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daycourtofficial · 2 days ago

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

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

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

Content warning: Tooth aching fluff

Divider's by @tsunami-of-tears

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

She’s on the third level, General.

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

The scratching of ink to parchment revealed another note:

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

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

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

Nesta Archeron.

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

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

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

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

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

“Doesn’t mean I’m your favorite.”

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

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

“Come to Solstice and find out.”

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

“Feyre wants you-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fear.

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

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

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

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

“Solstice is a fae holiday.” She murmured.

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

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

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

The library.

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

“How did you-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She was radiant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“What are you doing?” Cassian asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His Lady Death.

His Valkyrie.

His Best Friend.

His Mate.

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@velariscalling @daycourtofficial @prythianpages @writingcroissant @itsswritten

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

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

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@marvelbros-oneshots @riddlesb1tch @thelov3lybookworm @hellodarling1357

@enchantingcupcakecollectionfan @lanea-1

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daycourtofficial · 3 days ago

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Pairing: Fem!Eris x Elain | WC: 2k | Content Warnings: some Mor slander for the plot

Summary: Elain Archeron is in a not so secret relationship with her girlfriend, Eris Vanserra. A fact her younger sister is still confused by, despite her ‘good’ intentions.

Author’s note: I have never done a genderbend fic before but I cannot resist giving one of Erislain’s biggest supporters some sapphic Erislain it’s what she deserves actually happy holidays @secret-third-thing, here’s your bonus gift for @acotargiftexchange for figuring me out or whatever 🫶🏻

Read it on AO3 or below the cut

“Elain, I really don’t get why you’re friends with her.”

Nesta’s smirk grew over the rim of her water, trying not to laugh at her sister’s wording. The three sisters sat in a corner booth, the middle Archeron across from Feyre’s concerned gaze. The minor lull in the conversation allowed the youngest of them to voice what had been on her mind for weeks, a topic she and her husband spoke about endlessly.

“She’s different than you think,” Elain huffed, getting the words out before Nesta could say anything. Their younger sister was unaware of Elain’s true relationship with the Vanserra, never quite picking up on the small details of their lives. Most notably, the pair lived in a one bedroom apartment. ‘Friends’ - a gross oversimplification indeed.

Nesta was the first to know, her sharp nose being able to sniff out whenever anyone was hooking up was an endless source of annoyance for Feyre and Elain growing up, but it meant Elain didn’t have to admit to Nesta about her relationship.

It was hard admitting to her relationship, not because she was ashamed of her girlfriend, but Elain wasn’t quite certain where her eldest sister fell when it came to believing the rumors about Eris.

There was one rumor about Eris that was the most well known about her and was the most true: she had a wicked tongue known for cruelties that extended beyond words. Elain shivered at the memory of her girlfriend this morning - long arms pulling Elain’s soft body into her. If she closed her eyes, she could still feel the heat from Eris’s grasp.

Feyre straightened up, a grimace trying to take form as she worded her thoughts carefully. “Yes, she is quite different.”

Elain watched her sister sharply, concentrating on the grimace forming with each word. Her eyes narrowed, trying to predict where Feyre’s words would go.

“After everything with Mor-“ Elain couldn’t help throwing her head back, a groan coming from deep inside her at the mention of the blonde woman.

Precious, precious Morrigan, whose own story became full of inconsistencies through the years. Inconsistencies that no one dared to question for fear of upsetting Feyre’s husband.

These days the story she told went as follows: she and Eris had been friends for a long time until the ginger had taken advantage of the blonde when she had been vulnerable. It was only thanks to Cassian, who arrived to Mor’s apartment unexpectedly to find Eris’s head up Mor’s skirt, that she had been saved from Eris’s ‘evil, lesbian’ clutches.

The story Mor spouted had enraged Elain, wanting to go immediately to Cassian who had given Eris a black eye before throwing her out of Mor’s apartment. Mor had insisted they not contact police, not wanting to go through the traumatizing ordeal of reporting sexual assault.

It was the one saving grace of the story that was no more than a house of cards.

Elain had always gotten a strange energy from Mor, feeling almost slimey watching Mor interact with her brother-in-law. Elain was too sweet, never once wanting to mention the energy Mor gave off, but that story had completely soured her opinion of the blonde.

It hardly affected her life - Mor had hardly come around since Eris and Elain had moved in together. It was likely a coincidence, Mor spending most of her time in Europe these days after she began seeing someone who lived in France.

Elain knew how hard it could be - laying forth the most vulnerable parts of who you were to your family, giving them knowledge that is in many parts of the world enough to have you imprisoned. But for Mor to lie, making Eris out to be a predator? Allowing Cassian to throw her on the streets, assaulting her and threatening her?

The shining star of the story, the most enraging part, happened a few months ago, after her second date with Eris. They had gone to a lesbian bar, just wanting a quick drink. It was late, neither one ready to let the night end. They had only made it just inside the bar, hadn’t even discussed ordering drinks when Eris spotted Mor across the bar, dancing with several women.

The sight of her sent Eris into a tailspin. All the air had left her lungs, the room suffocating her until she grabbed Elain’s arm, her long nails digging into the flesh. Elain had taken her outside, hoping fresh air would help.

The story had come tumbling out of her mouth through the desperate attempts at air, the story hard to parse out from Eris never telling anyone the entirety of it. It was clumsy and confusing, but when Eris was less panicked, Elain pieced the story together.

“I’m just worried she’s using you.”

Elain’s spine straightened, her amusement long gone. Her brown eyes turned cold as she looked at her sister, the rain picking up through the window. “Because nobody could want to be my friend of their own accord. Surely they must desire something of me.”

“That is not what I’m saying.” Feyre’s voice wavered, her features flashing with hurt at Elain’s tone. “We just know the Vanserras…”

“Oh, you do?” Elain’s tone turned bitter, a strange sound coming from her. “Please, tell me everything you know about her. Tell me all the ways you’ve personally known her.”

“Elain, I-“ Elain held up her hands, refusing to let Feyre continue. Her words had been bubbling inside of her for a long time.

Elain Archeron.

The pretty one.

The doll.

The fawn.

Everyone in her family saw her as a dainty accessory to their lives, knowing what was best for her. Years of living in the shadows of her sister’s ambitions, made to seem foolish by comparison for having the audacity to prefer more historically feminine hobbies.

Elain was not the potted flower they thought she was, needing constant supervision, the perfect conditions to grow. Elain was the flower that grew toward the sun, her roots splitting cracks in the sidewalk to stand tall for all to see.

“No, Feyre. You don’t get to undermine every decision I make just because it’s not what you would do.” Elain rose, her face bright as she stood just beneath the lamp that hung over the table. “You can’t be upset when I go to school far away. You can’t be upset when I move to be closer to the two of you. You can’t be upset that I chose to take a year off and work in a bakery.”

“I’m not-“

“And you don’t get to interrupt me!” Elain’s eyes were wild. She was a fire, all of the oxygen in the room feeding her temper. “I came back because I missed you and Nesta. Am I supposed to remain friendless while I live here, merely orbiting the two of you for companionship?”

Feyre stared wide eyed at Elain, the light removing all shadows from her sister’s face as she continued.

“I am not a child for you to dictate who I choose to spend my time with. So what if you think Eris isn’t good for me - I don’t care! Let me find that out for myself. “

Elain watched Feyre gasp for words, sounds sputtering from her but not quite forming coherence. The sight was enough to make Elain gather her things and leave to keep from laughing at Feyre.

As she stood, shimmying out of the booth and into the frigid air, she swore to keep her relationship a secret. Her walk back to her apartment had started tall, annoyance and anger filling her with resolve. The further she got from the restaurant, from a potentially well intentioned sister, she began deflating, uncertainty at her decision creeping in.

Would Eris think she was hiding their relationship? Surely not.

Right?

Elain made it back to her apartment, the path blurring in favor of her racing mind. She opened the door, irritation bubbling back up at her sister’s disregard for how much had changed.

Their apartment was an eclectic feat of decorating - every window had no less than four plants around it, Eris’s dark furniture a beautiful contrast to the greenery. It was a beautiful meld of the pair, the place feeling more like home than anywhere else Elain had lived.

Elain sat down on the couch, bouncing slightly from how hard she fell into it. Leaning her head back, she stared at the ceiling, wondering how the situation might resolve itself. To tell, not to tell. The indecision ate her, uncertainty taking root.

“Hi sweets.”

Eris leaned down, her back bent over to kiss Elain on the cheek. Elain accepted it, so caught in her head she hadn’t heard her girlfriend come in the door. Elain felt Eris’s fleeting warmth, her hands retreating as she moved into their kitchen.

“How was your dinner?” Eris disappeared for a moment, returning back into Elain’s eyeline with a bottle of wine, a corkscrew, and two wine glasses. The wine glasses clinked against the glass coffee table, the noise startling Elain. Eris assessed Elain, slowly sitting down next to her, waiting for a response. Uncorking the bottle, she gestured to one of the glasses, “I’ll let the pour tell me all about how it went, just say when.”

Elain waited until the glass had a generous pour before reaching her hand out, stopping the bottle. She took the glass, uncaring at the many times Eris had spoken about aerating and letting the wine breathe, needing the hint of bitterness to get her through the conversation.

“Does it bother you that I haven't told Feyre about us? I mean she knows I like women, but she’s a bit...” Elain trailed off, her hands moving in the air trying to find the words.

“Cock stupid?” She swatted Eris’s shoulder, the wine sloshing into the glass from the bottle. The wide smile on Eris’s face made her freckles reach her eyes, the sight making Elain’s heart flutter.

“Maybe a little. She’s just - she’s put me in a box. And I don’t know how to get out of it. How to get her to see me as a person, someone who makes her own decisions.”

“You have been living on your own for years.” Eris sank a bit into their couch, her long limbs spread across the couch, searching for Elain’s warmth.

“Yes, but I moved so far away. It’s been years, but I’m still that helpless girl to Feyre.” She corrected herself quickly. “To both of them. It’s all they see of me. I had to get away.”

Eris hummed, waiting to see if Elain had more to say. The brunette pursed her lips, trying to create a coherent thought.

“I have a hard time being myself around them. I’m not the helpless girl I was, but they don’t see that.”

A silence settled as they both drank from their glasses, leaning against each other for more support than just the couch provided.

“You never answered my question.”

“There was a question somewhere in that silence?”

“Yes - about you being uncomfortable at my not telling them.”

“Ah.” Eris straightened up, refilling her wine glass before continuing. “I find it amusing how she and Rhysand think they know everything.” Eris stretched out her long legs, her foot caressing Elain’s calf. “I could not care less about either of them knowing, if that's what you’re concerned about.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’ve never cared before what Rhysand knew about me - why would that change now?”

Elain’s face brightened, her smile making her even more endearing. “Good, because Feyre pissed me off and now I want to relish in her not knowing.”

Eris’s smile turned wicked as she leaned back into Elain, her weight welcome against Elain’s skin.

“We could wait and tell them via wedding invitation.” Elain giggled as Eris buried her face into her neck, soft kisses quick to turn into playful nips. Glasses were moved to the table, both women laying on the couch, the redhead wrapping her legs around Elain’s hips.

“You are a wicked woman. Maybe Feyre was right and you are trying to use me.” Elain giggled as the nips turned into bites, Eris making her way down Elain’s clavicle. Her kisses were cold against Elain’s exposed skin, Eris gently tugging at Elain’s sleeves.

“Keep talking about your sister while I kiss you and I will provoke other sounds from your mouth.”

Divider by @tsunami-of-tears

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