

you put on the dozens of thin necklaces you own anyway

together with an assortment of rings and dangly earrings

Feyre does the same, marvelling at the manicure Mor has given all of you a couple of days earlier

it's a shade of such deep red, it nearly looks black

Mor adds deep, nearly black lipstick to your look and poufs up her hair

and you help Feyre add her lace cape that sits on her hair and falls over her back

then Mor pulls you to stand in front of the mirror, grinning

"we look good."

you really do

"the holy trinity of female spookiness." you grin and Feyre laughs, her shoulders shaking under her cape

Mor takes a picture of all of you

then she shoos you out of the room

Feyre goes to check if Cassian has managed to put on his t-shirt without smudging his make up

Mor goes to check on the buffet Rhys has erected in the mean time

and you make your way to the kitchen to see if you can help him with the rest of the snacks

the bar is already set up under spooky purple lights

all of your bottles next to the cauldron mugs, spooky wine glasses and other glassware

on the table, the steaming cauldron is surrounded by bowls and bowls with the biggest array of snacks possible

and Rhys is standing with his back to you, digging in the fridge

"You know, I was gonna ask if you need help, but -", you raise your brows, "looks like you're good."

Rhys appears from the depth of the fridge and turns his head towards you, and your lips part.

So that's where Azriel has the contacts from.

"What the -"

Rhys smirks, then he closes the fridge and raises an eyebrow, and you stare at him wide-eyed.

Damn.

Rhys is wearing expensive looking slacks, a shirt half unbuttoned that shows off his tones abs and chest and the tattoos snaking over his skin. His face looks flawless, more flawless than usual, his hair sits even better than usual, which you didn't think was possible, and his eyes -

"Holy shit." You gape, and Rhys winks.

His eyes have been sort of purple-ish since birth, which has been confirmed by one evening of baby photo stalking (which made for lot of laughter and teasing all around). It has fascinated you ever since you met him, but now, they're not just the usual deep blue. Instead, they're a stark, twinkling violet.

You almost ask what he's supposed to be. But then you catch a glimpse at his ears, and your mouth falls open even wider.

"Holy. Shit."

Rhys snorts when you immediately scurry forward to reach up and carefully touch the pointy ears that look so real, you nearly pull one just to see if it's actually attached.

"Where did you get that?"

"I have my ways." Rhys smirks down at you, and you blink before grinning.

"So what, you're like a hot, modern day elf?"

Rhys snorts.

"Basically. I wanted to do a whole Lord of the Rings elf thing first, but then -" His lips curve into a wicked smile. "Well, I don't know. I guess I liked this look better."

You blink and slowly start to grin back widely. "Yeah..."

You see why.

It really looks more like him.

at around 11 pm, the flat is stuffed to the brim

there are people everywhere

on the couches, the armchairs and the chairs, the floor and windowsills

the hall is packed just like the kitchen, and there are even loads of people out on the balcony, even tho it is fucking freezing

the buffet is a massive hit

it looks amazing, with the skulls and the themed food

the bar is just as popular

the music is making the floor vibrate, some Hallooween party playlist on shuffle that Mor has created for the occasion

you can tell that this party is also more excluse by just how elaborately everyone is dressed up

more have lost count of the times you have stopped people to compliment their outfits

you have seen more witches, dozens of sirens and vampires, some very fancy zombies -

Mor drags you and Feyre to dance more times than you can count

you twirl in circles, your skirts billowing, and your heart nearly explodes from how much its thrumming with happiness

whenever you focus, you can feel eyes on you

and whenever you look over your shoulder, you meet golden eyes trained on you from an armchair by the couches

but you also catch violet ones that are watching your best friend

every time, you slowly start to beam at their owner

and every time, you get back a huff, an easy smirk and a wink

cheeky bastard

you find yourself on the couch next to Cassian for a good half an hour, your legs dragged over his lap to save space and a big plate balanced on your knees as you try yourself through the whole buffet

Rhys drags you outside to breathe a little later, and you grin at him long enough that he rolls his eyes

"I'll do something about it eventually"

the way he grumbles it makes you actually believe him

tho you swear to yourself that if he doesn't get a move on soon, you'll actually have to play cupid

this has been going on for long enough in your opinion

and Mor's, judging by the way she smirks at her cousin a little later when the two of you catch a glimpse at Feyre and Rhys in the corner of the living room

deep in conversation, Rhys staring down at her with a wide smile while Feyre is laughing

"idiots,", Mor just says with a mischievous grin

then she drags you with her for a break in the kitchen where it's a little less crowded and you find a spot on the couch

Mor mixing you a series of spooky and very tasty drinks

she's a lot better at that than Rhys and you

at 2 am, the party is still at full swing when you make yourself into the living room

your eyes meet golden ones, and your heart leaps high

your already heated cheeks grow warmer, and your breath catches when Azriel lightly shifts in his seat, spreading his long legs a little wider in a silent invite

your lips start to curve until you smile brightly

then you slip through the crowd, dodging elbows and arms until you can slide into between Azriel's knees and plop down into the armchair with him

sliding into the space between him and the armrest, you giggle when Az slides his hand under your knee and pulls your legs up until they're hanging over the opposite armrest

his arm slides down your back and around your waist, and Azriel lazily sinks back in his seat, pulling you into his body

his golden eyes flicker over your face, and you prop your arm onto his shoulder and blink at him with a cheeky smile

the corner of Azriel's lips twitches

"yes?"

his deep, low voice vibrated through you, causing your heart to skip, and your smile widens

then you lean forward and whisper into his ear: "I'm gonna need help to get out of the corset later."

Azriel's grip on your leg tightens

he huffs gently

and when you pull back, he stares at you

one corner of his lips slowly curves upwards

then he gently pushes your legs off the armrest and straightens, his warm breath brushing over your neck and causing your heart to leap into your throat when he mumbles into your back

"get up."

you do not need him to be ask twice

the flat is finally quiet again by 4 am

Feyre, Mor and you are standing in the bathroom, all in pyjamas and giggling under your breath as you take off your make up

you're caught in that strange space between adrenaline, giddiness and complete exhaustion when you turn off the light in the hall

a paper bat brushes your head when you wave at Feyre and Mor who disappear into your room

then you slide into Azriel's room

The light of the bedside lamp dunks everything into a warm glow as you close the door behind you and turn around, and your heart skips gently.

Your clothes are still strewn all over the floor from earlier, mixed together with Azriel's. The bed is messy, sheets all over the place.

But what really makes your breath catch gently is Azriel laying on his back in the middle of the bed, shadows snaking over his bare torso and hair tousled as he watches with a tired twinkle in his eyes as you make your way over to the bed.

The contact lenses are gone, but as you slide under the blanket - you decide you prefer the warm amber twinkle.

Azriel's arm slides around your waist when you turn off the light, then he tugs you back into his body with easy strength that makes you giggle deliriously.

You feel his lips curve against your shoulder, then his grip tightens, and Azriel curls around you, until there's no place you can't feel him.

Your heart starts to flutter against your ribs, gentle and warm, growing even as your eyes grow heavy and you start to drift away into sleep, until there's a warm thrum in your chest.

Azriel's fingers starts to brush over your ribs, and you fall asleep to the feel of his nose buried at the back of your neck and his warm body pressed against yours.

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @luvmoo @icey--stars @secretlyhers

@knmendiola @azriels-mate2 @bookishbroadwaybish @maybe-a-winchester @stayinglow-exploringworlds

@harrystylesfan2686 @ssmay123 @kalulakunundrum @brekkershadowsinger @acotar-lover

[readychilledwine]

Goosebumps

Summary - Cassian has always loved messing with you. He just might have taken this prank a little too far.

Warnings - Reader thinks they were kidnapped, fear play, implied smut, and cassian not knowing how to apologize and grovel without using sex, sub!Cassian x domme!reader implied

A/N - This is our only little drabble-ish moment for the Halloween fics, and my way of peeping a subby Cassian with a dominant female reader for all of you.

You couldn't stop crying, and fighting against the ropes behind your back. You had been blindfolded, tied up, and taken by who knows who, who knows how long ago, and who knows where.

You sniffled as you were blindly led somewhere and forced into a chair. You kept tugging the mating bond. Ripping at that string so hard you were afraid it would snap. 

"Baby, you're fine." The sobbing hit harder as the blindfold was taken off and Cassian stood there, brows knit and his lips parted in confusion. "Could- could you not tell it was me?"

"Clearly fucking not!" You screamed out before breaking down. "You took me in the dead of night after I closed the bookstore, Cass. Do you not understand how afraid I am?"

Cassian untied you, his eyes wide with concern. "Sweetheart, I did not mean to scare you."

"But you did. I thought someone was going to hurt me." Guilt set in on Cassian's face, his lips forming a tight line as he nodded.

"I'm sorry, y/n." Cassian touched your cheek. "Forgive me?" You shook your head, causing him to lean in, kissing every inch of your face with wet open mouth kisses. He moved his hands to your ribcage, tickling your sides. 

"Forgive me?" He asked again, lips pressed against your ear. "What will it take, sweetheart?"

He started kissing your neck, occasionally nipping gently as you relaxed into him and calmed down. "I am sorry, y/n. I did not mean to scare and hurt you. It was a terrible prank."

"It was," you sniffled again, hands moving into his hair. "You can make it up to me, though."

"Oh? And how would that be?" 

You smiled softly as his kissed kept making their way down your body, "You're my smart good boy, you'll figure it out."

[taska-rokanh]

Georgia - Cassian Andor Drabble

Vance Joy's "Georgia" is never not on my mind if I'm honest, and the same goes for Diego Luna

And I could easily lose my mind

"The way you kiss me'll work each time," she teased lightly, words muffled as her lips stayed ghosting his.

Callin' me back into the flames 'n' I'm burnin' up again, I'm burnin' up

I never understood what was at stake, Cassian thought as he looked at her. His life had meant nothing before then, in that moment. Even when he had purpose, when he joined the rebellion, he thought that death wouldn't be the worst thing to happen to him.

And then he met her.

"I never thought your love was worth its weight," she admitted. "But now you come and gone, I finally worked it out."

"I worked it out," he argued. "I never should've told you, I never should've let you see inside, don't want it troublin' your mind—"

"Won't you let it be?"

Cassian stopped, blank. Could he just let it be?

[inkedinshadows]

Whiskey and Mockery

Pairing: Azriel x f!reader

Summary: After a late night mission, Cassian and Rhysand tease their brother about his girlfriend.

Word count: 897

Warnings: allusions to sexy time :))

A/N: this drabble is based on this request!

Main Masterlist | Azriel Masterlist | AO3

Despite the calm night outside and the logs crackling lazily in the fireplace, the sitting room was thick with tension.

Or, more precisely, one side of the room was.

Cassian lounged in an armchair, wings spread behind him and drooping onto the floor. Rhys was comfortably sitting on the couch, one ankle crossed over a knee and an arm draped across the backrest. With the other hand, he nursed a glass of amber whiskey.

Both Illyrians were looking at Azriel—Cassian with narrowed eyes and Rhysand with an amused smile.

The Shadowsinger occupied the other armchair. Tension rippled off him in waves as he sat upright, back stiff, hazel eyes constantly flicking to the door. Even his shadows had stilled—only a few tendrils remained, hovering near the top of his wings.

“Relax, Az.”

Cassian finally broke the silence, slouching even further into his seat. “The mission went well. We retrieved the relic. It'll be fine.”

Before Azriel could reply, Rhys glanced at his brother with a knowing smile. “It's not about the mission, Cass.”

Azriel met his violet gaze. “And what do you know about it, Rhys?” he asked, perhaps a bit more harshly than intended.

But Rhys only looked more amused. “Oh, I know it well enough.” He took a sip of his drink before turning to Cassian, as if sharing a secret. “He misses his girl.”

Azriel's jaw clenched, but Rhys had already leaned back against the couch, and now Cassian was studying him with the same smirk as his brother.

“It's only been an hour,” he pointed out. “You can't stay away from her for one hour?”

“It's dangerous,” Azriel replied. “We don't know what the relic is. Something might happen.”

Both Illyrians scoffed.

“It's a locket with a message inside,” Cassian retorted. “How dangerous can it be?”

Azriel glowered at him. “A locket infused with dark magic, with a message in a language no one recognizes? Yes, how dangerous can it be?”

Rhys chuckled, then placed the empty glass on the coffee table.

“She knows more than anyone about ancient languages,” he said. “And Amren's with her. She'll be fine.”

Azriel knew that. He did.

He also knew about the protection spells cast over the locket, the parchment, and, just in case, on you and Amren as well. He was well aware of all of it.

But it didn't stop him from worrying. He wanted you by his side. He wanted to hold you in his arms while you nestled into his lap, chatting and laughing with his brothers as he simply admired your profile—the slope of your nose, the curve of your lips, the way your eyelashes fluttered against your cheek when you closed your eyes.

He needed to feel you beneath his hands, to breathe in your scent, to tell you he loved you and brush his lips against your neck just to make you shiver in that adorable way you always did.

“Azriel.”

The Shadowsinger looked up at Cassian. From the gleam in his eyes, Azriel could tell his brother was up to something before he even spoke.

“What?”

Cassian grinned. “What exactly were you and Y/N doing when we got dragged out of bed?”

Azriel scowled. “It’s none of your business.”

“I’d say that’s answer enough,” Rhys commented.

With a scoff, Azriel reached for the whiskey bottle and an empty glass. He poured himself a generous amount of amber liquid and downed it in one go as if it were water. Only then did he speak again.

“You two are insufferable,” he grumbled.

His brothers only laughed. They didn’t deny it.

A noise outside the door caught his attention, and Azriel sat up straighter, eyes fixed on the entrance once more, hoping to see you finally walk in.

But you didn’t. Nothing happened. Another door closed somewhere else in the house.

Which, of course, became another source of teasing for Cass and Rhys.

He shot them a look sharp enough to cut, but it didn’t stop them from exchanging a glance and snickering.

“Oh, you’re down bad, brother,” Cassian taunted. “Are you sure you won’t start crying if she doesn’t show up in the next five minutes?”

“One more word, Cassian,” he warned. “Say just one more word and—”

“And what? You’ll make me regret it?” Cassian’s grin only widened. “But what would Y/N do if she knew her boyfriend threatened his own brother?”

Rhys tried to look composed, but the upward tilt of his lips gave him away. “C’mon, Cass, we should leave him alone,” he said. He almost sounded sincere, until he added, “He just doesn’t know how to deal with his feelings. Our boy here hasn’t been in love in three hundred years.”

Azriel rolled his eyes. “I do know how to deal with it,” he muttered. “I just don’t want to lose her, okay? She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Rhysand finally relented. For all his teasing, he understood. He felt the same way about Feyre, and learning they were mates had only deepened their bond and their love.

But Cassian wasn’t done yet.

“Is it really because of that?” he mused. “Or is it because you had to leave before she could finish suck—”

Shadows lunged for him, cutting off the sentence with a surprised yelp. As tendrils of darkness swirled around him, his teasing finally quieted.

Taglist: @navyblue-eternity @paintedbyshadows @highladyandromeda @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @azrielsmate3 @mollygetssherlockcoffee @mirandasidefics @tinystarfishgalaxy @anarchiii @readinggeeklmao @anneas11 @lilah-asteria @lorosette @azrielsrealmate @pey2618 @k8r123-blog @daughterofthemoons-stuff @minnieoo @saltedcoffeescotch @georgiadixon @quiet-because-it-is-a-secret @ivy-34 @yesiamthatwierd @lreadsstuff @littlest-w01f

[moongirlrhea]

carry me slowly, my sunlight (all these colors fade for you only)

azriel and his best friend - chapter II

series masterlist

azriel x reader

word count: 4.5k

warnings: mentions of bad family dynamics and childhood trauma. angst + comfort

i have no idea how to conduct a summary but this is a star fall fic! as mentioned in the drabble earlier

enjoy and, as always, make sure to give me feedback and let me know if you want a continuation of this!

a/n: sooo this is coming out so much later than i intended for it to but school is killing me currently, so sorry for the wait! also the title is a lyric from hozier’s sunlight :)

Three hours before Rhysand’s starfall party was scheduled to begin, she was sitting in the vanity in her room, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She was glad to be here, she really was. And she hadn’t done anything bad, she was well aware. But still she couldn’t shake the gnawing feeling in her gut. The guilt. Azriel had spent the last few days trying to make that feeling go away - but it stuck like dirt and grime on her skin.

Maybe it was the upcoming anniversary that made her go into survival mode at the mere thought of her blood relatives.

Or maybe it was the letters they kept sending.

Either way, nothing seemed to be able to make the bad memories go away. She tried to solve it all like an equation - look at the situation from start to finish, list out all the reasons why she was not some villain in her family’s story - but acting like she was guilty only cemented her feelings more.

Tonight is supposed to be good, she reminded herself. Don’t ruin this. Starfall was the most important holiday of the year, for her family - in the new definition, the one that didn’t make her want to puke her guts out - for Azriel, for her best friend, and for herself. Or so it used to be. Before Amarantha, before the war, before everything got so complicated. Don’t ruin this. Then why did the holiday make her want to lock herself inside her closet and sit in the dark until the end of time? They finally got peace in Prythian, after everything. Don’t ruin this.

She sighed and started combing through her hair. Maybe the presence of her family, the real one, would make it easier tonight. That was what starfall was for anyway, right? Holding the people who loved you, knew you, and vice versa, close. Shaking her head, she decided she would focus on her friends tonight and everything would be alright.

The hair was haphazardly brushed through as, alas, unwanted thoughts still kept recurring like waves crashing over her mind. Clean golden-brown curls cascaded down her back and shoulders and her newly made dress was laid out on her bed. She tried to win that fight with her mind, but a reprieve arrived soon in the form of a brown-eyed female in a blood colored gown.

“Please tell me you didn’t do your makeup yet, you promised I could help!” Mor was almost shouting as she came tumbling into her room. She looked her up and down and exhaled.

“Oh, good. You’re not even dressed”

“Don’t we still have like three hours?”

“Well, that isn’t very much time, really. Show me that dress you made” the words were thrown over her shoulder as Mor was looking through the makeup drawers, evaluating products and pulling some out, some away.

“Here it is”

“Oh! You really outdid yourself this year, babe,” Mor’s chocolate eyes and smile were shining as she looked the dress up and down, having turned away from the vanity. “Put it on and let’s get started on your makeup”

By the time she was laced up and out of her bathroom, Morrigan had laid out just about every single one of her makeup and hair products on the desk of her vanity. Soon her cheeks and lips were rosy, eyelashes long and darkened with kohl, and her friend was standing behind her brushing out her hair.

“Please don’t tell me you’re making me do the same hairstyle you wear everyday” the joke was light in the evening air, and she let out a soft laugh, meeting her friend’s eyes in the mirror

“I did actually think we could try something different”

“I’m all ears”

“Maybe just regular waves? I think a whole intricate hairstyle will be too much with the dress?” Morrigan hummed at that, parting her hair down the middle. Then after a beat of silence

“Tonight will be fun, right?” the blonde’s eyebrow quirked up.

“Why wouldn’t it be? It’s starfall” another beat of silence, she sent her friend a tight smile and looked down

“Yeah…”

“Is everything alright? Anxious to see a certain spymaster, maybe?” her head snapped up, green eyes wide

“What?”

“Oh, come on,” Mor laughed and met her reflection in the mirror, mischief dancing in her eyes “Everyone sees the eyes you two make at each other. And this has been going on for decades! Free me from the torment, please” her cheeks were getting redder by the second

“I don’t know what you’re talking about” she mumbled, averting her eyes

“Hey, head straight forward, now.” Mor’s fingers moved her head back in place “It’s cute how shy you get about this”

“Mother’s sake, stop now, please” she watched in a new found horror as her friend threw her head back laughing, musing

“Fine, fine. But seriously, have you never thought about this?”

Fuck’s sake. Of course she had. How could she have not? But he was her best friend. So, so good to her that sometimes she felt like her entire heart might burst. Like something in her ribs will pull so hard, she will snap and just stop breathing altogether. Because he changed her whole perspective on life, on the world.

That night he found her aimlessly wandering through the night court’s forest after travelling for days on end on a ship between the continent and Prythian. Tired and malnourished, both physically and emotionally, she quickly got lost after leaving the port.

Things could have ended badly, especially considering her lack of plan and any survival skills whatsoever - where was she supposed to get any after growing up dressed in tight dresses, locked inside a pretty manor? Raised to be a wife and mother under the cold, scrutinizing eyes of her parents and the town.

But then Azriel found her, in so many ways.

She took his hand, and still to this day felt as though she never let go of it - and hoped she never would.

“Gods, fine if you’re just gonna space out on me like that, I’ll drop it” Mor’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts

“Sorry?” but Mor was snorting, looking at her with something in her eyes that she couldn’t quite place. And then she was shaking her head.

“Hair is all done. Do you like it?” she met her own eyes in the reflection, and she really did look pretty tonight.

The curls of her hair were framing her face, the rest falling down her shoulders and back. Her eyes trailed down and followed the curve of her neck down to where a dainty golden chain with a small pendant was resting a little north of the swell of her breasts.

She stood from her seat to make sure everything was sitting right on her, and sighed, about to voice the thoughts she was torturing herself with before Mor’s appearance.

But then her friend sat on the bed, hands smoothing through the pink duvet cover and resting behind her to support her back. She snapped her fingers before grinning, and out of thin air appeared a bottle of wine and two glasses.

“I thought we could start the party a little early.”

And maybe she was right earlier - tonight would be a fun night with her friends, and she didn’t have to think about anything bad.

Rhysand’s party was well started by the time the two females made it to the main hall. The sea of bodies seemed never ending, the amount of people the high lord and lady invited was astounding - as always. But quickly she noticed two tips of Illyrian wings peaking out above the crowd, near the corner of the room. She looked around to find Morrigan already gone, and started to push through the crowd.

Azriel was leaning against the wall, two drinks already in hand. Cloaked in shadow, dressed in all black and already smiling softly once their eyes met, Azriel seemed to have already known she was coming.

She stood a few paces in front of him, anxiously smoothing down her hair and softly panting from the trudge through the room, already overwhelmed by the heat of the overcrowded hall. But before she could say anything, Azriel was handing her her drink and putting an arm around her shoulder in order to lead her out of the hall and into one of the balconies.

Velaris was always breathtaking at night, but especially this one. Even before the stars started to fall, the holiday made the sky look enchanting, somehow. The pair leaned against the railing, and her eyes were immediately glued to the city.

“It’s so beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is” she turned her head in his direction, only to find him already looking at her.

His expression was so, so soft. Soft smiles and golden eyes full of stars staring straight into hers, a wing curled around her and shadows dancing in the air. She felt such warmth in her heart, almost as if it were some external feeling, that even the cold of the winter mountain air would not chill her skin. Her best friend brought his drink to his lips to take a sip, her eyes following the movement.

“Hi” she interrupted the bit of silence that ensued

“Hi” amusement or adoration swam in Azriel’s eyes. No, why would it be adoration? Amusement. For sure. Yes.

“Are you alright?”

“Y-yes, I’m alright. Why would I not be?” her eyes had widened at his question, and for a moment, the thought of telling Azriel everything appeared in her mind- Don’t ruin this.

Why would she go on about all of this now and make him comfort her on Azriel’s favorite holiday of the year, of all nights? As if he hadn’t been wasting half his time lately trying to ease her mind about this already. And even though she knew Azriel would never outright judge her and be annoyed with her, there was some deep-buried shame within her that was scared of that sort of ridicule. She brushed it off as not wanting to worry him-

“Angel?”

“Yes? Sorry, Az, I spaced” Get it together

Her best friend just sighed, his eyes so, so soft and leaned down to brush a strand of her hair behind her pointed ear.

“You’re a great person.” he said, then kissed her forehead “And everyone is glad to have you here”

“Yeah, I know. Thanks, Az” the scoff she let out at the beginning of the sentence was softened by the look in the shadowsinger’s hazel eyes. As if he knew something she didn’t.

“There you two are! Are you enjoying the night?” Rhysand’s booming voice came from the entrance to the balcony. He neared them, drink in hand and Feyre on his arm, smiling lightly at them.

“It is one of your starfall parties, Rhys. Of course we are.” she teased and Feyre laughed a little, long silver gown gleaming in the moonlight.

“Have you two only just arrived? I saw Mor and Cass are already a few drinks in” the High Lady said, and her ears perked up at that.

“That’s my call, then” she mused starting to walk away from the group “I’ll go find them”

Rhysand’s laughter followed her, and she looked over her shoulder to see the amusement shining in his purple eyes. Azriel was suddenly in her line of sight, a shadow flying down the silk of his black shirt and over to twine itself around her wrist.

“Be careful”

“Sure, grandpa” she teased, walking away “Come take a shot with me later”

This is good, she thought, passing between a sea of bodies. She’d have a few drinks and those vicious thoughts would be well warded away.

Truth be told, at this point the anxiety clinging to her mind made her forget what exactly she was even stressing about in the first place. But if she were to stop and unpack all that - she visibly cringed - well, that was a rabbit hole she was not interested in visiting.

Besides, Mor and Cass appeared before her eyes, pouring drinks at the self-serve bar and she raised her hand to wave to them.

“Make one for me, too, Cass!”

A few hours and drinks later she was standing with a group of fae, the thoughts of her old family now reduced to a buzz somewhere in the back of her mind. Starfall was still a few hours away and Cassian was telling some story that she couldn’t really focus on. The volume at which he spoke almost made the room vibrate, his hands were high in gesticulation and his half tied up hair swooshing around his shoulders. She felt her lips turn up into a smile at the inner circle’s laughter.

“I swear to the Mother-” someone was saying something, commenting on the tale Cassian was spinning but all of the voices in the room seemed to dull to a distant ringing. In her hands appeared a folded piece of paper. She knew who it was from before she opened the letter.

Dearest daughter,

It is with utmost urgency that we write this letter to you. You have been the cause of enough embarrassment for our family, and even though your mother and I have prayed that you would soon come to your senses and put an end to the petulance you have been subjecting us to for the last decades, we have finally realized you would not. You can no longer excuse yourself with Prythian’s political situation - the lady that you were supposed to grow into never should interest herself in such matters in the first place. You have caused myself and your poor mother enough embarrassment and worry.

With your behaviour you have forced me to take matters into my own hands as it is now clear that you have no regard for the family that you left, and the consequences we would face for your own act of childish defiance. I have arranged a marriage for you. It is not a proposal, nor a suggestion. The male your mother and I have chosen is of fine breeding and heritage, but you shall find out his name once you come to meet him personally.

You are expected at the estate in two months time, considering the lengthy travel. However, for fear of a repeating of your previous behaviour, we have decided it is wise to inform you now - I will come and collect you personally if you do not obey, daughter. Allow me say this once and for all: so far you have proven to be very little but a disappointment, even though you used to have so much potential. Do you understand the pain that you continue to cause all of us by attempting to escape the role we poured all of our time, devotion and money into?

I hope this message leads to the disillusionment of the modern ways that you have learned at the night court - you are a female and you have an established place in our society. Your games will lead to very little but a loss of your virtue and any prospects a young, promising lady like yourself has within our kingdom

The letter kept going, but all she could imagine was the worn edges of the paper sharpening and cutting into her skin like blades. She felt as though the simmering hot guilt would burn through her gut.

A disappointment. A runaway. A marriage?

If they thought that would be enough to send her rushing back, they were sorely mistaken.

But then why could she feel her palms sweating and her vision tunneling until it was just that rotten letter she could see? Disappointment. Burden.

She had a duty, something she was born and raised to fulfill, and she disregarded it just like that. She had dreams and aspirations and she was more than a breeding mare, she knew that, but suddenly a vision of a life married to a male whose name she learned minutes before walking the altar and being nothing more but the body birthing his heirs flashed before her eyes.

Suddenly all the carefully learned phrases she used to comfort herself dissipated from her memory.

Disappointment.

Who was she to defy the carefully structured society that picked a role for her? The room was spinning and she could hear her breaths coming in short rasps.

Someone was calling her name.

“Sweetheart?” no one was laughing anymore, and Azriel was standing before her, hands stretched out as though not to frighten away a doe “Are you alright?”

She snapped her head up, wide eyes taking in the group of fae she considered her closest family.

How they were all standing there, stars almost reflecting in their eyes and concern shining in them. They stared at her, and she could feel their night being ruined already.

Frozen to the spot, was what she was, lips downturned and breathing so, so shallow. Then someone outstretched a hand to touch her and she was taking off running down the hallway to her chambers, confused and concerned questions following her.

She ignored the fae staring at her in shock. She would’ve heard a scoff or two, if it weren’t for the ringing in her ears. If it weren’t for a certain Illyrian following after her, glaring down those few fae.

She did not remember running through the hallways of the House of Wind. Nor could she remember getting into her bedroom.

All she felt was shame as she now sat on the floor against her bed, knees drawn up high to her chest, hiding her head between them. She faintly registered the urgent knocking on her door as salt streams rushed down her face. She hiccuped and finally heard herself let out a sob.

You’ve ruined it now. Foolish girl.

Maybe if she had never dared to dream in the first place, she wouldn’t be here now. She wouldn’t have disappointed her parents. She wouldn’t have burdened Az with all this baggage. How can he even treat her seriously after all this? He had undergone years of imprisonment, torture and war and here she was breaking down because she thought she had a chance at a life braver than the one chosen for her.

What was she going to do?

She heard herself let out more sobs and struggled to catch her breath, her nails starting to dig into her palms. She can’t come back there - gods she was so miserable there. But what if her father actually came here? By her kingdom’s law Rhysand would be obligated to hand her back to her father since she was unmarried. She could picture it all and she couldn’t- she couldn’t breathe.

“Angel? Let me in sweetheart, please. Let me fix it.”

Azriel was still knocking on her door, and without any fight left in her, she rose up to her knees and unlocked the door for him. The next second he was sitting before her, tear stained face in his scarred palms as he wiped them away with his thumbs. More came to follow.

“What happened? What was that?” there was genuine terror in his eyes, as if he couldn’t stand to see her like this. She collapsed into a new-found heap of sobs at that and he let her fall into his chest.

“Sweetheart, please-” he said with a thick voice, gathering her into his lap.

His arms came around her, one stroking comfortingly along her back, one cradling her head to the juncture between his shoulder and neck.

“Okay, shh, there you are. Shh, you’re alright, I promise, alright? I’m right here” he rushed out the words, pulling at strings to comfort her.

He knew about the guilt, the feelings she was hiding away, too scared to show even her best friend. He knew, before she did, that it would come crashing out of her in the end.

What he didn’t know was what was in that damned letter that made her this inconsolable.

When he saw how her face fell as she read over those words - he physically had to stop himself from tearing the thing apart and tucking her away in his arms, letting her forget all things bad. Had to stop himself from flying to that wretched kingdom at that moment and burning it to the ground. All he could do now was bring her closer and start rocking her while she sobbed it out.

She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when she was able to properly breathe again. With time and her best friend's gentle words her sobs turned into hiccups and finally stopped altogether. She exhaled against him and raised a hand to rub at her eyes.

“Gentle” Azriel had captured her wrist in his hand, letting a shadow wipe away at the remnants of her tears. She looked up to meet his eyes.

“There she is” she let out a wet laugh

“Ruined your shirt.” she whispered as she tried to wipe away at the tears and makeup she left there

“It’s okay” he said, still looking at her so, so softly “Wanna talk about it, hm?” she felt her eyes stinging

“I’m really sorry for being such a mess, Az, I really am,” she told him, wide, wet eyes staring up at him “Gods, I ruined Starfall didn’t I? I promised myself I-”

“Stop it. Right now,” her breath hitched “You did not ruin anything, angel”

She looked down at her lap, starting to play with her fingers

“Hey. Look at me” when she didn’t, she took her face into his hands and tilted it up, their eyes meeting “Everything is alright. Starfall hasn’t even begun yet. You didn’t ruin anything”

“It hasn’t?”

“No, it hasn’t” she nodded, relieved

“Okay, then” he wanted to tell her how she wouldn’t have ruined anything for him regardless. She couldn’t if she wanted. But he had a feeling she wouldn’t believe him - and that wasn’t what his best friend needed now.

After a bit of silence she tilted her head to the tear stained letter discarded on the floor next to them. He raised his eyebrows in question, and she nodded in agreement. Azriel’s jaw was already set tight before his shadows handed the letter to him.

She alternated between staring at him as his eyes followed the text and looking down into her lap, where Az’s shadows played with the rim of her dress, curling around her in soothing motions. When she glanced up again, he was already looking at her, something unrecognizable in the hazel of his eyes.

“This is bullshit. You know that, right?” there was urgency in his voice “This isn’t happening”

“But- but what if he comes here? He will come here, Az”

“I don’t care”

“Az-”

“You’re not going anywhere with them, end of story. They can get through me first”

“By law Rhysand will have to hand me over, Az. I’m unmarried and he is my father” he let out a scoff.

Azriel’s shadows seemed to get more and more agitated with every reasoning she gave, starting to rise up and curl all around her - as if they alone were going to act as a shield protecting her.

“You’re no doll for anyone to be handing over. We’re in Night, our law applies here, no one can take you”

“Oh,” he exhaled and brushed her hair down and behind her ears. Gods, she must look like a mess after all this “Really?”

“Yes” he didn’t tell her how even if all the laws in the world were against them, he wouldn’t let anyone take her away from him. Ever.

“I still- I feel so guilty, you know? I mean okay, I’m- I’m here and everything is fine while they’re there making amends because I ran. But I couldn’t live that life, Az, I really couldn’t” she moved off his lap to sit next to him against her bed

“I know. You don’t have to live any life other than the one you want. You decide”

“Yeah, but-”

“No buts,” he looked down at her, with such seriousness in his eyes it startled her “I know the guilt you feel because you think you did something bad but it’s them who act like victims after terrorizing you your whole life. It is not alright how they treated you,” there were tears gathering at her waterline “You did not deserve to be treated that way, angel. I don’t think you realize how brave of a person you are. How many rooms you light up. You’re capable of great things and I know you do, but you should not feel sorry for leaving and doing something for yourself when you’ve quite literally spent your entire life living up to their whims. And then they have the nerve to call you a- disappointment” Azriel tripped over the word, and she could practically hear his teeth grinding with how hard his jaw was set “Which you’re not, do you hear me?” He looked down at her and made sure she met his eye “You could never disappoint me, ever. Do you understand?”

“Y-yeah” she nodded, wide eyed

“Good. That’s good” she allowed herself to rest her head against his shoulder

“Thank you, Az” but before he could respond, the sky lit up right in front of their eyes, through the open balcony gates. Her breath hitched and mouth opened in wonder.

“Az! Look at that”

“Yeah, starfall, sweetheart” his eyes were soft as he took in the smile that finally graced her face. Something was pulling hard in the shadowsinger’s chest but all he could do was try to memorize her expression. Engrave it permanently in his mind.

“It’s beautiful”

“It is”

They watched the souls swim through the skies for some time in comfortable silence. The stars were falling in a kaleidoscope of colors and maybe she really hadn’t ruined the night. And maybe it was in her blood to worry and feel guilty for at least a few more decades. And surely Azriel would be there to stand with her through it.

“Angel?” He looked down at her, about to say something, but the words died on his tongue when he noticed her slumped against him, asleep on his shoulder. He smiled to himself.

It was three words Azriel whispered to his best friend as he carried and tucked her in bed, stars falling in the distance. Three words that she did not hear, yet.

[manicmanuscription]

Different Acotar Character's x Current Partner Trend

Featured Characters: Rhysand, Azriel, Cassian, Lucien, Eris, Feyre, Nesta, and Elain. (all x f!reader)

A/N: Y'all Reader DOES hit Cassian but he knew she was going to and wanted her too? It was inspired by this one tiktok I saw in this trend very much giving Cass energy where the man said current wife, wife hit him and he immediately defended her because he knew she was going to so very much inspired by that. I also only said current wife/husband for most of these because in Acotar mates are like higher than that and I think if reader said boyfriend/girlfriend we'd actually see some major crashouts. Also in my head for this, Acotar is the same but just with phones, your free to imagine a completely different AU, go crazy fr,

Warnings/Tags: Reader hits Cassian, illusions to smut, very suggestive, lots of making out, big possessive energy throughout all of this. Beginning of BDSM scene because you know Azriel is FREAKYYY. Slight Dom/Sub dynamics. Fluff, slight angst, mostly just steamy. NOT proofread because I ain't doing all that. Minors DNI

Rhysand

I couldn’t help but giggle at the TikTok Mor sent me, girlfriends, wives and mates calling their partners ‘current’ just to provoke a reaction and I slipped my phone in my pocket with a plan in my head, smiling to myself. 

A few hours later Rhysand had returned from Hewn City with a gift and it was the perfect opportunity. We both sat out on the balcony watching the sun set and he slid a hand on my thigh in exasperation as I adjusted my phone standup upright against the wine bottle. “Can you please just open your present now baby?”

“Hold on a minute I want to make a video and show it to everyone.” You reminded him gently. “Your generation and phones.” My mate muttered under his breath, eyeing the little black box warily and I couldn’t help but chuckle. Technology had evolved so fast in the last few years and it was funny to see him still be so suspicious of it. 

“Grumpy old man.” I whispered as I opened up the camera app. “What’d you just say?” Rhys warned, squeezing my thigh. “Nothing!” I smiled, giving him a quick kiss. That’s what I thought. His voice slid into my mind and I sent him a quick bolt of love down the bond before pressing the record button. 

“Hey guys! I’m here with my current” the second the word current left my mouth the hand on my thigh slid up to the back of my neck. “husband-”

I didn’t notice his other hand until he stopped and then deleted the video. “No. Try again.” 

“Sorry baby I was just joking.” “Mhmm Hmm.” I started recording another video and I purposefully didn’t make eye contact with him but it was inevitable with the small screen reflecting ourselves back and the storm in his eyes could level cities. 

His hand squeezed my neck in warning and I did my best to ignore the heat pooling low in my stomach even though I knew I was playing a dangerous game. “Hello! I’m here with my current husba-”

“Absolutely not.” My mate said, grabbing my phone and winnowing us back inside the bedroom, tossing me on the bed. He set the phone up on the nightstand and pointed it towards my form on the mattress. “Wh-What are you doing?” I asked nervously, moving myself up towards the headboard and doing my best to stay out of view of the still recording camera.

Rhys walked to the end of the bed undoing his cuffs while he did so and I let out a barely audible whimper at the sight. He looked dangerous and absolutely furious. “Since you're obsessed with that little phone so much…”His voice trailed off as he eyed me hungrily, grabbing my ankles and yanking me back into view of the camera and further down the mattress. Rhysand crawled up my body, pressing tantalizing slow kisses to my skin as he did so. 

“We’re not leaving this bed until you correct your mistakes.” He said darkly, his mouth finally connecting with mine, barely giving me a chance to catch my breath as he dominated my tongue with his own. Purposefully claiming every inch of my mouth and I could practically taste that furious dark power simmering underneath his skin. 

Well it looks like I am never posting this video and Rhys chased away any other thoughts as he swallowed a strangled moan from me, somehow deepening the kiss. 

Lucien

“Hey baby?” I called out from my vanity chair. Lucien opened the adjoining bathroom door, a towel slung low on his hips and steam curling into the bedroom. “Yeah?” He asked as he walked over to me, patting his wet hair with a separate hand towel. 

My eyes ran appreciatively up and down his body and he gave me a wink. He paused walking behind me. “Do you remember what you need or you get distracted sugar?” 

“Oh shut up.” I rolled my eyes, finally twisting myself towards the mirror and pulling my gaze away from his muscled body. “I'm making a bedtime routine video. Do you want to be in it?” 

“Hopefully not all of your bedtime routine because I play a pretty active role in it-”

“Lucien!” 

“Ok ok!” He said putting his hands up in surrender even as I stifled a laugh. “Yes I want to be in it baby.” He stepped closer, still pretty tall from behind my chair so he lowered himself slightly and wrapped his arms around my torso. I smiled, melting into his touch before setting up the phone and hitting record. “Hey! So I’m going to be filming a nighttime routine with my current husband-”

“What did you just say?” Lucien interrupted me, standing to his full height and putting his hands on his hips, that towel almost slipping. I turned in my seat to face him. “I said we’re going to be doing a nighttime routine like I told you-”

“No no no after that?” 

“What’s your problem? Can we please just make the video?” I asked, doing my best to put my innocent face on even as I fought a smile at his furious expression. 

“Did you forget who I am, baby? Your mate. M A T E. Mate.” He looked at the camera with furrowed brows and for a second I thought I saw hurt flashing across his face before it turned into something darker, something more feral. He snatched my phone and stopped recording. Tossing it in the bathroom. “Hey, that's my phone!”

Lucien didn’t seem to listen to my protests; he just scooped me up with a small squeak. My nightgown rode up my thighs as he threw me on the bed. “It’s ok baby I’ll help you remember and make sure you won’t ever forget it.” 

Azriel

I hadn’t really been listening when the girls were telling the stories about their ‘current boyfriend’ mishaps or successes. It had been a silly trend going around but I had no interest in it, not really wanting to hurt my mate’s feelings. 

Until he started pissing me off. Working long nights. Leaving early in the morning without so much as a goodbye kiss and all this after his long mission? I felt neglected and well truly I hadn’t been bratty in a long time. 

I made a plan to get him to pay attention to me by forcing him to make a video together tomorrow in his office but he had spent this whole dinner party practically ignoring me again. Even though we were technically holding hands he was chatting it up with his brother’s like they weren’t all in Illyria for a few weeks and I was starting to get really annoyed. So he could touch me but not actually talk to me? 

No. I’m done. With a plan in mind I pulled away from Azriel’s side not seeing the confused look he gave me as I walked over to Mor and Feyre plopping down onto the ottoman next to them. “Hey girll!!” The females both slurred at the same time, very obviously drunk or at least tipsy. I smiled at them, warmth filling my chest in their presence. “Are you guys having fun?”

“Yes! Our High Lady can pa-a-rtyyyyy.” Mor cheered. “Yeah cause you infected her Mor..” Cassian chuckled from across the room. Feyre glared at the male, a clock somewhere in the house striking one in the morning. 

“What’sss that supposed to even mean? Am I not allowed to have fun? This is a celebration you have all been going for so soooo long.” She pouted, giving Rhys puppy eyes and I practically watched the High Lord melt underneath her gaze. He stepped away from his brothers, tucking a piece of hair behind her hair and sat beside her giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Of course you can darling ignore him, he’s a no good busybody.” 

“Hey!” Cassian protested and Feyre ignored him, melting into her mate’s chest with a small humph. This conversation wasn’t going in the direction I needed to piss my mate off so I steered it, turning towards Mor. “I heard you're going shopping with the girls this weekend?”

“Yes, do you want to come?”

“Maybe, since my current husband is probably busy.” I said with a small sigh. 

Azriel whirled his head around to face me and before Mor could voice whatever surprised thoughts clearly written on her face Azriel spoke first. Walking towards me and lifting my chin up to face him. “What did you just say?” His voice was lethal, dark and it had every fae in the room tensing up prepared to fight at the pure threat in his low tone. All conversation’s stopped completely, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. 

I opened my mouth to repeat it but my very drunk High Lady and friend beat me to it. “She said her current boyfriend is too busy to hangout with her so she’s going out on the town.” 

I knew everyone was watching us but I couldn’t find myself to care. Azriel’s firm grip on my chin and that deadly look in his eye had captured my full attention. “Is that so?” Azriel enunciated each word slowly. His deep voice only serves to add to his dangerous tone. 

“Mhmm Hmm.” Feyre said, nodding her head. 

I opened my mouth to respond but Azriel was already firmly guiding me up and out of my chair. Staring directly into my eyes with an intensity that had me shifting nervously on my feet. The look on his face was void of any emotion and if I hadn’t known him so long. I would’ve missed the absolute feral look in his eye. He masked it well but I knew him and I knew how deeply and utterly fucked I was. I think I fucked up. 

“Apologies Rhysand and Feyre but my mate and I have to go now. Thank you for the lovely night.” 

“You’re welcome. Have a…good night you guys.” Rhysand said and I could practically hear the smirk in his tone. Bastard. 

The shadows swirled around me in lazy circles but I had seen the occasional twitches, the tightening around my limbs and I knew they were just as anxious as Azriel was to get us away from prying eyes. 

Feyre had said something else I’d missed and as soon as she was done speaking they enveloped me completely and Mor’s voice echoed before the darkness transported us somewhere else. “Oooo girl she is in troubleeee. She not gon’ to walk tomor-” 

When the shadows dissipated I expected to find us in the bedroom, but as I slowly registered the dim lighting I quickly realized it was the playroom. Azriel was standing in front of me. The gentleness gone from his expression and he reached behind me and grabbed my hair in a ponytail pulling me close to him with a harsh tug and leaned down to whisper in my ear. “Where’s my good girl? She would’ve never acted that way tonight.” He hummed softly a clear warning and I opened my mouth to respond to defend myself, or say anything to lessen the punishment I was sure to receive but all I could do was plead. “Azriel…” 

“Shush shush I know. You just need a firm hand to bring her back to me hmm?” 

Gods I had fucked up. 

Eris 

It took a lot of convincing to get Eris sat in front of the camera, the High Lord tapping his fingers impatiently against the wood table as if he had something better to do than spend time with his mate. 

In fact I had told him just that in my plea to make a Tiktok and instead he responded with an annoyingly flirty quip about how there’s a thousand other ways we could spend time together and I had spent the night wrapped up in his arms but finally here we are. 

I pressed a quick kiss to his cheek and he softened slightly before I pressed the record button. “Hi everyone!” I chirped, shoving away the regret starting to form. I could participate in any other trend but had chosen this one, my one golden ticket to finally get him to film with me. Oh well this was payback for taking the hounds on a walk without me. 

“So I’m here with my current husband and-”

Eris’ head snapped to mine instantly, those amber eyes blazing impossibly brighter. The hand that had been impatiently tapping the table had stilled along with the rest of his form. A stillness only a predator could maintain and I shifted in my seat slightly, that heated gaze still on mine and I looked down at my hands just to avoid its burn. 

“What just came out of your mouth love?” He asked. Tone as smooth as butter and I recognized the courtier in him, the one who stole secrets with honeyed promises and poisoned touches. He lifted my chin so we made eye contact and I had forgotten how deadly my mate could be, how he’d survived years of living under Beron with a mask of calm and I had willingly opened the snake’s cage.

I opened my mouth to apologize when my phone suddenly turned to ash, the table next to go. “Eris…you’re being cruel.” I whispered carefully so many photos on that damned box and it was just gone. He gave me a cold smile and I instantly knew I was fucked. “No you haven’t seen cruel yet sweetheart.” He responded, still making direct eye contact with me in hopes to get me to squirm. Brushing a piece of my hair behind my ear, a kind gesture but I knew what it really was. A mockery, a reminder of the gentleness I could have if I hadn’t been a brat. 

The touch sent sparks down my spine and I finally hardened my gaze. His eyes only sparked with hunger at my unspoken challenge. What was that old saying? Don’t poke the bear? But there was a reason we were mates and I could handle his heat. “You know what, I'm not sorry.” I snapped, just like he wasn’t sorry for going on our morning walk without me. 

That cold smirk only grew wider, a hand lacing around my throat and one tightly wrapping around my thigh as he leaned in. “You will be.” 

Cassian

I stood next to my mate as he set up his phone, a grin plastered all over his face and I instantly knew he was up to some type of buffoonery. I just rolled my eyes and continued cutting the vegetables, chopping up the carrots with a practiced ease. “What are you doing love?” I finally asked. 

“Just making a video.” He hummed and hit the record button, coming to stand next to me so we were both in the frame.

“Hey Rhys I hope you’re doing good I’m making dinner with my current mate-”

He didn’t even get a chance to finish recording as I reached my free hand and punched him in the throat, a laugh bubbling out of my mate’s throat when I did so even as he wheezed for air.

“What did I say?” I asked him as he doubled over gasping, I dropped the knife and put my hands on my hips just watching him. “What did I say?”

“You said-” He wheezed out, letting out another choked laugh and a deep inhale for air as he struggled to regain control of his breathing and guilt tugged at me slightly. Even if I had warned him what I would do if he did this stupid fucking trend. “You…said.”

“-said you were -gonna hit me if i..” 

“Yeah, yeah and what did you do?” I asked harshly, trying to ignore the mixture of feelings rolling through me: guilt was the most present and slight pride at my form. But the bond was recoiling at my actions.

Cassian pulled on it gently. Letting me know he wasn’t mad and he even sent down his love and amusement, he knew what he was getting into to. Cassian continued laughing as he finally could breathe again which only made me angrier.

“I’m sorry. Please love, I'm so sorry.” He murmured, taking steady inhales and cautiously wrapped his arms around me from behind.

“Watch your fucking mouth or you won’t be currently living on this earth anymore.” I snapped as I picked the knife up again and started cutting the carrots, with a little more force than necessary. 

Cassian pressed his face to the side of my neck and breathed in deeply. The video is still recording but neither of us really cared. He then peppered kisses down my neck and I hummed softly, melting into his touch.

“I’m so sorry baby, I lost a bet to my brothers. it’ll never happen again. Let me make it up to you please?” He begged, a whine entering his tone, his hands obsessively grabbing my waist and holding me tight to his growing length. 

I flushed and quickly grabbed the phone and stopped recording, passing it Cassian. “Later.”  He continued to touch me as we made dinner, helping me reach the dishes on the high shelves and cutting the vegetables so I could focus on other tasks. One hand was constantly touching me as we worked side by side and brushing against me as he moved about the kitchen. 

“You know I’m proud of that punch by the way.” Cassian finally spoke, I looked up and expected to find a goofy grin on his face but all I could find was pride and I ignored the way my entire being lit up at it. “Thanks, my current mate taught it to me.” 

Cassian’s eyes sparked with a challenge, mirth dancing in them even as something darker hid behind it, pulling on the bond. He was right it was fun to mess with his instincts, he couldn’t hide the way his hands tightened around his chair. 

Before the night progressed any further a text popped up on my phone. A message from Venmo from both Rhys and Azriel with different amounts on the notification as they paid me what was due. The comment from Rhys reading: 'he should be more careful when you have a knife in hand.’

“Those bastards fucking set me up.” Cassian scoffed leaning in his chair and huffing like a small child. “Yup.” I popped the p reaching for my phone but Cassian was quicker, years of honed reflexes had him picking me up and carrying us to our bedroom in just a few quick seconds. 

“Alright enough of this damned nonsense.” He growled and I laughed, pressing myself closer to him as the night finally began.

Feyre

Feyre was seated on the breakfast nook, the morning sun reflecting off her skin and making her even more radiant. I skipped into the kitchen and pressed a kiss to her lips, my mate’s mouth chasing me as I pulled away before sitting next to her. 

“Oohh what are we eating?” I asked, eyeing the spread before me excitedly. 

“Well there’s some bacon, pancakes, fruit…” Feyre’s voice trailed off as she noticed I was already reaching for my phone to snap a picture, an amused chuckle escaping her before taking another sip of her tea. I opened the camera app looking at the picture button before deciding on a video as an idea formed. I’d just been watching those current partner videos earlier…and I selfishly wanted to see her reaction. 

I set the phone up on the vase of my favorite flowers sitting in the middle of the table hitting the record button before my mate could ask what I was doing and I ignored her silent question as she arched her brow. 

“So I’m here eating breakfast with my current wife-”

“What did you just say?” Feyre asked, choking on her tea, looking at the camera then back to me a few times. “I’m not sure if I heard you right?” 

“No, your hearing is fine love. We’re eating breakfast and you’re my curr-”

“Finish that sentence and see what happens.” Feyre said darkly, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms, eyes narrowing in on me. Fuck she was so pretty. When I remembered what we were talking about I continued the conversation for the sake of a video long sense paused unbeknownst to me.. “I’m just saying-”

“No.” She demanded, placing a hand on my thigh and squeezing in warning. “My current mate and I are eating breakfast-”

“No.” She snapped, squeezing my thigh with just a little more force and I couldn’t help but squirm, heat licking down my spine. I could tell she was close to snapping just a little more… “Fine guys. My current girlf-”

“Alright.” Feyre growled, reaching over and breaking my phone in half with a surprising strength, her power surging and tainting the air briefly. “Feyre!” I gasped standing up in shock. “It seems my pretty little mate wants to play games with me.” Was all she said before throwing me over her shoulder and carrying me upstairs. Fucking Finally. 

Nesta

Nesta and I were all wrapped up in our bed, leaning against the headboard hair wet from our earlier bath together and I curled into her shoulder even more so I could be closer to her and also so I could see her phone more clearly as she scrolled through Tiktok. 

A voice played from the speakers. The female on the screen doing another one of those current boyfriend videos with the male right next to her throwing a fit. I giggled a little bit and Nesta looked down at me with a serious expression taking over her face. “I will kill you if you do that to me. I’m serious, don't even think about it.” 

I knew her struggles and the things she’d overcome, it would be disrespectful to poke fun at old wounds just for the sake of a few likes. I nodded and moved so I was straddling her thighs. “Didn’t even cross my mind baby you’re stuck with me for life I’m afraid.” 

She smiled, a genuine one and my heart sang at the fact I was able to pull it from her. 

Elain

I finally found Elain in the kitchen and I walked up behind her wrapping my arms around her torso and pressing a kiss to the juncture of her throat. “Missed you.” I murmured. She hummed happily, leaning against me and rubbing those callused hands along my arms as she turned to give me a proper kiss. One in which I greedily indulged her.

Finally when we pulled away she mumbled a breathless “Missed you too.” When I noticed the camera that was recording. I gave Elain a questioning look. “I’m making a tutorial on how to make my famous lavender cookies!”

“You’re going to share the recipe with the entire world and not me?” I grumbled unhappily and she chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to my nose to get me to calm down. “That’s because I’m supposed to cook them for you, not the other way around. You know the rules in my house.” 

I rolled my eyes and washed my hands before coming back to Elain’s side to help her. She arched an accusing brow at me. “What?! I can cook. I'm great in the kitchen.”

“Sure you are.” She said, not so subtly rolling her eyes. “Just introduce me to your little viewers.” 

“Alright guys this is…” She paused and I could practically see the wheels turning in her head, a mischievous smile playing at the corners of her lips. “My current wife and she’s going to help me finish up.”

I paused what I was doing, putting the measuring cup down so I could look at my mate, who was intentionally avoiding eye contact. “Baby you said current wife.”

She just hummed and I put a hand on my hip, snatching her phone up, and deleting the video. “Hey!” 

“Nuh uh, cause I am not the one Elain Acheron. Your cookies are for me and me only, your mate. Not your current wife, or wife, or girlfriend or one of those little side-”

“You mean my friends?”

“I am definitely not one of your friends.” I grabbed her by the hips and set her on the counter, pressing myself between her legs. “Fix it. Now.” 

“You’re my mate. My beautiful, lovely, very possessive mate.”

“And....”

“And I love you very much and I’m yours.”

“Yeah that’s what I thought.” I grumbled, pressing my mouth to hers and invading her with my tongue, trying to etch my lovely mate into my very soul and being even further than she already was.