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isnotwhatyourethinking · 17 days

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Red Ferrari

Chapter 9

Summary: Azris AU, where Azriel is a mechanic and has his own service station. One day, Eris comes there because something is wrong with his car

AO3 link Chapter 8 Chapter 10

a/n: since my semester started chapters will be on Sundays

"Idiot," Azriel grumbled, not even knowing why he grabbed his hand again and didn't loosen his grip. Eris didn’t resist.

“Why did you come then?” Eris asked.

Azriel's grip on Eris's hand tightened slightly, his eyes darting away as if avoiding the question's weight. He didn’t have a good answer, not one that made sense, at least. His chest felt tight, a mix of frustration, anger, and something else he didn’t want to name.

“Because I’m an idiot too.”

They sat in silence for a while, Eris still holding the ice to his cheek, and Azriel couldn't bring himself to let go of his hand.

“You irritate me,” Azriel finally said, breaking the silence that had been grating on him. Eris only snorted. “I really want to be angry at you right now, but instead, you make me worry like hell. You scared me with that call, and even more when I saw you when I came in. And now I’m sitting here, not knowing whether to tell you to go to hell or to bring you more ice because you look awful. I just wish you didn't make it so damn hard.”

“I guess I have a talent for making things difficult,” Eris said, wincing as he moved to adjust the ice. “Thanks for coming. Even if this ends with you telling me to go to hell. But before that, you promised me tea.”

Azriel rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a small laugh. He took the ice from Eris's hand, which had already started melting, and went to the kitchen. This time, Eris followed him.

After rummaging through the cabinets for a bit—Azriel knew from experience that asking where things were was useless—he found a box of expensive, unopened tea. Meanwhile, Eris turned on the electric kettle.

“You don’t even drink tea,” Azriel noted.

“I can give you the cliché answer that I love everything you do if it makes you feel better,” Eris quipped back.

“You’re not making it any easier for me not to kill you, you know that?”

“The knife block is to your right.”

“I hate you,” Azriel sighed, rolling his eyes, grabbing two mugs instead of a knife, and throwing some green tea leaves into them, hoping it would help calm both his and Eris's nerves. Despite all the sarcasm and bitterness, Eris sat at the bar with a leg that wouldn’t stop shaking.

When the kettle boiled, and Azriel joined him with two cups of tea, Eris stared into his cup for a long time, clearly lost in thought.

“Drink it before it gets cold,” Azriel grumbled, pushing the cup closer.

“So caring,” Eris teased, blowing on his tea before sipping.

They sat in silence, with Eris continuing to stare off into space, and it grated on Azriel’s nerves. Eris's whole state made him incredibly anxious. He honestly didn’t know what to do when someone was in such distress because, in Azriel’s experience, the people close to him rarely ended up beaten and then refused to talk about what happened. Azriel found himself realizing he now considered this idiot one of his close people. And then realized maybe he didn’t mind.

“Stupid question, but are you going to the police?” Azriel asked, tired of the tension in the room. Eris only looked up at him with a half-empty gaze, as if he hadn’t heard a word and had been completely elsewhere for the last few minutes. Azriel repeated his question.

“No,” Eris shook his head. “I can’t handle another court case with Mor's family.”

Azriel froze. He looked at him intently, hoping Eris would say he was joking. But from the serious expression on his face, Azriel realized there was no joke.

“Mor's father,” Eris continued, pointing to the bruise on his face. “The marriage was for convenience. Her father got a big chunk of profit and a lot of other perks from the union. Today, he proved he doesn't want to lose them.”

He hadn’t known. He hadn’t known that an arranged marriage could bring so many problems. Azriel understood that divorce was not an easy task in such cases—hell, having Mor in the equation made it even more complicated. But physical violence? The idea of Mor’s father being behind this, of Eris being physically hurt because of some twisted power play, made Azriel's blood boil.

Eris noticed the change in Azriel’s expression and let out a small, bitter laugh. “Don't give me that look. I'm not some helpless victim. I knew what I was getting into, and I’ve handled worse.”

“Handling it doesn’t mean you should have to,” Azriel replied, his voice tight with anger he was trying to keep in check. “Or are you going to let everyone just come up and use you as a punching bag just because you've been through worse?”

“It’s not that simple,” Eris muttered, not knowing why someone else's concern irritated him so much.

“Then enlighten me,” Azriel frowned. And he was still frustrated that he couldn’t properly be angry looking at Eris. And damn it, did he have to be beaten so that now it was impossible to look at him without feeling something?

After a short pause, Eris explained. He explained the details of the divorce, the deals between the families, and the profits they were making, though the descriptions were a bit vague and unclear—apparently, Eris himself didn’t fully understand it. Then it all led to an explanation that their families were very influential and Mor’s father could afford such attacks every day, and no one would say a word to him. Except for Eris's father, though Eris remained silent about him for now, not ready to talk about that. Besides, he wasn’t sure Beron would do anything to protect him, and if he did, everything had a full chance of turning into a dirtier and bloodier mess, in which he didn’t want to participate at all.

Azriel listened to him, while Eris noticed how his jaw clenched in anger at certain moments, how his fists tightened and relaxed, how his gaze kept falling on his bruises and split lip. Eris had never needed pity but seeing that someone cared was unexpectedly pleasant. Maybe it was selfish, but something in his chest responded with an unusual feeling at the realization that Azriel cared, at his readiness to stand up for him even despite their argument.

They sat in the kitchen for a long time, Azriel pouring him a second cup of tea, grumbling that he definitely needed to calm his nerves.

“What about Mor?” Azriel asked. “Doesn't she want to get out of the divorce quickly?”

Eris shrugged, his features darkening for a split second at the mention of his wife’s name. “She did. At least that was the plan. And then suddenly, she needed more money than I was willing to give, so we’re both sinking in this mess, spending money on lawyers and exhausting each other.”

Azriel gripped his cup tighter. Eris just cast a tired glance at his white-knuckled fingers.

“We’re stuck in a very unpleasant situation,” Eris continued, for some reason feeling like he had to explain more. Because Azriel deserved to know more, and Eris felt that he owed him the truth. No matter how ugly it was. “The last year, Mor and I were in an ‘open marriage,’ we agreed that since we were stuck, we might as well give each other the chance to find happiness with other people. Now she has a video of me with one of those people.”

Eris winced at Azriel’s expression, full of disbelief and anger at this information.

“How bad is it?” Azriel asked hoarsely.

“Detailed,” Eris answered dryly, taking the last sip of his now cold tea. “So detailed that it threatens to ruin my career if Mor decides to send it to my clients and competitors. It would destroy the reputation on which my career is built, and which is almost impossible to restore in the legal field after such things.”

Azriel stared at him, processing what he’d just heard. If after the information about Mor’s father and his impunity, he thought he couldn’t get angrier, this had finally pushed him over the edge, sending his levels of anger skyrocketing. Damn, and he thought Mor had treated him badly. He got off easy.

Exhaling sharply, Azriel swore, crudely and uncontrollably. Eris almost found amusement in listening to him.

“Fuck,” Azriel concluded his rant.

“Couldn't have said it better myself,” Eris smirked.

“You're not thinking of giving her the money after this, are you?” Azriel asked, frowning. “I may be just a mechanic and not play these kinds of games, but even I know that giving in to blackmailers is a dead end.”

“I’m giving away half the money anyway,” Eris sighed. “We didn’t have any concept of a prenuptial agreement, so everything earned in the marriage still has to be split equally. But Mor is asking for more, which bothers me, and I don’t know if I want to respond to her actions or just tell her to fuck off and give her the money. Whatever, I’ll earn more.”

Azriel only frowned even more, looking at him as if he were an idiot. Eris was really tired of that look because his younger brother had looked at him the same way when he told him he planned to just give her the money and watch her walk off into the sunset.

"That's exactly what she’s after."

"I know," Eris sighed, looking at him with tired eyes. "She might even come back in a year or two when the money runs out, to extort more."

"And you’ll let that happen?"

"No idea."

Azriel held back his opinion for now, not knowing if it was the right time to tell Eris to send Mor to hell with her ultimatums. Mor was capable of anything, but this had hit a new low that Azriel didn’t even know existed.

"You’ve made it hard for me to yell at you for not telling me about the marriage," Azriel groaned, burying his face in his hands. He closed his eyes, trying to gather his thoughts while hearing Eris quietly chuckling at him. The bastard had the nerve not to hide his amusement at Azriel's distress. Great.

"I reserve that right for you indefinitely," Eris told him. "But I would prefer if you did it sooner so we could move on to the part where I apologize."

Azriel quietly laughed at his words, but then the smile faded from his face, and he began. "Fine. I’m fucking pissed at you for not telling me about the marriage earlier. And not just that, you weren’t planning to tell me, thinking the divorce would be over before anything serious started between us."

Eris was about to say something, but Azriel just put his hand forward, gesturing for him not to interrupt. He closed his mouth and listened in silence.

"And with you, it’s hard to tell if there will be anything serious because it always feels like we take one step forward and then two steps back. Every fucking time, and it’s very, very exhausting, Eris," Azriel continued. "I was living peacefully, fixing cars, and then you came along, barging in with your stupid dates, and it seemed like everything was fine. But I’m fed up with this feeling of uncertainty, and now, knowing about your divorce with my ex, which also involves my best friend, I have no idea what to expect anymore. Honestly, I have no fucking clue what else you’re hiding. Another two secret wives, three mistresses, illegitimate children, a house in the Caribbean, or that your name isn’t even Eris. It sounds absurd, but I’m ready for anything at this point."

"A villa in Portofino," Eris simply replied.

"Excuse me?"

"I don’t have a house in the Caribbean, but I do have a villa in Portofino, if that matters," he explained. "The name’s real, no other relationships or children. But if you have any questions, ask. I’ll answer honestly."

"Why are you so insufferable?" Azriel sighed.

"Because I’m a fucked-up person, Azriel. And sometimes I make fucked-up decisions, like hiding my marriage," Eris looked up at him. "And most of the time, I am not apologetic about my actions. Hell, if I felt guilty for every life I ruined, I wouldn’t have become a successful lawyer. But this time, I do feel guilty. I can’t promise that something like this won’t happen again because it’s a habit, and I’m not saying this as an excuse, just explaining. But I can promise to try. At least with you.”

At least for you.

"Have we reached the apologies yet?"

"We’ve reached the apologies," Eris nodded. "I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the divorce earlier. I really didn’t want to involve you in all of this, considering the circumstances, but even so, I should have at least mentioned it in general terms. I’m sorry, Azriel."

They looked at each other for a long time, Azriel trying to untangle the confusing knot of thoughts and emotions in his head that refused to unravel and let him objectively assess the situation. Because the nasty little voice in his head kept whispering that Eris lied once, he’d lie again, and that he didn’t need this kind of drama in his life. However, another part of his brain begged him to forgive and move on because, whether he admitted it or not, he had gotten used to Eris's presence in his life, and he didn’t want to end things, and he also missed him terribly.

"I now understand why you’re such a good lawyer," Azriel said in a grumbling manner, sighing heavily.

"It means...?"

"It means come here, idiot," Azriel pulled him by the collar, drawing him into a kiss.

Eris froze, clearly thrown off by the sudden mood shift, but then kissed back, ignoring the slight pain from his split lip, which Azriel traced with his tongue, soothing the pain.

"That doesn’t mean you’re completely forgiven, got it?" Azriel clarified.

"Understood," Eris smiled at him anyway, knowing it was all bullshit.

"I’m serious. You’re on thin ice, pull this shit again, and I’ll kill you. No half-truths or omissions."

Eris nodded in agreement, understanding that despite how difficult it would be for him, he would try.

"Since we’re on the subject, I’d prefer it if you yelled at me right away instead of stewing over it for weeks," Eris added as Azriel trailed kisses along his cheekbone, not hiding his pent-up desire.

"You’ve got your shitty habits, I’ve got mine," Azriel grumbled against his skin. "But since you’re planning to generously improve, I’ll try too."

"I’d drink to that generosity, but judging by your voice messages, you had enough yesterday," Eris smirked. Azriel groaned quietly.

"You fucking listened?" he asked with a strange hope that at least not all of it.

"To your great misfortune, yes. And some promises were definitely worth noting."

"To your great misfortune, I don’t remember anything from that message, so you’ll have to remind me what exactly I promised," Azriel whispered against his lips, and Eris only smirked and reached for his belt. "Or show me, fine."

Azriel kissed him again, capturing his lower lip between his own, his hands wandering over Eris's body, mindful of the bruises. Eris felt his caution, so he stopped and pulled away.

"I’m fine," he said, frowning.

Azriel raised an eyebrow, silently questioning him, poking his shoulder and watching as Eris tried not to wince. "Uh huh," Azriel said sarcastically.

"I appreciate your concern, but my desire to get more bruises from you outweighs the pain from the ones I already have," Eris looked at him confidently, but seeing that Azriel wasn’t backing down from his position, he relented. "I’ll say if it’s too much."

This time, Eris kissed him, not letting him reply or argue. His own hands wandered with much more confidence, groping, touching, so much that Azriel was left speechless and for a moment his brain forgot what they were even arguing about a second ago.

They somehow made it to the bedroom, Eris pushed him onto the sheets, and Azriel tore off his t-shirt, later doing the same with Eris's shirt, the next to hit the floor were their pants. Eris straddled his hips, pressing against him firmly, creating the much-needed friction that still wasn’t enough.

Azriel gripped his hips tightly, pulling him even closer. "You’re still the one who owes me an apology, and I don’t mean verbal," he muttered as Eris kissed his neck, leaving a trail of fire in the wake of his touches, "but I’d prefer to get it when you don’t look like a human punching bag."

"And what do you suggest?" Eris whispered, his hands running over Azriel’s chest, pinching his nipple, making Azriel hiss quietly as that bastard smirked, pleased with his reaction.

“I suggest you stop being such a tease and let me fulfill my very drunk and very vague promise,” Azriel intercepted his hands, then changed their positions and settled between his legs.

Eris didn't have time to protest when Azriel pulled off his underwear and wrapped his lips around the tip of his cock, drawing a quiet moan from him. Azriel didn't rush, running his tongue along the length, teasing with lazy movements and a slow pace that he knew drove Eris crazy. To some extent, it could be considered a petty revenge. But in truth, Azriel just reveled in his reactions, the sounds Eris made, the slightest changes in his expression, and the way his hips jerked towards his mouth.

Pinning his hips to the bed, Azriel only clicked his tongue.

“If you fucking don't—” Eris growled at him, only for his words to turn into a moan when Azriel took him fully, until his cock hit the back of Azriel’s throat.

Eris reached for his hair, gripping the silky dark locks, while Azriel hollowed his cheeks, looked up at him so lewdly it drove him mad, and started moving his head up and down with even filthier wet sounds.

He smiled and quietly moaned when Eris's grip on his hair tightened, the sound vibrating on his skin. With one hand holding his hips, Azriel reached for his own hard cock with the other, clearly in need of attention, jerking himself off in rhythm with his sucking pace.

A few thrusts, a few movements of his tongue, and Eris came in his mouth. Azriel swallowed, even running his tongue over his lips as he pulled back. Eris reached out to him, touching his cock and giving him a few strokes before Azriel also came.

“I’m on my way to getting full forgiveness,” Eris smiled at him while they both caught their breath.

“Not even close,” Azriel replied, though they both knew that wasn't true.

“I hope to change your mind with a shower together,” Eris informed him. “Just wait until I find the strength to get up.” Azriel chuckled at him.

After the shower, Eris collapsed onto the sheets, almost immediately passing out. Azriel didn’t think twice before lying down next to him, deciding it was too late to go home. And honestly, he really didn’t want to.

Earlier, he had taken a closer look at the bruises on Eris's body, but exhaustion slightly overshadowed the anger that Azriel still felt looking at them. Marks on his arms, a few bruises on his torso—all of it infuriated him beyond measure. He knew that Eris was unlikely to take such a reaction well, thinking it was pity and would try to dismiss it, acting like it was some minor issue that happened to him every day.

Maybe it did. Azriel had already realized that this kind of crap wasn’t new for Eris, that it had happened before, and that it might happen again in the future. But he wanted to prevent it. He wanted to beat and run over those responsible for these wounds and bruises a few more times. Maybe he would. He was a mechanic, who knows what could happen to a car's brakes, right?

Azriel smirked at the crazy turn his thoughts had taken while he lay there, watching the already sleeping Eris, running his fingers along his arm, and then, for some reason, kissing him between the shoulder blades. Being with Eris was full of contradictions. In one moment, Azriel wanted to strangle him, to be rougher, and in the next, he wanted to show a tender side, one that was entirely unfamiliar to himself.

In short, the red-haired bastard drove him crazy, and Azriel didn’t know yet whether that was for better or worse. He only knew that, for now, he was staying. Despite all the mess.

tag list: @sizzlingstarlightsky @isnotwhatyourethinking @molcat07 @chairofchaos @lilah-asteria

#acotar #azris #eris vanserra #azriel shadowsinger #azriel

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