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talkfantasytome · 3 years

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Evening Etiquette - Part I

Nessian Week Prompt: AU Day!

When asked on a date, Nesta agrees in the hopes that a certain someone will finally get the message. It would probably would have worked better if that someone hadn't shown up too.

Warnings: Minor Language, Mentions of Past Experiences

Word Count: 3,739 | Read on AO3

All Velaris State Chronicles | Costume Changes | Dinner Dances

a/n: Finally did it! Partially...here's the first part to the next short story in the Velaris State Chronicles.

For AU Day, I just had to use Velaris State. It's been too long since I've posted for this series. It's definitely going to be a slow build of chronicles, but I don't plan on making any one wait too long for updates for each short story. Just that there will be time between each story.

The stories are all companions, and many do end on cliffhangers, but I try to write them in a way so that you don't have to have read the earlier ones to be able to understand each individual story. Just that you'll have a lot more background/detail if you read them all. XD

Mixed Messages

A flash of bright red hair had Mor pausing her movements, fork stilled in midair as she turned to Nesta.

"Incoming," she warned, her eyes flicking back to where the man was, walking toward them with determination.

She watched as Nesta's head snapped toward where Mor was looking, any excitement draining from her face the second she met those amber eyes. Mor couldn't help but smirk slightly at the thought of who Nesta might have been hoping she meant.

"Nesta Archeron," Eris purred, stopping in front of their table. "You're a hard woman to track down."

"That is the goal in life," she replied, a cold smile on her lips. Mor snickered softly. She absolutely loved the ice queen - when she was directing it at someone Mor also disliked, at least. She hoped to one day introduce Nesta to her father for that exact purpose.

It didn't deter Eris, though. He just smirked and rested a hand on their table. Objectively, Mor could agree he was an attractive man - externally. With a frame similar to Rhys's, shaggy, water-polo-bro auburn hair, and sparkling amber eyes, she was sure many girls enjoyed admiring him from afar. It was just his damn personality that was an issue. She didn't know why Nesta seemed to be appeasing him.

"I was sorry we couldn't reconnect at the party the other week," Eris started, his focus entirely on Nesta.

"I'd apologize, but I'm not sorry," Nesta countered. "It was after two AM when I left. And I was beat."

"Well, since we didn't get a chance to continue, how about we do so tonight? Over dinner?" Eris's request was smooth and silky, and it made Mor's skin crawl. She'd told Nesta about her own experience with Eris, being forced out on a date with him when she was sixteen, only to be stranded in the middle of town, over a mile away from home, at eleven at night because she didn't want to do anything physical with him.

Admittedly, Eris had apologized about a year later, but Mor wasn't one to forgive easily.

She watched Nesta, seeing the gears turning in her mind, the spark of something sinister in her eyes. Mor could sense it coming. A stunning rejection that would likely send Eris waddling off, tail between his legs. But then something shifted.

Her gaze flicked upward, beyond Eris, and widened before narrowing in a way Mor had seen many times before. Nesta felt challenged, and following her eyes, Mor could see why. Cassian was standing at a table, chatting with some guys who looked like they were on the hockey team with him, but his eyes were on Nesta, a half-smile resting on his lips.

Idiot.

Mor saw it all happen as if in slow motion. Nesta's mind flipping a switch, her smile adjusting into something cold and calculating, all while her eyes seemed to grey, a clear sign of that wall Nesta had built becoming thicker in the moment.

"Why not?" Nesta answered, leaning back in her chair. "I could do with a good meal."

"Shall I pick you up?"

Nesta stiffened in her seat. "No. Let's meet at the restaurant."

Eris's brows furrowed slightly, but he nodded in agreement. "Okay, then. The Cabin. Seven work for you?"

"Can we make it eight? I've got a late lecture and some things I need to get sorted."

Lie. Nesta's classes already ended for the day. She was pushing the time back for some other reason.

Eris agreed quickly and then sauntered off, looking as if he owned the entire campus.

"What the hell, Nesta?" Mor asked, her voice low to avoid others overhearing them. She'd seen it all happen. She knew why her friend had agreed to the date despite clearly having a thing for someone else - or, more likely, because she had a thing for someone else. Still, she could hardly believe Nesta would go out with Eris. "Why would you agree to that?"

Nesta shrugged. "He asked politely and he wasn't the worst person at Helion's party…to me."

"Yeah, but you know what he's like. Why would you ask me to tell you what happened if you weren't going to care?"

Mor couldn't deny she felt slightly hurt by this. It wasn't exactly a betrayal, she wasn't being forced to spend time with Eris, and she had learn to be more comfortable in Eris's presence, but she still hated the man.

"I do care, Mor!" Nesta argued.

"So, then, what? Is it all just to play with Cassian? He doesn't deserve that," Mor sighed.

Nesta's face hardened, and Mor wondered if she'd taken a step too far. But, no…Nesta just agreed to go out with Eris. In front of her. She could say what she bloody well wanted to say.

"I'm not playing with him." Nesta brushed a hand through her golden brown hair, pushing stray strands out of her angled face. "I'm merely using Eris to send a message. I have no plans on fully dating him. One dinner - the message gets sent, and Eris is an unaware tool. I figured you wouldn't have a problem with me using Eris like this."

Mor huffed. "I mean, if you're going to use someone, then yeah, Eris is a good choice. He deserves it. But…why send that message to Cassian? I thought you liked him."

Nesta pivoted in her seat, dropping her head to look at her lunch as she shrugged. "I'm not looking to get seriously involved with anyone. Ever. Better to send him away now."

She couldn't help the massive eye roll at her friend's obvious denial. Mor wasn't an idiot. She knew something had happened at the dinner the previous week. Nesta wasn't known for her impulse control. It's probably why Cassian wasn't 'getting the message'. Her words and actions didn't align.

"And the later meal time? You're free for the rest of the afternoon."

A wicked smile spread on Nesta's lips. "By the time the date ends the bar should be full of people," she explained. "Plenty of options, assuming the date doesn't go well. If it does…maybe I'll throw Eris a bone."

Mor's mouth dropped in shock. She knew Nesta enjoyed casual one night stands, but to plan it out so thoroughly. And to consider allowing Eris to be that man. Mor knew what she'd be doing that night.

"Okay, I should go," Nesta said suddenly, standing and packing up the remainder of her lunch. "I want to do some work, gotta make that rent." She winked at Mor and then walked off, purposefully taking a slightly longer route to avoid walking by Cassian.

Sitting there for an extra minute, Mor considered all that just happened, and then lunged into action. She put her own lunch away and walked over to the table of very large guys who were all laughing at something Cassian just said.

"Hey," Mor offered him, not paying any mind to the three guys that were all now staring at her. "Quick side bar?"

Cassian nodded and then threw a nod to his friends, as if signaling he'd be back, before following Mor a few steps away.

"You gonna tell me what Eris was talking to Nesta about?" Cassian asked, an amused look on his face. "Because I think I know."

"Do you know that Nesta said yes?" Mor shot back, crossing her arms over her chest, annoyed by the cocky attitude Cassian was displaying.

She still ended up feeling a bit bad for being the reason his face suddenly dropped.

"What?" His voice was low and raw, his eyes now narrowed into a far more serious look.

"He asked her to have dinner tonight, and she agreed," Mor explained. "Figured you'd want to know."

She knew Cassian's glare wasn't for her, but it didn't stop her from wanting to shrink before it. But then his eyes lightened again as he let out a breathy laugh. "When and where?"

"The Cabin, at eight. Why?"

Cassian just gave her an easy smile. "Gotta know what locations to avoid tonight."

She couldn't explain it, but for some reason Mor didn't believe him. "Look, Cass, I know you like her but, maybe…I don't know…try looking for someone else? I love Nesta, but…she's guarded."

"I know what Nesta is, Mor. I'm not going to stop until she definitively tells me to…and even then…" He let out a large exhale. Cassian would never harass someone, but Mor wondered if he might wait forever for the right girl.

"Why, Cassian? Why bother if she keeps pushing?"

Cassian sighed, his eyes flicking up to look at the campus beyond Mor.

"Because I can't stay away."

Cassian had really hoped Mor was wrong.

That she'd misheard. Or that Nesta had changed her mind. Or maybe was just appeasing Eris until she could get away and text him.

Not that Nesta seemed to have a problem with in-person confrontation. At all.

But Cassian could dream, couldn't he?

So dream he did. All afternoon, until she actually walked into The Cabin, red-headed prick in tow.

Suddenly, Cassian was extremely glad he was out with some other hockey team buddies instead of Rhys and Az. Because he was going to get rip roaring drunk and he sure as hell didn't want to talk about why. And if they'd been here, they'd already be asking how he was doing. The dicks.

And fuck him. Because Nesta looked like a fantasy in her black top, russet corduroy skirt, and leather jacket with her golden-brown hair half braided around falling, loose curls.

He all but groaned when he saw her legs were completely bare save for the little black booties she wore. Mother above, she must be cold in that.

Which would mean she was making herself uncomfortable for her date…with Eris.

If Cassian had been holding his drink, he likely would have shattered the glass with a squeeze based on how tight his hands were clenching. He wanted Nesta to make herself uncomfortable for him.

Well, no, not exactly. Gods, that sounded bad. Thank the Mother he hadn't said it out loud.

He very much wanted Nesta to be comfortable at all times, especially with him. But, he did want to be someone Nesta thought was worth dressing up for. Someone she might want to don a little skirt for, even in the middle of November. And then he'd make sure she stayed warm.

Disgust flooded through him at the thought of Eris trying to do just that. Even the sight of Eris's hand resting on the small of her back as he led her to their table was enough to make Cassian cringe. And then wait for her to look over, to tell him she was as aware of his presence as he seemed to be of hers.

She never did.

It was actually rather impressive, considering the amount of times Cassian saw her almost look at him. It was those little head movements, the flicking of her eyes starting toward the area he was in, that told Cassian this wasn't one sided.

Well, that along with the fact that she had been the one to climb into his shower the previous week. There was nothing about that night Cassian would be forgetting any time soon. Or ever. He'll probably be pleasuring himself to that memory when he's eighty years old, unless Nesta decides to bless him with more memories between now and then.

Cassian was so wrapped up in watching Nesta, her back stiff and face indifferent as she chatted with Eris, that he'd practically forgotten he wasn't alone at the bar.

"Dude, that girl has been staring at you for the past fifteen minutes," one of his teammates, Balthazar, said, finally pulling Cassian's eyes away from Nesta.

"What girl?" he grunted, entirely uninterested. It wasn't Nesta, so he didn't particularly care.

Balthazar motioned toward one of the standing tables along the windows of the bar where a small group of girls was chatting. A dark haired, slightly tanned woman was standing with her back to the street, her light brown eyes trailing over his body.

She was attractive, generally speaking. Typically, Cassian would be all over that opportunity, she definitely made it seem like it wouldn't be difficult. But, the truth was, he just wasn't interested. Apparently he'd rather sit here, watch Nesta, and brood before going home with his hand.

"Good for her," he sighed, turning his gaze away almost as soon as it found her.

Kallon rolled his eyes. "He doesn't even have to try and he's got a girl ready to fall all over him," he scoffed. "Some things in life truly aren't fair."

"Oh, they're fair," Cassian chuckled, taking another sip of his beer. "Put in the time to look like this, and you might find better success."

"No one can look like that, Cass," Balthazar teased, his own stare focused on a brown haired man at the end of the bar. "Most that try either miss the mark or end up…too big."

"If you're going to hit on me, Bal, you should try doing so when you're not eye fucking some other guy," Cassian taunted, winking at his friend.

Bal chuckled, downing the rest of his drink and placing the glass back on the counter. "You wish, Cass. But I'm not interested in guys mooning after taken girls."

"She's not taken," he snapped back, flinching at his own tone. Taking a deep breath, he looked over at Bal. "Sorry."

He simply shrugged and patted Cassian on the shoulder. "Good luck, cap." He then walked around Cassian, heading straight toward the guy he'd been eyeing.

"If it helps, I'm rooting for you," Kallon offered, scratching his head and ruffling his black hair.

"Sucking up?" Cassian asked, a playful smile on his lips as his eyes landed on Nesta again. She was currently taking a sip of some red wine, looking completely bored and unenthused by her partner or her drink. Or, that's how Cassian chose to read the near-flat face.

"More like attempting to ease the competition," he teased. "But, hey, if it makes you less of a prickly captain, I wouldn't be complaining."

"I wouldn't hope too hard for that."

Cassian felt his teeth grind as he watched Nesta say something that had Eris bark out a laugh, her own lips twitching up at the corners for a brief moment. She seemed to be loosening up, a bit, and suddenly the last decent pieces of Cassian's mood started to disappear.

It really wasn't that funny.

Nesta had offered the barest of smiles at her own quip, but was now sitting there, slightly exasperated at the reaction Eris was providing. Especially seeing as she hadn't entirely meant it as a joke.

Men didn't typically laugh at being asked what they were compensating for…it almost made her feel bad for Eris. He was trying so hard. It really wasn't working.

It probably didn't help that Cassian was there, at the restaurant, sitting at the bar with friends and looking like the physical embodiment of her wettest dream - which, unsurprisingly, had included him. He was just lounging there, sitting with his back against the bar, leather jacket draped over a forest green shirt that was just tight enough to remind Nesta what was beneath it.

She'd been thinking about that chest non-stop for over a week. The way it felt to be pressed against it. How it looked in the shower, water cascading down his body.

Nesta felt her arousal growing at the memory and needed to cross her legs for a small amount of friction.

This was why she refused to look at him after noticing him when she walked in with Eris. Why she scolded herself each time she felt her eyes or head instinctively turn toward him. If just the mental picture, the memory of him, could heat her up, she didn't even want to think about what might happen if she were actually looking at him. Drowning in those hazel eyes. Admiring the shoulder-length black hair, or how auburn hues shone through in the light.

No, the point of this date was to send a message that Nesta wasn't his. That she wouldn't be his and he should just give up. Because Cassian…Cassian was dangerous. He was a risk Nesta wasn't willing to take. Not emotionally, and she wasn't sure if they could be just physical.

But damn it, with him sitting there, Nesta might be willing to test that out further.

"You know, I really am glad we're able to do this," Eris offered, pulling Nesta out of her reverie. She hadn't realized she'd been blankly staring at her wine until his voice snapped her eyes to his. Her stupid, bitter wine.

Nesta preferred white. She'd even mentioned that at the start of the date. But, oh no, you have to try this cabernet. So now she was stuck with red wine that she was drinking - slowly - just to be polite. Etiquette and all that.

"It's nice," she sighed, thinking specifically about the bruschetta appetizer she'd just had, to make it feel like less of a lie. She did love a good bruschetta, and The Cabin's was stellar.

"I was starting to think I wouldn't get the chance," he added, offering her a smile. It seemed gentle, but there was an arrogance beneath it that wasn't at all the attractive kind. "I'd been trying to find you since Halloween."

"Glad to know I made such a lasting impression." And not just on him.

Helion's Halloween party really had been something. Not that she cared to remember much about her interactions with Eris, but that was the night she and Cassian first kissed…before she ran out on him without so much as a goodbye.

"I'm sure you're well aware of the impression you make, Nesta," he shot back, and amused glint in his amber eyes.

Nesta contemplated for a moment. "Not the one I make on a daily basis, but apparently when dressed as a faerie I'm quite unforgettable," she taunted.

"Oh, I'm fairly certain you would have left the same impression on me had we met in class or at some bar. Though, I was a fan of the costume."

"You're not alone."

"I know," Eris grunted through tight lips, his face falling slightly. "I'm not blind to the man who's been staring at you all evening."

Nesta felt one side of her lip turn upward at that comment. "I haven't noticed." And she hadn't, really. Because she'd purposefully not been looking. But she'd be lying if she said she hadn't felt his eyes on her.

"I'd hope not. A brute like that doesn't deserve you."

Nesta had to grip her seat to help her maintain a neutral expression as her entire body seemed to light on fire at the comment. She focused on keeping her eyes from widening in anger, her teeth grinding together so that she wouldn't blurt out the real truth - that she didn't deserve Cassian.

"I'm not saying he's a bad person, exactly," Eris went on. "But you can be so much more than he ever will be. Don't let him drag you down."

Her heart was racing, her nails digging into the wood of her chair as she fought every instinct that told her to slap Eris directly across the face. She'd question those instincts later. For now, she schooled her features as best she could, offering Eris a cold, wicked smile.

"You could say the same thing about every guy at this school," she replied, her voice cool and even.

Eris didn't seem to miss the hint, his own features darkening for a second before he managed to steel himself and offer her a small smirk back. "But some far less than others."

"I doubt it's enough."

Just then their entrees came, and Nesta thanked the Mother for the break, a reason to stop talking for a moment.

Once they'd each had a few bites the conversation started again, lighter and easier as they discussed their majors, what they did outside of class, and other shallower topics. It didn't stop Nesta from mentally imagining what Eris would look like if she did hit him. Or if he saw her kissing Cassian.

And, now she at least knew how she'd be spending the rest of the night.

It was perfect. Spite. What a brilliant reason. Even if Eris never found out, it wouldn't matter. She could be fueled by spite; that worked for her. Way better than being fueled by actual feelings.

Declining dessert, the date ended fairly quickly, Eris paying and then the two walking out the restaurant as he offered her a ride home.

"No, I'm fine, thanks," she answered, stopping a few feet away from the door. "I live just down the street, way too close for it to be worth driving up and around to get to my place." Not to mention it would mean even more time with Eris, the damn one-way streets could really be an inconvenience at times.

Or, at least, they would've been - if Nesta had been telling the truth.

"Sounds good," he sighed, fiddling with his keys in his hand. "We should do this again sometime." Nesta didn't respond as he bent down and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek, his touch only deepening her resolve as she held back a flinch.

She watched as he went to some black sports car - nice, clearly expensive, but still understated - and then she waited until the car rounded the corner and was out of sight.

Once it was, Nesta strutted back into the restaurant, finding Cassian exactly where he'd been sitting right away, his two friends flanking him again. She walked over to him, determined and certain that this was what she wanted to do that night. A huge, albeit private, 'ha-ha' to Eris.

It was the only reason she was going for it, of course. There definitely wasn't anything else driving her…

Cassian's eyes were on her by the time she was halfway to him, and when she was only a foot away he opened his mouth, his eyes wide with shock as he muttered a, "Nes-"

He never finished speaking her name. Not as Nesta took his face in her hands and crashed her lips against his.

a/n: There are not enough good/nice Illyrian characters, hence Kallon. They're not best friends, but he's not going to be a dickwad here...I just needed more characters that seemed like feasible members of a college hockey team. lol

Pretty sure there will be just one more part. I haven't finished the story yet this time, because I need to post it for today's prompt, but based on this, I think it'll only end up being two parts long.

@live-the-fangirl-life @generalnesta @secretlovelybeauty @nehemikkele @nestaisgod @julemmaes @live-the-fangirl-life @boredserpent @autumnbabylon @bo0kmaster69 @angelic-voice-1997 @moodymelanist @nessianweek

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talkfantasytome · 3 years

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Evening Etiquette - Part II Snippet

Hoping to post this today! If not, then likely early tomorrow. FINALLY finishing part 2 to this piece. If you read part 1, you'll know this one is basically gonna be all smut. 👀

Cassian's tongue pried them open, sliding in forcefully in a way that had Nesta moaning into him. She brought her hands up, roaming them over his bare chest as if she were trying to memorize every muscle. Then she trailed them down to his jeans, bringing them round front and starting to unbutton them.

"Uh-uh," he said into her mouth before pulling away enough to balance on his knees as he grabbed her wrists. He lifted them and then pressed them against the mattress above her head, holding her captive. "I've got some things I want to do first."

Pushing out her lower lip into a pout, she asked, "What about what I want?"

"Oh, believe me, I'm going to give you exactly what you want."

Nesta wanted to scoff, but Cassian was too quick, trailing kisses down her neck. She let out a whimper when he nipped softly at a pressure point, grinding against the knee that was now resting between her legs. Anything to start working through what was building there.

Cassian tskd at her. "Did I say you could do that?"

If you haven't yet and would like to, you can read part 1 here: Mixed Messages

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talkfantasytome · 3 years

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🌹🌹👀

Okay! So, I literally had no idea what to put. I have a a ton of possible snippets for WIPs that will literally not see the light of tumblr until 2022, if I'm lucky and smart and disciplined. Or it's that Rowaelin fic I'm working on, but as someone who's done so much Nessian/ACOTAR, I feel like that's what most would want. XD

All my other stuff is in shambles, with far less than I should have, cause it's just been such a busy weeeek! Too much to do, not enough time, and far more time than necessary spent stressing about the lack of time I'll have this weekend cause of a wedding I'm going to. 😂

However, I know there are people waiting for the next installment of a particular series, so, here it is, literally all of the actual, story-words I have written for the next short story in the Velaris State Chronicles. I literally have more words currently in the bullet point plan for this story than I do the story itself. 😂

Cassian had really hoped Mor was wrong.

That she'd misheard. Or that Nesta had changed her mind. Or maybe was just appeasing Eris until she could get away and text him.

Not that Nesta seemed to have a problem with in person confrontation. At all.

But Cassian could dream, couldn't he?

So dream he did. For two days, until she actually walked into The Cabin, red-headed prick in tow.

And suddenly Cassian was extremely glad he was out with some other hockey team buddies instead of Rhys and Az. Because he was going to get rip roaring drunk and he sure as hell didn't want to talk about why. And if they'd been here, they'd already be asking how he was doing. The jerks.

Hope you liked and are intrigued! I'm happy to do more snippets for 🌹🌹🌹, of course! But, be prepared for it to be a teaser to something that is very far off. Or, you know, tell me specifically for what if you want, and use that as a way to motivate me to write more in that. I'm a people-pleaser, I can guarantee that's exactly what will happen. 😂

#🌹 asks #snippet #fan fic #fanfic #acotar fanfiction #acotar fanfic #acotar #a court of thorns and roses #velaris state chronicles #nessian #cassian #nesta and cassian #nesta x cassian

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talkfantasytome · 3 years

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🌹🌹

"After a few bites, you'll be begging me for the recipe."

She pivoted on a maroon-sock-covered heel and walked back out toward where their friends were now sitting in the living room, and Cassian expelled the breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

He had a feeling he'd be begging for a lot more than a recipe by the end of the night.

#nesta and cassian #nesta x cassian #nessian #nessian fanfiction #nessian fic #nesta archeron #cassian #velaris state chronicles

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talkfantasytome · 3 years

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Velaris university👀👀 (aka my fav)

Aw, thank you! And I'm sorry about the most recent update. I'm not super thrilled with the final quality of Evening Etiquette part 1, to be honest. It's half of what's kept me from writing part 2, but it is coming. Hoping to have by end of October!

Okay, so, I don't have much written for the next part, so I'm not really going to do a snippet, I'll just share my general plans that will likely take me years, cause #slow. 👀

We know what the next part will be, *wags eyebrows*, but I'm also trying to follow general stories we saw in canon, so don't think this is the end of the Nessian angst and sorting things out. It's just the beginning.

I'm tempted to do two stories that take place before the first one, Costume Changes. Possibly one about early freshman year, where Nesta and Cassian first start noticing each other. Or potentially how the girls actually became friends. Or maybe Az and Gwyn first meeting. IDK yet, though.

I actually want to do a story for when bby Tarquin turns 18 and the study group takes him to a bar for the first time. And then, down the line, I have plans to bring Feyre into the universe, and let's just say those stories would get a bit dramatic.

The other thing I'm thinking of is creating a similar AU with the same structure for ToG - Oakwald University, to pair with Velaris State. And with this, there would be some crossovers, mostly based around Cassian and Az being on the hockey team (maybe Rhys, idk yet), and then some of the ToG boys being on Oakwald's. The plan for the first story with this would be the boys going up to Oakwald for a game, and they invite Nesta and Gwyn to join them, and there would be a party after the game with people from both teams, cause some of them are actually friends - I'm thinking Rowan and Cassian would actually get along quite well. lol

Cassian doesn't actually know if Nesta is joining them, though, until that party...and let's just say he's not as happy as he expected to be when he sees her walk in. 👀

WIP Game: Feel free to ask me about one of my listed WIPs at the end of this post.

#wip game #ask box #anon ask #velaris state chronicles #nessian

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talkfantasytome · 3 years

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Will thee be any more parts of the Velaris State Chronicles???

Oh my gosh, so many! I currently have about nine ideas for possible stories within the chronicles. Three would actually take place before the current two we have did and the other six would be after.

The idea is that, long term, the chronicles will have a number of short stories all with different focuses. I imagine Nessian will likely have the most stories and the most page time in not-their-stories as well. lol But I've got one or two ideas for Gwynriel and a whole saga on how Feyre will be brought in.

I even have a story for 'lil Tarquin. <3 He's a baby, got to college at, like, 16 or something, so when he finally turns 18 his study group just has to be the ones to bring him to a bar for the first time. XD

Admittedly, all of my planning is currently just ideas of what each story will be. And I'm quite slow with these, as I've been distracted with Nessian month, a request, and also by the fact that I read Throne of Glass for the first time in June, so also trying to find ways to do fics in that universe.

Because of that, I've also started planning out the Oakwald University Chronicles. The idea is that they'd follow the same general structure as Velaris State, and I may have a crossover or two planned for them - which means I technically have an extra two Velaris State stories semi-planned. 👀

Of course, if anyone ever wants to send over prompts or requests for the chronicles, I'm open to them as well. Inspiration may strike and bring something sooner. lol

Sadly, it will likely be a slow build of the chronicles, because I just can't help myself and have soooo many ideas on stuff I want to write. But, I do promise that I'll never publish an unfinished story within them. I know sometimes they feel unfinished, because I need to leave some paths open for the future ones, but in terms of the specific story, I don't start publishing the first parts until I have the full thing written. So at least there's that. :D

TLDR: Yes, there will be. Lots of plans in this brain here - and in my OneNote cause I write everything down. But it may take some time as I've been distracted with other stuff.

I'm so glad you've enjoyed the first two stories! And thanks for the question. <3

#anon ask #ask box #velaris state chronicles #future fic #acotar fanfic #fanfic writing #I really love getting asks

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talkfantasytome · 3 years

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Would you be open to writing a Gwynriel piece? I'd love to see your interpretation of them!

Helloooo! I'm going to be honest, I'm not entirely sure if this is just a question out of curiosity, or a request for a drabble or something. 😂

So, to answer the question, YES! Absolutely. They're probs a top 5 SJM world ship for me (maybe top 3?) and, to be honest, in my little side Gwynriel convo in 'Don't Forget Your Orgasm', I shocked myself in the banter I wrote - in a good way. Something about them seemed to inspire me, and I hope it'll do the same in a full Gwynriel fic.

Sadly, I often find myself struggling for the inspiration/motivation to start or fully create Gwynriel pieces. But I do wantttt to do more with them. And I do hope to have at least one or two stories in the Velaris State Chronicles be focused on them.

I would love more info on what interpretation you mean - just, in general? Canon compliant? Modern AU? etc. Or if you have a prompt in mind? Just lmk - since I do struggle, I'm all for hearing extra ideas.

That being said, in case this was just a request, here's a small drabble (a true drabble 👀) of Az coming to pick Gwyn up for that date mentioned in 'Don't Forget Your Orgasm'. Az POV, it's a bit short, but it does capture (I believe) what I think they'd be like even in canon compliant once there's healing on both sides.

P.S. Other nonnies - I see you, I love you, I WILL answer you. But it's now past 10 and I'm not the fastest writer. Not the slowest, but not the fastest. lol But if you're in my ask box currently, you will get an answer and/or a piece for the prompt sent - most likely tomorrow when I'm supposed to be working. I've seen you, and I'm all for it. XD

Azriel pulled up to Gwyn's apartment complex, breathing deeply

He couldn't believe what had happened today. Gwyn was a spitfire, to be sure, and she'd definitely not shied away from some flirtatious banter on their first date - but that? That he wasn't expecting.

If he were being honest, he hadn't been expecting the words that came out of his own mouth. In fact, he'd kicked himself internally for that stupid comment on finding her new tattoo…until she replied and he felt himself go hard right then and there.

Thankfully, her two friends - both terrifying in their own right - weren't paying attention to that. One just didn't seem interested in what happened below his belt, and the other was far too interested in what was happening beneath his brother's. Based on the little he saw, he had a feeling Cassian would be having a good night.

After a minute of just sitting in his two-door Jeep Wrangler, Az finally turned the car off and got out of it, heading toward the door.

He buzzed Gwyn's number and was greeted by a quick "Hi! Come on up!" and then a ringing sound to let him know the door was unlocked.

He spent the entire journey to the third floor schooling his features to not look surprised.

None of it mattered when Gwyn opened the door, bathrobe still on, portable curling iron in her hair, still looking like the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.

Yeah, he was done for.

"Hi hi! So sorry!" Gwyn sighed, opening the door wider so he could come in. "Emerie and I were about to leave the tattoo parlor, but then Nesta decided to go back into it, and we just ended up talking for way longer than expected. Oh, and for the record, your friend Cassian definitely got lucky."

Azriel couldn't help but laugh as Gwyn just rambled on.

"I had a feeling he would," he sighed, taking in the apartment.

It was cute. Decorated mostly with an ocean décor - lots of shades of blue and green, and a few 3D pieces of art featuring colorful fish. It fit.

"Make yourself at home," she said as she started back toward the bathroom. "I know it doesn't look it, but I'm almost ready!"

"Take all the time you want," he offered, smiling more to himself than anything. "I'm not going anywhere."

Gwyn popped her head back out into the open threshold of her bathroom. "Why would you?" She smirked and winked before her head vanished again.

"Great question," he breathed to himself, leaning back into the couch.

It didn't matter that they'd only had one date so far. There was nothing that could make him leave, could make him miss out on time with Gwyn.

#gwynriel #gwyn x azriel #gwyneth berdara #azriel #gwynriel fic #acotar #a court of thorns and roses #acotar fanfic #acosf #a court of silver flames #anon ask #ask box

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talkfantasytome · 3 years

Note

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love 💖

ooo, thanks for thinking of me! 💕

Hmmmmm....This is so tough!!! I think I'll go with:

Stay - Nessian ACOWAR Hand Scene Fix + More

Velaris State Chronicles - Nessian/ACOTAR College AU

Model Students - Rowaelin Poly-Sci Majors (barely any school involved lol)

It's Not Enough: There’s A Fine, Fine Line | Can’t Take My Eyes Off You - Nessian 2 part

It Would've Been So Right - Quinstrom AU where Pack lives

#ask box #my fics #nessian #rowaelin #quinstrom

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talkfantasytome · 3 years

Note

1, 18, and 25 for the fanfic asks!

You know, when I reblogged the list, I didn't realize how hard the questions would be to answer! 😂😂 But thank you for the asks, because I do love a good challenge! XD

1. favorite fic you wrote this year

This is so tricky because it's so dependent on a number of things! However, as someone who partially writes fan fiction with the goal of becoming a better writer, I think I'd likely go with "Well Earned" (link to part 3 cause it links to the other parts). While I'm not a huge angst writer, I do like to write it on occasion for the experience, and I feel like I keep getting better at it with practice, and I'm fairly happy with how I transitioned this from a fun, masked makeout idea into an angst piece. And then I'm probably a bit biased cause it's Nessian, since my Rowaelin 4-part fic "How Could They Not" might actually be better-done angst. lol (Again, link to last part.)

My favorite more continuous AU I created is definitely the Velaris State Chronicles. I have a number of AUs I do really love, but this one holds a special place in my heart, maybe because I see it as something a bit different than the others.

My other top 5 would likely be:

Something Deeper (Part 1 | Part 2) - Nessian

Rules of Babysitting - Rowaelin (Part 2 will come...some day...)

I'm Here (Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4) - Lysaedion

The Girl in the Hat - Nessian

Model Students - Rowaelin Continuous AU

18. current number of wips

approx 20...pending definition. I think it's 21 based on the way I'm counting them, but some could arguably be seen as ideas more than WIPs, but they're more solid or decided I WILL do/finish at some point, so they were moved to my WIP section from my ideas section already. lol

25. a fic you read this year you would recommend everyone read

I mean, definitely Love in an Elevator, which I mentioned with the last ask. Other than that, well...if you don't mind a rough ending, then DEFINITELY Paint it Red by @moodymelanist. That one really pulls you around in such a great way, and while the ending leaves you wanting, the ending itself (from a more objective standpoint) is great, well done, extremely emotional, but also understandable.

I also would highly recommend Prick by @thewayshedreamed (link to the first part). You really get a sense of the tension, the longing, everything Nesta feels but does or doesn't fully say in her internal monologue. And the smut is top notch.

For my Rowaelin peeps, I'm sure no one will be surprised I'm recommending a fic by @morganofthewildfire lol, but I'd def. suggest her piece All Too Well. Based on the song by Taylor Swift - pre Red TV and the 10-minute version - it's really lovely and sweet, but also captures the song so beautifully while still making the story her own.

I'd also definitely recommend Snakes & Daggers by @heirofflowers. It's a ToG divergence fic, where you explore what it might have been like for Aelin and Rowan had all the stuff with the Valg and the war and everything not happened - aka Aelin's family lived, she was princess her whole life, etc., and then Rowan comes with a delegation from Doranelle after Maeve dies (or something) and his cousin Sellene is crowned Queen of Doranelle. In an attempt to heal ties with Terrasen. Extremely well done and thought out and it had me DYING for more.

I could go on, but I'll stop here. Cause, seriously, there are sooooo many I could recommend and would. I've also stuck with completed fics, cause that's a great way to keep me from going on too long as well. 👀

Fan Fic End of Year Asks

#ask box #fan fic end of year #acotar #throne of glass #nessian #rowaelin #fic rec

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talkfantasytome · 2 years

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Oakwald University? :)

ooooo, okay! So, I don't have anything written for this one yet! But it's something I want to do in alignment with Velaris State Chronicles - basically, same concept. It's a college AU full of short stories/short multi-parts. And there would be some crossovers, but only a few, and for the most part it would mainly be ToG people just, like, in college.

I haven't fully decided yet, but would probs start with around when Rowan and Aelin meet, and/or the first time they learn about each other. (I have this jumbotron idea where Rowan is playing hockey and looks up while on the bench and is all 😍, and then Aedion is next to him, and he's like "who's that?" and Aedion is all "mY cOuSiN, wHy?!?!?!" and Rowan's just. "uh....wut? bai".)

ANYWAY, it would probs have stories for everyone, though a main focus on Rowaelin and Lysaedion. Just like long term I hope to do more stuff for others with Velaris State, but main focus will be Nessian.

Also, and this is big, I'd want at least one story for Nestaq. 💕 My babies that got me through ToD! (I mean, good book, but I read it more for them and I'm not sorry.)

Most of the Fae boys (or all) would be on the hockey team together. Which is where the Velaris State crossovers would come in, cause the bat boys in ACOTAR are on hockey together. I also mayyyyy have an idea on a potential foursome happening during a crossover...that I've kinda already semi confirmed in my Velaris State emails I did for romance week - if you can read my mind on that. 😂

So, yeah, that's a loooong-term WIP that I do hope to work on someday once I slow down on my other stuff. LOL. But I love the concept, cause filling AUs with a bunch of shorter multi-parts keeps me from being responsible for "finishing" a fic (cause if I finish the multi-part it's finished), but also having an AU I can keep working in.

Oh, and last fun fact, I'm hoping to do about 26 for Velaris State, one story for each letter of the alphabet. (It wasn't originally planned, but my first three were C, D, and E in order 😂, so now I wanna do an A and B that will be chronologically before those.) And I'm thinking, if I want them all to be the same, Oakwald University would follow the same idea and, in the end, have about 26 stories, too, if I can think of that many to do. 😄

WIP Tag Game

#rowaelin #idea #ask game

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talkfantasytome · 3 years

Text

Dinner Dances - Part IV

The final chapter of Dinner Dances from the Velaris State Chronicles is up! You can read on AO3 here:

Dinner Dances - Challenge Accepted

Everyone's sticky from the beer fight and in need of a shower. Totally, completely innocent - of course...

TW: Tiny little statement that implies possible experience in a relationship becoming physically abusive.

It really is becoming quite the game. Hope you like it! You can find the beginning of the story here and via my Masterlist. I am also posting these chapters here, on tumblr, and you can read this one below.

Would love love love to hear your thoughts! ☺️

I do already have thoughts on the next story for these chronicles, and a list of possible other stories, some of which may focus on other characters/relationships. If you'd like to be added to my tag list for these stories, just let me know.

Challenge Accepted

"You can shower first," Cassian sighed, leading Nesta into his room.

The beer war lasted all of about ten minutes until the boys surrendered, hands up and devastatingly handsome smiles on their faces. Nesta and her roommates celebrated their victory with a tequila shot each, but no one could forget the fact that they were all damp and sticky with beer and in need of a shower.

Rhysand, Azriel, and Cassian were quick to say they could all shower there, and Rhys divided them up by brother, since the only full baths were attached to each of their bedrooms. Gwyn with Az, Mor and Emerie with him - and a stern decision that they would not be showering together in his bathroom - and Nesta with Cassian. When she asked why he simply said that, because they were the two idiots who'd started the war, they were stuck together.

She couldn't deny that. She'd started it, really. Though, it hadn't been purposeful. Just a bit of a gut reaction to the insanely lewd way Cassian commented on how she looked bending over and pumping the keg. Not that she'd completely hated the insinuation, but he'd caught her off guard. But Nesta wasn't sorry. As much as she hated to admit it, that may have been the most fun she'd had in months. Save for those few minutes on Halloween…maybe…when she wasn't actively ignoring those memories.

Cassian's room was simply decorated. Grey walls, a dark red comforter over his neatly made bed, mahogany furniture that still had a modern air to it. The room was... nice. And, despite being sparse in decorations, it seemed comfortable. There was a very worn book on his nightside table, next to an alarm clock - she didn't even know people still used those anymore - and Nesta had to fight the urge to go see what novel currently held ownership of that spot.

"No, you should," Nesta said, looking back toward him. "It's your house. Plus, you'll likely be a lot faster than me."

"Fastest if we showered together," he countered with a wink, to which her response was simply narrowing her eyes at him and crossing her arms. Cassian shrugged. "If you change your mind, you know where to find me." He removed his sweater and undershirt in one swift motion, revealing a torso far more defined than Nesta was expecting, with whorls tattooed along his chest and upper arms. Nesta's breath hitched at the sight, and Cassian gave her a quick smirk before turning and heading into the bathroom, leaving the door just slightly ajar as he started the shower and, presumably, took off the rest of his clothes.

She tried really hard not to think about that.

So Nesta made her way over to that little table and glanced at the book.

The Neverending Story.

She picked up the book and flicked through it. It wasn't just worn, as she first thought - this book had been loved. The binding opened at the lightest touch and there were chunks of pages that were loose or simply sat, no longer bound, within the book. In a quick flip, she saw some places where a sentence or two had been underlined, highlighted, and even a few where notes or comments were jotted down in tiny letters in the margins.

Nesta was tempted to read some of them, but she slammed the book shut and put it back on the table. She wouldn't want anyone doing that with her favorite book without permission, and the sting of her friends having read her diary was still a bit fresh. Lucky for them, they'd apologized profusely on Saturday with her favorite takeout and a massive chocolate cake.

Still, Nesta couldn't deny she was surprised and intrigued by this discovery. And maybe slightly curious about why this book. What was it that made this one so important to him? What other books did he love? Did he, like her, always have a book he was reading? Or was it just that he liked to keep one by his bed for nights he couldn't sleep?

Before she could stop herself, an image popped into Nesta's head. The two of them, curled together, reading their current books, content to just sit with each other. Enthralled by the others reactions to current scenes.

Shaking her head to get the picture out of her mind, Nesta's eyes kept flicking between the book and the bathroom door. Desire flooded through her - to see Cassian, to touch him, taste him, get to know him.

No, not get to know him. She couldn't let herself want that. That led to dangerous territory she was not ready to explore. Relationships ended in pain, heartbreak, or sometimes the breaking of something else. But, the physical side could be fun, with the right guy. And Cassian sure did seem like the right guy.

Without a second thought, Nesta stripped off her clothes before making her way into the bathroom, closing the door and locking it behind her. She could see a foggy blur of golden-brown skin behind the glass door, and she inhaled deeply, steadying herself.

With a soft tug, she pulled open the shower door and stepped in behind Cassian.

His body stiffened at the feel of the cool air flooding into the shower, and Nesta wondered if he could feel her as much as she seemed to be able to feel him, even though their skin wasn't touching.

After a moment, Cassian finally turned his head partially toward her, glancing over his shoulder. "This is a surprise," he said in a low, guttural voice that made Nesta start to throb.

"I was getting bored," she sighed. "Like you said, this will be much faster than us taking turns."

Even Nesta didn't believe the words she'd just uttered.

Cassian turned halfway, stepping a bit to the side to give Nesta some space beneath the waterfall, which poured from directly above, instead of a spout on a wall. The water was warm against her skin as she settled into her place before reaching around Cassian for the shampoo and squirting some into her hands.

Without taking her eyes off of his, she rubbed her hands together and then started lathering it into his hair. Even when wet it was soft and silky, and her fingers brushed easily through the dark locks. Cassian bent his head forward to make it easier for her, and to keep Nesta from needing to go up on her toes, and once his hair was thoroughly lathered up, she combed her fingers through it while the water washed the soap away.

Before the last of the bubbles were carried off, Cassian was already rubbing his hands full of shampoo and lifting his face so he could wash Nesta's hair. She held his stare for all of five seconds before her eyes shuttered close at the feeling of his fingers rubbing against her head. She moved closer to him, leaning into his touch, and as he tilted her head up so that the water would rinse out her hair, he started to press soft kisses to her neck.

"I can still taste the beer on you," he laughed onto her skin, and Nesta couldn't help but huff a small chuckle back.

"It must have been water-resistant beer," she teased, pulling away slightly and picking up the body wash that sat on the ledge with the shampoo.

She squeezed some into her hand and started to rub it into his shoulders, his arms, savoring each pass against his muscles, Cassian's body once again stiff. She washed his chest as well, and, grabbing more soap, she motioned for him to turn around. Cassian obeyed the silent command and then she scrubbed against his back softly, watching the soap bubble against his skin, and even dared a quick once over each butt cheek.

When Cassian turned back to face her, he smiled gently, his eyes darkened with lust. "Turn around. I want to save the best for last."

Nesta felt her eyes glow at that comment, felt her heart skip a beat when she did as requested, pulling her soaking hair over her shoulder. He massaged the soap into her back, strong hands rubbing at knots.

"Shit, Nes. How the hell are you this tense?" he asked in shock, his hands remaining on her shoulders, working her muscles.

"I have a lot on my plate," she answered swiftly. And that was all he was getting out of her. She made sure her tone conveyed that.

But he didn't comment on it. He just leaned in and whispered in her ear, "I'm sure there are more than a few ways I could loosen you up."

Inhaling a sharp gasp, Nesta felt a purr through her traitorous body as his hands travelled down her back, creating circles to scrub off any lasting imprint of dirt or grime or alcohol.

This was stupid - how could she put herself in this situation? What was she thinking?

She twirled to face him, and was once again mesmerized by his face, by the strong jaw and expressive eyes that seemed to tug on something within her. Oh, right. That's how.

So she didn't stop him. She just stood there, staring as Cassian gently started rubbing the soap on to her neck. His hands slid lower, lathering her shoulders, then her arms, then he moved them across to her breasts and Nesta moaned at the feel of him rubbing them, cupping them. At the soft flick on her nipples. He grabbed more soap and washed her stomach, trailing lower as they stood under the water.

Cassian pressed Nesta against the shower wall as his fingers teased her waist, but he didn't move them any closer. He didn't move at all as he looked into her eyes, a question and request in his stare.

Nesta nodded. "Yes," she breathed. "Just this once."

He seemed to pause at that comment, something like doubt flickering in his gaze, but it vanished in an instant and was replaced with earned arrogance.

"I'll be sure to make it good, then," he growled in her ear before bringing his lips back to her neck just as his fingers brushed against her center. He bit and sucked and licked at her collar, her throat, while his fingers massaged her folds with an intensity no one else had ever dared try.

A loud gasp escaped from her lips just as he finally decided to do a test and slide one finger into her core.

----------------

Cassian was fucking screwed.

He should have run the second Nesta said 'just this once'. Because no way in hell would he be able to live with just one taste, one chance to feel her. He knew he should have. But how could he?

How the fuck could he walk away from her? Wet, naked, and willing to give him at least something.

He couldn't.

Point blank. Full stop. No exceptions. He could not walk away from Nesta. He could not control himself, stop himself from taking whatever scraps she was willing to give.

Perhaps this would be okay, though. A quick hand job, to give her some release, and not get a full feel for the pleasure she would give him. This could work. He wasn't about to get on his knees in the shower, and he sure as hell wasn't going to go for other things. It wasn't really a habit for him to bring a condom when he washed himself.

And then a fire exploded inside him as one of Nesta's hands found its way to his cock and started to squeeze tight, to pump him fast and hard, and Cassian thought he might burst at the feel of it.

"Fuck!" he groaned, not willing to falter his own pace as he added another finger, now thrusting two straight into her.

His lips made their way up to hers and she captured his mouth, claiming it with her tongue and teeth. She moaned into him, the sound reverberating through both of their bodies.

Cassian felt Nesta clench on his fingers, just as his own release was starting to build, so he brought his other hand up to her breast, cupping one and twirling it around the nipple. Just as his fingers pumped in her, curling slightly, and his thumb pressed down on a sweet spot.

Nesta all but screamed into his mouth as she came on his hand, and within seconds Cassian was echoing it with a roar of his own, thankfully muffled by Nesta's lips as he came hard enough to see stars. She continued to move her hand until he was dry, and she rode out her own orgasm on his fingers. Once they were both spent they stilled, unable to move, to disconnect from each other.

Uneven, ragged pants filled the air along with the sound of the water falling from the shower head, and the two stared at each other, blue-grey eyes meeting hazel ones, revealing a sense of wonder and amazement. Nesta let go of Cassian first and he instantly felt the cold absence of her hand, as if it was meant to remain there forever. He slowly pulled his fingers out next and Nesta sighed, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment as he moved out of her.

Damn, she was beautiful. More mental images to lock away in his mind - the picture of her climaxing, and a second of her satisfied, because of him.

They both cleaned themselves off quickly, Cassian not trusting himself to be the one cleaning Nesta there, and then stepped out of the shower. Grabbing the first ruby towel, Cassian opened it and wrapped it around Nesta.

"Thank you," she whispered, her eyes soft as she looked up at him over her shoulder and dammit if he didn't almost lose his balance at that. Instead he grabbed the other towel and dried off his torso before wrapping it around his waist.

"You can borrow some of my clothes," he offered, heading into the bedroom, noticing the folded stack of women's clothes that sat on the floor, clearly still damp.

She followed, her hands still holding up her towel around her. In that stance, she looked almost like a lost child at the beach, entirely unsure what to do. It made him want to wrap his arms around her and just hold her - something he was sure she would not allow.

Cassian pulled out an old pair of flannel pajama bottoms that barely fit him and a plain white V-neck shirt, offering them to her. Accepting the clothes, she went back into the bathroom to put them on - as if he hadn't just been in the shower with her gloriously naked body and memorized every curve he could.

By the time she came back out he'd pulled on a pair of black sweatpants and a grey t-shirt and was sitting on the bed, waiting. His mouth practically fell open.

Nesta looked fucking adorable.

The pants had clearly been tightened as much as possible and then rolled up in an attempt to make them tighter and keep her from tripping. She wouldn't be able to pull them up high enough to not end up walking on the fabric. And the shirt; that one wasn't exactly tight on Cassian, but it also wasn't not tight on him, and still she was swimming in it.

He couldn't stop the smile that tugged on his lips at the image of her in his clothes. Despite how ridiculously big each piece was on her, Cassian wasn't sure she'd ever looked more beautiful.

"Back down to the party?" he asked, bending down to pick up Nesta's clothes for her.

She nodded, and then froze at the sound of a ring tone blasting through the room.

"That's me," she said, rushing as fast as she could in the massive pants toward the dresser where she'd left her phone. The phone that hadn't stopped buzzing at dinner with text after text. She'd eventually put it in her pocket, either too polite to text at dinner or just blatantly ignoring whomever it was. It hadn't stop Cassian from being insanely curious. "Hello?" The call must have been a face time because she held the phone front-facing before her, eyes on the screen.

"Nestaaaaa!" a girl shouted into the phone. There was a lot of background noise, but her voice was clear enough. "Where are you?? Are you still on that date?!?! I want to know everything! Come meet me at Rita's!"

Cassian watched Nesta roll her eyes but smile lightly. "I never said I had a date, Viv. And I thought you all were studying."

The other girl, Viv, giggled. "We tried but, honestly, after an hour we just ended up completely agreeing with all your notes, so we decided to call it an early night and head out. We got Thesan to come to a new barrrr!"

"Is that Nesta?" a familiar voice asked on the other line.

"Yes!" Viv exclaimed. "I think she's still on her date."

"Oh, don't say that!" The voice became louder and clearer. "Nesta, my heart, tell me you're not falling in love!"

Helion. That was definitely Helion.

"I'm not on a dat-"

"Why is your hair wet?" Another voice Cassian didn't know, this one laced with skepticism and concern.

"It's a long story, Thesan," Nesta sighed.

"Shower sex?" Helion suggested. Cassian could practically see him wagging his eyebrows.

"Don't be ridiculous!" Yep, that was a blush spreading on Nesta's face. An adorable, pink blush.

Cassian decided to step in, walking until he was behind her so that those on the call could see him. He even went so far as to place a hand on her shoulder. "Hate to interrupt, but Nesta and I have some unfinished business to attend to," he said with a wink

"No we don't!" But Nesta's argument was drowned out by the loud "Ooooo" from Viv and the shouted "CASSIAANNNN!" from Helion.

"Oh, girl, you know what. You're forgiven. I can not blame you for that choice," Helion continued, grinning widely as if he'd just watched his favorite ship from a TV show get together.

"Good night!" Nesta snapped, turning her phone off and pivoting to face him. If looks could burn, he'd be ash by now. "What the hell?!"

"What? They don't know anything," Cassian said, flashing her an easy smile.

"You do realize I am now going to be bombarded with questions, far worse than what they were doing tonight." So that's what all those texts were. Cassian tried and failed to hide his amusement. "It was bad enough when they just knew I was missing study group."

"Seemed like they were going to be making a lot of assumptions anyway," he chuckled. "Did I really make it that much worse?"

"Try a thousand times, like everything," she groaned, storming out of the room.

Cassian followed at her heels as they made their way down the stairs. "Oh please, it was just a bit of fun."

"Making people think we're sleeping together is fun?!" She stopped at the bottom of the stairs and looked back at him, not even acknowledging their five friends, already in the living room.

"Newsflash, sweetheart, most of them probably already think that considering Halloween." He didn't dare mention what they'd actually just done, and how close her friends were in their assumptions. Especially not in front of his brothers and her roommates. He reached the landing but kept his eyes on her, his body close enough that he had to really angle his head down.

She grunted. "I doubt it, considering how that night ended."

"You think people really pay attention to that?" he scoffed back. "All they would have seen was you and me, tangled together on the dance floor, making out."

"Tangled? We were not tangled!"

"Have a better word for it?" he asked, his voice getting deeper as a smirk danced across his face.

"I do," she said softly before raising her voice. "A monumental mistake!" She turned to their friends. "Az, Rhys. Thank you for having me. Gwyn, Em, Mor - see you at home." She started toward the door and then turned back, snatching her clothes out of Cassian's hands before stomping away and picking up her boots.

"You can keep the clothes!" Cassian taunted as she opened the door. She didn't falter as she walked outside and slammed it shut behind her, not even bothering to pull her boots on before she did. He watched her leave, once again, a small piece of him going with her. But this time, he was certain it wasn't over.

He turned to the living room to see the other five staring up at him in shock and confusion. And a smugness on Az's face as Rhys slid some money into his hand.

"We…should probably go too," Gwyn sighed, shooting up and looking toward her roommates.

The other two girls stood up with her. "Yeah, we should," Emerie agreed. None looked particularly happy about it, yet they all seemed determined. "But we had a really lovely time."

"We should do it again!" Mor suggested, nodding along with Emerie. "You know, when Cassian isn't PMSing."

"You're blaming me?" His voice cracked, slightly in shock.

"Yes," the three laughed in unison.

The boys followed them toward the door. Emerie was the first to get her shoes on. "I'll go chase her down, see if I can get us walking slow enough for you two to catch up. Thanks again, guys!" She waved quickly at Rhys, Az, and Cassian before rushing out the door.

Az gravitated toward Gwyn and Cassian put all his effort into focusing on Mor and Rhys to let them have a slightly private goodbye. It didn't stop him from seeing the tender kiss they shared, but it wasn't his fault he had great peripheral vision.

"Next time we do your place," Rhys said as Mor and Gwyn stood in the threshold.

"Only if Cass still cooks," Mor countered with a wink. "Don't be strangers!" The two waved and then headed out the house, closing the door behind them, and Cassian had a feeling they were now running to try and catch up to Nesta and Emerie.

"So. Want to tell us what happened?" Rhys asked, turning his gaze toward Cassian.

Cassian turned to Az, a slight pleading in his look. "No, I'm with Rhys," Az said. "What did you do?"

"Nothing!" he groaned in exasperation. Based on the roll of their eyes, neither Rhys nor Az believed him. "Nice. I'm heading to bed."

Turning his back to his brothers, Cassian headed up the stairs and back into his room. He brushed his teeth quickly, and then aggressively pulled the covers back before he got into the bed. Laying on his side, he slid one arm under his pillow, his skin brushing up against something that was decidedly not his pillow or bed sheets. He grabbed it and pulled it out as he sat up, examining the red, lace fabric.

Women's underwear, he realized.

These definitely hadn't been there before dinner. Cassian never kept his partners belongings. Ever. Sometimes he would offer it back to them, other times he'd just throw it out. Too often it was an attempt to either remind him what had happened, and why it should again - which, if it was worthwhile, he'd need no reminder - or a way to get him to come to them first. To get him to call. A game the girls were playing. Cassian never found any to be worthy adversaries.

But these. These were neither a reminder nor a request for him to call.

These were a challenge. One he wasn't planning on losing.

He placed the panties in the drawer of his nightstand and turned off the light, smiling as his head hit the pillow. Cassian never kept his partners belongings, but he supposed he could make one exception.

@live-the-fangirl-life @ladygabrielli1997 @generalnesta @secretlovelybeauty

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talkfantasytome · 3 years

Text

Dinner Dances - Part 1

The next story in The Velaris State Chronicles collection is here! You can find it below or on AO3, linked in the next line.

Dinner Dances

After the disastrous end to the Halloween party, Cassian is desperate for any chance to spend more time with Nesta. Luckily, Rhys invited Az's new girl over for dinner to get to know her, and her roommate, Mor, invited herself and the rest of the apartment to join. If only Nesta would actually agree to come.

This story will have four chapters. It can be a standalone story, but if you want all the juicy details, you can read the first story in the collection here: Costume Changes.

Chapters will be posted every 1 to 2 days. Would love to hear y'alls thoughts on the story, the setting, the characters, etc. 😊

The Only Thing They're Good For

Five days.

It had been five fucking days since that party, and Cassian hadn't been able to think about anything except one person.

One woman.

Nesta.

It was the most amazing night of his life. Finally meeting her, talking to her, seeing her smile, hearing her laugh - making her smile and laugh. He never knew he could feel such emotions, at least not to the full extent he had that night. And it only got worse when they danced. Danced in a way that gave him a glimmer into what it might have been like had he been able to bring her home, take her by the hand, and lead her into his bedroom.

But that kiss.

That kiss had been heaven and earth colliding. A double rainbow after a heavy sun shower. A fire meeting oxygen when it first ignites.

It had changed him, if that were possible. Had shown him everything he thought he was and everything he could be. Everything he might be able to have and feel, should he be so lucky.

He was not.

No, instead, it ended too soon with Nesta jerking away from him and fleeing, as if it had been the worst experience of her life.

Cassian knew that wasn't true. He knew she felt something too, something more. He'd heard it in the sounds she made. Felt it in how she caressed his skin, how she reacted to his kiss. How she kissed him.

Still, he couldn't stop the thoughts from pouring into his head. Just like he couldn't stop the constant stream of mental images he had of her from that night. Or the memory of how it felt to have her body pressed so tight against his they almost joined together. No, he definitely couldn't stop those thoughts, especially not as he pleasured himself each night. As he allowed those memories to evolve into every possible fantasy he could have.

Her scent lingered on his nose. The taste of her skin, her mouth on his tongue. The sound of her laugh in his ear. It was torture.

His only relief: knowing that she had, at least, preferred him to Eris. If only she'd stayed long enough for Eris to see it too.

Cassian already had two run-ins with Eris since the party. Both unplanned, both horrifically unpleasant, and both landing on the topic of Nesta as Eris tried to stake some claim he seemed to think himself privilege to. Cassian had merely laughed those declarations off, and reminded Eris that he never played by those types of rules.

Because they weren't the rules of the game. Men didn't get to claim women, not unilaterally. Not without their consent and permission, and sometimes even then. And until Nesta gave Eris that, gave herself fully to Eris and agreed that she would be his, then it wasn't over. He still had a chance. And gods-be-damned, he was going to take every possible opportunity he had.

Cassian was just heading home after his last class of the day, passing the student center when - finally - he saw her. Standing to the side of the large brick building, somewhat close to but still separate from the tables where students sat and chatted, staring down at her phone.

She looked... well, she looked as she always did when he saw her on campus. Ignorant to everyone around her, wrapped up in whatever it was she focused on. So different from what he'd experienced at Helion's. Still, despite that, she was gorgeous. Somehow even more beautiful than the last time he saw her, her golden brown hair falling in a thick braid down her back, keeping warm in a large, maroon knit sweater that hung to mid-thigh, resting over full-length black leggings that were tucked into brown boots. She looked comfortable.

The image popped into his head before he could stop it. Nesta dressed just like that, snuggled up against him on his couch as they both read their current books, possibly avoiding the bitter cold of winter. He nearly groaned at the thought, at the fantasy he'd lost all hope for.

It had been there. The hope. For all of three hours until Nesta ran away from him. Now... Cassian supposed it was still there, locked away deep in his mind, its prison guard waiting for a far clearer sign from her before letting it come out to play again.

As if operating by their own free will, Cassian's feet started walking straight toward her. Only, Cassian had no idea what he wanted to say. What he could say to fix things. Did she need an apology? He'd been racking his brain for five days, trying to figure out what he did wrong, and he still had no clue.

Solace came to him in the form of a flash of red hair in the distance, covering a preening face Cassian would recognize anywhere. And when he finally reached Nesta, an easy smile lay on his face as he lightly took her arm and said, "Follow me, sweetheart."

Too shocked to do anything but, Nesta let Cassian drag her around the corner and lightly pin her against the building. He braced one hand against the wall near her head, the other hanging at his side, so that she knew she had an opening and he wasn't trying to hold her against her will.

"What do you want?" she snarled, narrowed storm cloud eyes meeting his. But she didn't coil away from him or change their positioning.

His smirk broadened. "Well, that's an interesting question," Cassian responded in a low voice. "Because what I want and what I'm doing are two very different things."

Nesta's face scrunched in both annoyance and confusion. "What do you mean?"

Cassian lifted his free hand, brushing it softly against her face, tucking a loose lock behind her ear. "I want to pick up where you and I left off Saturday night." His heart was beating out of his chest as he said the words, moving his face slightly closer, knowing she could feel every tendril of his breath. "But, currently, I'm trying to help you avoid a particular red-headed prick I'm fairly certain you have no interest in. Not that you need it, I'm sure."

"And if I said I was interested?" She attempted to play it cool, but Cassian noticed how her breathing hitched as she asked the question, her eyes remaining locked on his. It didn't stop him from dying slightly on the inside.

"Then you're free to go back out into the open - let him find you," he responded, completely serious. "Or go find him. Won't be hard, he's been looking for you."

She didn't move, but still she seemed distant. As if trying to decide which was the lesser of two evils - staying here with him, or revealing herself and having to deal with Eris.

Shit.

That didn't exactly bode well for Cassian.

Even if she stayed, all that meant was he was just a bit better than Eris. Not exactly a glowing recommendation in his mind, even if it did offer some relief.

Still, Cassian couldn't move. Couldn't look away from this girl. Couldn't step back and allow his body to be further from her.

He could feel his breathing match the timing of hers, his chest rising higher and higher with each inhale, and hers was doing the same.

Finally, she looked away, back toward the tabled area. But before Cassian could follow her gaze, just as he saw a hint of red in his peripheral, she grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him down, crashing her lips into his.

-----------------------

Fuck this man. Fuck that arrogance that made Nesta's heart skip a beat. Fuck his stupid, perfect hair. His absurdly large-but-not-too-large muscles. Fuck his damn smile that made her knees tremble. Fuck his... well, no, Nesta couldn't think about that. That would not end well for her.

Or, maybe it would. Maybe it would end really well. Until it no longer did.

Nesta tried not to think of that as she pressed her lips against Cassian's.

She couldn't fully explain why she'd done it. A gut reaction to seeing Eris come into full view, and knowing within a few seconds he would turn around and see Nesta speaking with Cassian. And he'd come over, claiming to believe she was in an uncomfortable, unwanted situation she couldn't escape. Offering to be her knight in shining armor.

Gross.

Knights in shining armor were so seven hundred years ago. As much as Nesta enjoyed a good romance with that trope, stories were made better without it. Or in adjusting it to something more. She particularly loved a good 'damsel saves the knight' trope. Better yet, 'damsel has no true need for the knight'. Those were the best. When she would allow the 'knight' into her bed, but in the morning be on her way to fix all the shit herself. Because isn't that really, in the end, the only thing men were truly good for long-term?

Get your pleasure, get your release, and then get the fuck out of there because you don't need his help and you certainly don't need him. That was what Nesta lived by, and it tended to be true.

Except when it came to obnoxiously determined men who couldn't read women and seemed to think they had the right to take whichever ones they wanted. They were the worst, because they rarely accepted 'no'. Not unless it was followed by 'because I have a boyfriend'.

Dickheads.

And yes, Cassian was offering a similar type of aid, but he shifted the terms to her. It was clear in his body language - I'm helping you, but if you don't want it, I won't stop you.

So Nesta kissed Cassian... again. This time, however, it was purposeful, necessary. If she was lucky, Eris would recognize them both and give up. More likely, he wouldn't look too hard, wouldn't see who it was making out against the student center, and would turn away quickly. A problem delayed, but not solved.

Tomorrow Nesta could figure that one out.

Cassian stiffened at the first touch of her hands on his shirt, grabbing the fabric, and was all but frozen when their lips met.

That didn't last.

Soon enough, he was kissing her back with a force she'd not felt before, his hand moving to her waist, gripping her tightly as the other arm remained braced against the stone building. He pressed his body closer, and Nesta felt her own limbs relax, her hands loosening their grip of his shirt.

His tongue gently trailed across her lower lip, and Nesta couldn't stop herself from opening to him, her arms now sliding up to wrap around his neck, her hands plunging into his hair just as his tongue found hers.

It was a dance. A messy, wet dance that only made Nesta want more. But all too soon Cassian was pulling away, just enough so she could look into those hazel eyes and melt.

"Come to dinner tomorrow night," he breathed onto her lips. Not entirely a question, not entirely a command.

Of course he would bring up the stupid dinner he and his brothers were putting on. She was still a bit upset with Mor about that, inviting herself, Emerie, and Nesta to go to their house for the dinner Rhys had invited Gwyn to. A chance for them to get to know the new... 'special friend' of their brother's.

"No," she whispered back, a small smirk spreading across her lips.

He groaned, letting his head fall into her shoulder, and then grazing his nose up her neck. "Why not?" he asked between kisses beneath her ear.

"I'm busy," she said, trying not to moan when he tugged softly on her lobe with his teeth.

He let out a deep exhale and pulled his body away a bit further. "You could come if you wanted to."

Nesta shrugged. "Then I guess you have your answer."

Eyes fluttered shut for a second as Cassian breathed in, as if he were trying to steel himself, cursing himself for something he hadn't meant to do. His lids flashed open and that soft, passionate, horny college student was gone. In his place stood something akin to a military general, strong and sure and completely unaffected. "Fine. Good luck, Nesta. With... everything." He loosed a small, dejected laugh and pivoted on his heel, turning his back on her and walking away toward the busy campus.

#acotar #acotar fanfiction #nessian fanfiction #nessian fic #nesta x cassian #nessian #nesta archeron #cassian #fan fic smut

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