#and honestly that's beside the point. nesta and much less elain never raised a hand on feyre even in just annoyance and vice versa but sure

[rosenecklaces]

Biggest proof the first book messy sibling bond actually had depth and redemption with blossoming potential since day one is eris straight up being there on the killing of his brother girlfriend and no one bats an eye about it

[unhealthyfanobsession]

Can I ask for drunk Nesta flirting with Cassian in front of the ic and him getting all flustered but being secretly pleased about it???

Hell yeah you can! I love this idea! It wasn’t specified so I’m going modern here just because I’m not really sure where this could’ve happened in the canon timeline without a bunch of other factors impeding. Also I’m throwing in a dash of my fav jealous Cassian 😏

It wasn’t that Cassian didn’t want to be there. Well, no, actually that was exactly what it was. Cassian didn’t want to be there. He was exhausted and he hadn’t gotten to the gym that morning and he had a massive deadline that Rhys kept insisting they could push back but Cassian didn’t want to. He just wanted to go home and finish his report and maybe have a glass of whiskey to close off a truly awful week.

But Feyre’s art exhibit opened earlier that week and he hadn’t even gotten to see it yet and so it wasn’t like he could blow off her big party when he already felt like the world’s worst friend.

And he was completely lying to himself and everyone else. He didn’t want to be there because he didn’t want to watch Eris Vanserra’s slimy ass mill about the elegantly decorated, high ceilinged, natural light dripping, beautiful space, with his eyes glued to Nesta’s ass as if it was the art they were meant to be appreciating.

Did Cassian also appreciate every inch of her body like it had been sculpted by Michelangelo? Yeah but that was besides the point. And he had the respect to do it subtly.

“Remind me why he’s invited,” Cassian grumbled into his overpriced merlot. Because apparently only wine was classy enough for these fancy, classy, art events.

“He’s Lucien’s brother.” Azriel also didn’t look impressed by Eris’ uninvited hand on the small of Nesta’s back. Or the way he kept refilling her glass before she asked or was even done. “And he’s richer than Midas and spends a lot of that money on art.”

Cassian rolled his eyes. “We have as much money as he does.”

“Yes but you know Feyre’s rule. No family purchases. She doesn’t want to be a success just because Rhys could buy and sell this entire gallery.” Azriel was stoic as usual. Betraying no opinion on the matter.

It was several hours of carefully constructed comments where Cassian pretended he knew anything about art and pretended his neck wasn’t getting increasingly hot under his collar as Eris kept glued to Nesta’s side.

Cassian had no right to be jealous. He knew that. He and Nesta weren’t anything. Casual flirting. Witty banter. Eternal, pining, unrequited love on his end that she didn’t even seem to notice or care about. So fine. Maybe Eris was her type. It wasn’t his place to interfere.

Except that she really needed a glass of water right now and-

Cassian’s hand darted out on instinct as Nesta walked past him, wobbling a little on her completely impractical shoes.

“Careful sweetheart.”

He braced for the hissed don’t call me that, but When he looked up Nesta was blinking slowly through a hazy wall of the wrong wine.

The wrong wine because Eris had been giving her a Nappa Cab Sauv all night when she preferred old world Syrah. Which was probably why she kept drinking it so quickly, looking for her opportunity to get what she really wanted.

“Cass,” she smiled. It was a little lopsided and definitely off kilter, but even through her wine brain he could see that she was playing at something. Nesta had never called him Cass in his life. “It’s so good to see you!” Her voice went up a full octave and she pressed her entire body against his as she hugged him.

The display turned a few heads in their direction. It was mostly just family at this point, and Eris who couldn’t learn how to take a fucking hint. Technically, he supposed, Eris was family. Nesta’s fucking brother in law. Was that how it worked? Was the brother of the person your sister married also your brother in law? Brother in law once removed?

Not important, moron. Drunk Nesta. Body. Wrapped in a tight sheath dress and clinging to him. Cassian closed his hands around her back and got lost for a minute.

Holding her against him like she was made to fit in his arms. Breathing in her scent like he could capture it in a bottle and spray it on his pillow every night before he went to bed.

Someone cleared their throat. Feminine. High pitched. Mor.

Nesta had already let go and was smirking at him a little. He dropped his hands immediately. “Um, yeah, always a pleasure.”

“Interesting choice of words,” Nesta’s grin was feline. She was definitely up to something. And normally he would make a stupid remark, probably something about how much more pleasurable the evening would be back at his apartment, except that she was drunk and his entire family was staring and Eris was still standing there.

“Can I get you a glass of water?” It seemed like the right thing to say. To offer. Feyre smiled a little, a silent thank you. Azriel was covering a laugh, Mor was watching them both with narrowed eyes like a hawk, and Rhys honestly couldn’t have cared less. Nesta’s eyes narrowed. “Or maybe throw you into a pool,” Cassian joked stupidly.

“You should probably buy me dinner before offering to get me wet.” Someone dropped a glass. Cassian honestly thought it might have been him and he wouldn’t have noticed. Not in that moment. Not with Nesta looking at him through hooded eyes and talking about…

He could do this. His pants were not getting tight. Not at all. Because he wasn’t a damn teenager.

“I- um- do you-”

Nesta burst out laughing. It was a sound he’d never heard from her. She was usually all sultry under her breath snorts or ironic guffaws. Full, deep, angels singing, laughter was not usual for Nesta.

As evidenced by the fact the no one was even pretending not to be watching them anymore.

“I’ve got her.” Eris pushed himself back to Nesta’s side.

“Does he?” Nesta looked straight at Cassian, one eyebrow raised. “Because I’m willing to bet he wouldn’t have made it past glass two if your family wasn’t here.”

Azriel coughed. Amren cackled.

“You… do you want him to have you?” It came out wrong. The words. He meant did she want Eris to take her to get some water. Like he offered. He didn’t mean, he couldn’t, he wouldn’t…

“I want you to have me.” She was drunk. She was so drunk and it shouldn’t have been hot but fuck him it was. It wasn’t some sloppy college night out messed up drunk. It was a woman whose inhibitions had been soaked in wine just enough that every word out of her mouth was low and hot and honest.

“Find somewhere else to be, Vanserra.”

“Hey man what the fuck? We were talking-“

Cassian scoffed, snapping out of whatever flustered mess Nesta had put him in. “Anyone who gave her that much Cab Sauv doesn’t deserve to talk to her. Get lost.”

“I saw you eyeing the bottle,” Nesta laughed a little, swaying on her toes. Cassian moved his hands from a support on her bicep to a full arm around the waist support. Even if she did try to fall he could lift her with one arm easy. “Thought you might say something after…”

After the night they spent in her apartment with a bottle of her favourite Syrah only a week ago. It hadn’t been on purpose. Feyre and Elain and Azriel and Lucien were all supposed to be there. And they all conveniently cancelled only after he’d already showed up.

Which, judging by the barely contained grins on their faces, was even less of a coincidence than he thought. Busybodies.

“I’d offer you a glass of Syrah now, but I think what you need is a coffee.”

“Oh but then I’ll never sleep. And I do think I’m ready for bed.”

Sensing that he’d lost, Eris swore under his breath and stomped off.

“Let me take you home, Nes.” Cassian whispered into her hair.

“Hmm, your place or mine.”

“Yours,” he kissed her temple, pulling her legs out from under her and not even paying his family a backwards glance. “For a nightcap of 2 big glasses of water and a bottle of aspirin that I’m going to leave on your nightstand for the morning.”

“You don’t want to be there in the morning?”

Cassian groaned. “You said it yourself, Sweetheart. Dinner first.”

“You’re never going to let me live this down.” Nesta sighed, head lulling onto his shoulder.

“Actually go for dinner with me next week and I promise to never bring this night up again. And bribe our friends to do the same.”

“Deal,” Nesta said immediately.

An hour later after Cassian had supervised Nesta drinking her water he was about to leave her apartment when she yawned.

“Hey Cass,” she mumbled, half asleep.

“Yes sweetheart?”

“You made a bad bargain. I would’ve gone out with you either way.”

Cassian chuckled, a low rumble. “I’m satisfied with the bargain I made.”

“Cheesy as hell.”

“You love it.”

Nesta laughed, “I am prepared to tolerate it at best.”

“Good enough for me.”

[theladyofdeath]

V O I D { T H I R T E E N }

Chapter 13. An ACOTAR fanfiction.

Nessian. Elriel. Feysand.

Previous chapters:  Fanfic Masterlist

“I'd rather feel something for real than pretend it's not what it is. Which Zen guy said "If you want to drown, do not torture yourself with shallow water"?” ― A.S. King, Please Ignore Vera Dietz

It was just after nine when Feyre was hurrying toward the front door, where a loud knocking was bound to wake everyone up. It was the weekend. What kind of asshole would disrupt the peace of the weekend?

Cassian would.

As soon as Feyre opened the door, her surprise quickly turned to confusion, then worry. “Is Rhys okay? I was just about to leave-”

“He’s fine. Pissed, but fine. I’m here to see your sister.”

Feyre lifted a brow, leaning against the doorframe. “And what business could you possibly have with Elain? Besides, she’s at Mor’s.”

“Not Elain,” he said, clearing his throat. “Nesta.”

Feyre nearly fell over. “Nesta? I wasn’t even aware that you two knew one another.”

Cassian sighed. “Feyre, I would love to catch up, but I need to talk to Nesta.”

Feyre had not seen much of Cassian since the accident. Every time she was with Rhysand, he made himself scarce - probably due to the increase of PDA. But, she did know that there was something in Cassian’s eyes that she had never seen. Something she could not quite describe, could not recognize. 

“Come in,” Feyre said, stepping aside. Cassian entered without saying a word. “She’s upstairs. First room on the left.”

After a soft thank you, Cassian began his walk through the house. Feyre watched him worriedly before quietly letting herself out.

~

Although he was off his crutches, the walk up the stairs still made Cassian wish for his bed and a bottle of Advil.

He hadn’t slept at all the night before. He lied awake, staring at the ceiling, thinking of Nesta and Hale. It was annoying more than anything; yet, as soon as the sun began to rise through his bedroom window, Cassian was getting dressed and ready to go.

Nesta was exactly where Feyre said she would be. She was sitting in a window nook, an oversized sweatshirt and a blanket swallowing her whole. A book was open on her lap.

Although the door was open, Cassian gave the doorframe a little knock.

Her look of utter surprise was almost worth the journey alone. 

She slowly closed her book, setting it down gently next to her. “You’re...in my house.” 

“I am,” he said, shifting uncomfortably. “I needed to talk to you.” 

Nesta showed no emotion. She sat, perfectly still, watching him. “Are you okay?”

Her voice was quiet, polite, but it still sent chills down Cassian’s spine. Was he okay? He didn’t know, wasn’t sure. He could not define the word. Okay.

“I couldn’t sleep last night,” he said.

“And that’s my issue?” she asked, brows raised. 

“No,” he answered, plainly. “But I thought that you would understand.”

For a moment, he thought that she would scoff at him, but she didn’t. She nodded. “I do understand.” 

She moved aside, allowing him room. He took the opportunity, joining her. The moment he sat, a sigh of relief left him.

Neither of them said a word. Cassian stretched out his legs as he leaned against the window. “I’m going to see Hale.”

Nesta lifted a brow. “Yeah?”

Cassian nodded. “Not sure what I’m going to say, but I’m going to see him.”

Nesta said nothing, and Cassian thought that she could care less. But, she surprised him when she reached for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his, gently. 

They sat in a deep, comfortable silence. 

“My name is Cassian,” he began, feeling childish, but oddly brave, too. “I drink when I feel alone, which is most of the time. My father was an abusive asshole. My mom is dead. I am sad that she died. My father is dead. I thank the gods that he died. My sister knows nothing of a good, healthy family. I have no idea who I am. I have no idea who I want to be. All I know is that I want to be better.”

A moment passed before Nesta nodded. “My name is Nesta. I fell in love with my best friend...who came to rape and degrade me, as time passed. I also have no idea who I am, or who I want to be.” 

“You have given me a sense of peace, Nesta,” Cassian whispered, and it was true. She had come when all hope was lost. She had given him a glimpse of hope.

Her fingers tightened on his.

“Would you like me to go with you?” Nesta asked. “To see Hale?”

Cassian met her gaze for the first time when he begged, “Please.”

~~~

Feyre held Rhysand, her arms wrapped around him as they laid on the couch. 

“They won’t leave him,” he said. “I don’t understand it.”

But he did understand.

They were afraid, just as he used to be. It wasn’t until recently that he saw his father for who he truly was: a coward. 

Feyre said nothing, but he knew that she cared. There wasn’t much to say, nothing that changed anything, anyways. 

Feyre gently stroked his forearm with the tips of her fingers. 

“I don’t know what to do,” he continued, quietly, letting out a long, deep breath. 

Feyre pressed a kiss to the back of his neck. Just one, ever so softly. 

He felt peaceful lying there with her, then instantly felt guilty for feeling peaceful when his mom and sister were stuck with the monster that was his father. 

“Maybe I should move back home,” he said.

Feyre’s fingers stopped.

She had met his father, had witnessed his horrid nature. 

Before she could voice her concerns, Rhysand said, “That way I can make sure they stay safe.”

“But what about you?” Feyre whispered. “What about your safety?”

“What’s the point of my safety if they’re in danger?” he asked, looking over his shoulder to meet her worried gaze. “I have to take care of them.”

He knew that she understood, knew that she adored him even more for wanting to protect his family. But it didn’t end her worry. 

“Be careful,” she breathed.

He kissed her forehead, and smiled, before settling into her arms once more. 

~

Elain looked in the mirror, her high heels atop a pile of clothes she had already tried on and dismissed. 

She glanced at the clock.

Fifteen until seven. 

He would be here soon and she wasn’t ready. 

The door of her bedroom slowly opened and Nesta walked in, brow lifted. She looked at Elain’s stilettos, then her black mini dress and the plunging neck that showed off her breasts. 

“What kind of date is this, exactly?” Nesta asked. 

Elain sighed. “Too much for dinner?”

“Will you be giving him a treat after dinner?” Nesta crooned. 

Elain’s cheeks heated as she kicked off her heels. “Help!”

“You look beautiful,” Nesta laughed. “Pull those heels back on and make him suddenly lose all ability to speak.”

Elain grinned, pulling back on her shoes. 

“Nervous?” Nesta asked.

“Maybe. I don’t know. A little bit,” she said, honestly. “I mean, we’ve become friends. But this is different.”

“He likes you.”

“Did Cassian tell you that?” Elain asked, sitting on her bed. “Wasn’t aware you two were so friendly.”

“We’re not.”

“You seemed pretty friendly with him sitting in your bedroom under the same blanket when I woke up this morning,” Elain said, head tilted.

Nesta shook her head, rolling her eyes as she walked back toward the door. As Elain opened her mouth to push her older sister further, the doorbell rang.

Nesta stopped in the doorway as Elain’s stomach twisted into knots.

It was time.

Azriel had arrived.