#and this is more Azriel dealing with Mor & Cassian's bullshit than anything else lol.

[dutifullybitchypeach]

My two cents worth for the first six chapters and some reasoning around IC and Nesta. All my own personal opinion. Read if you want but it's just my general thoughts. Please, please don't flip if you disagree. I love Nesta and the darkness she is in right now and her behaviour is taking over this sassy no nonsense Queen and it needs to change.

THIS INCLUDES SPOILERS.

....................

Is the House of Wind a prison...technically no. Nesta just does not have the ability to fly or winnow. And no one is on standby to be her taxi. She can leave by walking. Amren threw her that challenge on purpose. She's not alone, Az and Cassian live there. And the Priestesses. Yes it has dark memories. Yes. I know that and I take it on board.

On a side note, it's irritating to hear 'I'm not your prisoner" from Nesta (who I like!!!!) I think of Azriel, Feyre, all the Fae Under the Mountain, even Elide 💗. Then again everyone's idea of prison is different. But the fact remains. She CAN leave. It's just bollocks hard. For a reason

But we know it's what she needs. We know that. We don't have to like it. Not one likes the reality. The ultimatum is uncomfortable and harsh. Our way or fuck off. They are not suggesting manual labour or degrading her. They suggest training, food, working in a library, purpose, being part of something. This doesn't sound bad to me. It just sucks it comeing across as an order. But this is Nesta's POV and she doesn't do requests or pretty please. The fact I got riled up reading it is a compliment to Mass. I had to take a major step back and reassess. Nesta sees everything as an attack. And no that is not her fault. Stay with me! I agree people enjoy provoking Nesta ( Rhys, Morrigan, Cassian) and then get affronted when she bites back. At some point I'd enjoy her retaliation akin to her ripping their head off :) And their vow to never go there again.

The IC 'review' is what annoys me. The "we" will decide where you go from here if you play ball. My hope 🤞 is that Nesta will TELL THEM where she will go/what she will do with sass. But right now sitting on a rock instead of trying to train is fucking juvenile (Again I stress I like Nesta). She hates her power as far as I can tell. But she is so low she can't see the wood from the trees. Or the hand that is been given to her.

Does Feyre have a right to be embarrassed. Yes. I'd die of shame if my sister (I have 3 btw) kept at that again and again and again all on my families dime. Without even being polite or respectful to anyone. She's only ever provided for Nesta. Period. Not to mention being a high lady with all the responsibilities that entails. Living her own life (well earned) and well life in general! I mean Jesus, Nesta is not her only priority. She maybe ours lol! But Feyre has 101 things going on. Give her credit. She tried with Nesta several times. Gave her space and time which Nesta wanted while still making the effort to reach out. Nesta needs to acknowledge that. Feyre was bankrolling her self destructive lifestyle and it had to stop.

The whole "your behaviour reflects badly on us". Well yes it does. Nesta doesn't get a free pass. The whole of Pyrithian is rebuilding and our girl is pissing away money. That's not even hers! Her behaviour does undermine the Court, folks must eye roll when IC lay down the law when your sister/ sister in law is prancing around being a with a big fuck you. Everyone is broken and rebuilding. And it's a slap in the face. Is the saving face irrelevant to Nestas issues, yes! But is Feyre allowed to feel fucked over, yes! Sisters say shit when they fight. Arguments are not flawless debates. Their emotive and bring out the worst in people. Feyre darling is feeling the pressure of being high lady and it came out all wrong. Especially when it's your sister acting up.

And Nesta never tried (as far as Feyre can tell) WE know Nesta IS trying, and surviving every day is a battle. But Feyre doesn't. Why would she. Nesta doesn't speak to her. But their relationship is so toxic that it's beyond Feyre to get it. And that is not her fault. NO ONE is perfect. There is only so much responsibility Feyre can CONTINUALLY take.

Rhys being there. I have a feeling that a male will not let his pregnant mate anywhere near someone he is afraid of. It's instinctive. Someone who hasn't trained to control their powers especially. He is on High Lord mode cause guess what he is a High Lord. This is his court and the people in it his responsibility. Not to mention the oncoming drama with the queens on the horizon and general court bullshit. Does he abuse his position of power.... well in this world the HL have the power. Everyone is answerable to one. Even Amren obeys the rules. Nesta doesn't/won't recognize that. Which is rare. They tricked and lied to get her "consent" surprise surprise a dick move from Rhysand/Feyre. We know they will do that for the "greater good". Lie, steal etc all in the name of saving the day. He screwed Morrigan over in front of her ass Father for flip sake! My point is the NC stability is his priority now more than ever if impending fatherhood is on the way. It's no surprise he wants Cassian to take on more responsibility. Nesta is a liability cause she is AWOL. It's worth noting he had this plan for months but Feyre refused preferring to give Nesta space and the opportunity to decide for herself what she wanted. So we could assume if Rhys had his way Amren and Nesta would have still been friends and it would have been far different. Amren would have been by her side. Do I condone his domineering behaviour, no not in a million years. And neither did Feyre. Will he apologise? Probably not he's an arrogant ass. And wanted to control the room. Fact. He wants/needs Nesta on board the team to bolster his ranks. She is that powerful. We KNOW he will do anything to protect his family (baby on the way).

Morrigan and her nasty comment on sending Nesta to The Court of Nightmares. Cassian acknowledges it's an insult but also the truth. That's a harsh fact on how Nesta is percieved right now. But I believe she wouldn't just thrive there, she would CONQUER ;) I don't know if Morrigan is referring to the people that abused her or the "type" of people that live in Hewn City...? Will we give HER the benefit of the doubt... hmmm.

Morrigan and that comment on good people giving Nesta the benefit of the doubt...that's Morrigans issue. She never gave Eris the benefit of the doubt and yet he proved her wrong with Keir. She's all over the place as a result . And she's been lying for 5 centuries. To her family. Cassian said he values the raw honesty that he has with Morrigan. Wow is he going to get a shock some day. Nesta may be a bitch but at least she's an honest one. And Morrigan knows it which must rattle her to no end. Point is Mor isn't supposed to be in this story very much and Nesta never really cared for her opinion anyway. So neither should we. I've checked out of Mor. Knowing she won't give Azriel closure or honesty just makes me not consider her opinion. It suits her to keep Nesta down in the gutter so her lie can continue.

Amren - her behaviour. I have to remind myself Amren is OLD, a stint in the Dungeon is probably a standard response! Her idea after the Summer Court fiasco and the jewels was to go there and crush them. Amren is by nature harsh. Which is why she gets on with Nesta the most. Cassian tells us she cares. Nesta can't see this. Her comment on Nestas sex life in ACOFAS. People ran with that. Fae lifestyles always kind of disgusted her. She wasn't Fae so bodily functions were an alien concept. Now she's Fae she's slightly horrified. Also no one else has much to say on Nesta's bedroom antics. Cause it's a non issue Mass doesn't do slut shaming. So neither should we. Speaking as a woman also here.

Elaine - we know Elaine craves peace and quiet. Confrontation is not her thing. Being there would mean Nesta would use her as a crutch, and I'm not sure Elaine wouldn't cave. Nesta pushed her away on purpose and Elaine choose to try and find some sort of contentment. That's her right and choice. Agree or disagree. She walked away or decided she can't deal with Nestas difficult behaviour. I don't know. Or is she oblivious to the situation ?! Who knows. Elaine is an enigma! It's the first 6 chapters! Right now they are two different people and have been drifting apart since ACOWR. Nesta is a dichotomy of pushing people away and hurt when they stop trying. It's exhausting for the people that have to deal with it. Who are not perfect and have their own issues and lives. Elaine has stepped back from this situation. Because either she recognizes it needs to happen or cannot sway the majority. Though I think Elaine did say something to Feyre, cause when Nesta pressed her she refused to say what Elaine thought. Just that she wasn't there and not part of the issue. Feyre is high handed when it comes to her sisters. Because that's the role they allowed her. Nesta is fighting back. And Feyre takes it personally. Which is only natural. They're sisters.

Cassian! Ah Cassian. He was spectacularly rejected and being around Nesta is a constant reminder. That's enough to make me cringe in a corner. He acknowledges he stayed away cause it hurt too much. He's a soldier and has serious self discipline. He has no idea how his behaviour/comments hurt her until she confronts him. Deliver him a few home truths. Another well deserved kick in the balls. Flirting with Mor, not sure his behaviour there has ever changed. He keeps it normal cause being around Nesta gives him the shakes!! Lol. He is slack jawed after Nesta and wants her badly, passion we know is big thing for them. It ignites them. Raw and real. Recognising Morrigan is aesthetically beautiful is just a fact. We know she's a looker. So what. Meh to this issue some people have.

We know from spoilers they start training and communicating and Mass is a Nessain ship so I'm excited to see this grow and flourish! I've read spoilers here on these two so I've no qualms.

Cassian for me is right. He and others have been through similar situations before so can empathise. But until she answers him back without snapping he won't be able to be that shoulder to lean on or turn too. He's not going to be her Prince though. Nesta is her own Queen!

I've read some spoilers on her friendships and I'm so happy. I've no idea how it will go but it says to me that the IC have a block when it comes to Nesta and don't see her the way others do and Nesta opens up to people who don't have a predisposed prejudice.

Also the IC have no idea how Nesta is going to react at any stage. It's like walking around on eggshells. Why would anyone actively choose to be around someone like that. That and very obvious fact they are BUSY AF. They don't have time to have a daily bollicking from Nesta. Yet all fall in when the plan is announced. Make what you will of that.

Some further musings:

Nesta being reminded she has to be respectful to Clotho and the priestesses is sobering. Like wow, people can't trust you will have basic manners. Again I know this is Feyre saying it but Christ to worry about that. Will be interesting with Gwyn and that friendship and a nice reality check for the IC.

I spent 4 God damn books understanding Rhys motives. He's a prick yes. Which I enjoy. But the bastard people are making him out to be I don't agree. Half of Pyrethian hates/hated him, Nesta hating him won't stress him. Or her for that matter. They have a 2 people they both care about in common and will just have to deal.

Training in Illyria, well Nesta is powerful, training in the mountains is probably damage control if she explodes. And a change of scenery from her prison!

Rhys was controlled for 50 years, Amren escaped worlds to be free. I don't believe they want to control Nesta.

Families are messy and fucked up. The intervention is a perfect example of how arseways it can get.

Azriel being Azriel I'm not sure about anything with him right now. I've read the snippets and spoilers and I'm all over the place. He is one of my favourites. FYI when I say IC I never mean Azriel I don't know why but I always imagine he finds it just plain drama and avoids it at all costs. Nesta is drinking and gambling away her life. Okay! Nesta is now training and we are all on board to help. Okay! Nesta is a powerful Queen and we are all afraid. Okay! Nesta has turned Cassian into a drooling mess and hes ass is hers. Excellent ;)

Sisters! They need to deal and respect each others independence. They are all in the wrong. It's just annoying at this stage. Personally I'll rip into my sisters when I need to but usually get a red mist when anyone else does. Even if they are in the wrong. I have a habit of always defending them.

So overall the angst killed me in the first 6 chapters. Did Rhys dominant shite irritate me? Yes. Do I want Nesta to make it clear she's not a pawn in his/their world? Yes. In spectacular fashion please.

Did Feyre handle it well? No. Does she ever deal with Nesta well? No. Perhaps only when Nesta is more inclined to talk. Which is rare. The ultimatum we know from Cassian sickened Feyre she recognizes it for what it is it but really cannot see any other option. Her fault or a combination of factors you decide. It was hyper tense situation we all just wanted to get through.

Would we be so angry if this was a soft approach headed by Elaine/Feyre/Amren? Would Nesta even react?

Cassian compared Nesta to a sleeping dragon who has just been woken up. Nesta needed a kick in teeth. A major reality check. Life in Pyrethian is hard. This a fae world. She is angry and incensed they have dared to 'interfere' and 'assume' she will be controlled. I want her to tackle her demons, confront her fears her issues with herself and others and live! Live! I've no idea what she wants and can't wait to find out.

***I've read some spoilers on the end. The rumours and the actual basic plot ending. I'm like Mass I love a HEA. And am hopeful I'll be satisfied. I had a similar theory when I heard the pregnancy rumour. A move by Nesta that would never have anyone doubt her.

[moononastring]

A Not So Secret Affair

Prompt: Just a fluffy prompt requested by ‘nonnie for some Azriel loving.

Pairing: Azriel x Reader Genre: Fluffy Rating: SFW

Author’s Note: I’m not typically one for reader insert so forgive me if it’s not up to par! I just wanted some Azriel fluff with a side of IC shenanigans. Enjoy :)

Tagging: @illyrianrhys | @howtotameyourillyrian | @urbisie | @highladyfxyre | @wingsofanillyrian | @queen-archeron | @verifiefangirl | @breath-of-sindragosa | @lady-therion | @tntwme | @tyblacktrn | @court-of-abs | @rkjar1646 | @feysand-trash | @highlordkaz | @ourbooksuniverse | @my-fan-side | @stars-wholisten | @wolffrising | @highladyoferilea | @highladystarfall | @the-dream-team-of-prythian | @idareyou-onemoretime | @leulivy | @evyfox | @kaliejane26 | 

If anyone else wishes to be tagged in future fics, let me know! (If I forgot a tag I’m sorry!)  Feedback is always welcome! :)

Previous SJM works - Bouquet Full of Loathing (Elucien) || Do the Do (Rhys x Reader) || Banned by the Boss (Nessian, Elucien, Feysand) || The Sun (Elucien)||  Till the Darkness Dies (Nessian) || An Ember Among the Shadows (Azriel) || Forget Me Not (Elucien) || Boys Night Out(Elucien) || Boner for You (Elorcan) || Big Baby (Feysand) || A Light Against the Darkness(Elucien) || Sleeping Beauty(Elucien) || Butter My Muffin (Nessian) || Bouquet Full of Love(Elucien) || Oh, What A Night(Nessian + Elucien) || A Fox & A Flower Crown (Elucien) || No Place I’d Rather Be (Elucien) || Protect & Serve (Nessian) | My Remedy(Nessian) | Tales of the Fox & the Fawn (Elucien) | Change of Pace (Nessian) | Ice Cream Delights (Feyrhycien) | Around the World - 1 - 2 - 3 (Elucien) | All it Takes is a Wingman (Feysand) | Barbie & Her Two Kens (Feyrhycien) | 

Azriel woke up slowly, lazily, and he could tell it was mid-day already. He should’ve been more worried about this late awakening because it was unlike him but lately, he just didn’t care.

He turned his head and his hazel eyes drank in the image of you, sleeping on your stomach, hair loose and spread around you with the soft skin of your back exposed, the sheets barely covering your naked body hiding underneath.

He smiled. Gods, he did that so much around you. You had come into his life and made him come alive.

He loved you.

Azriel had been toying with that piece of information for a while and he was well aware you knew that he felt so deeply for you and still, he was scared to admit it. He was even more terrified that this relationship between the two of you felt like more but he wasn’t sure if you had felt it too.

He let his fingers gently trace down your back and as his fingers slid down, his mouth replaced them, planting feather-like kisses as to not wake you. You stirred slightly and his eyes glanced up in time to see your nose scrunch before relaxing again and he grinned.

“Gods, I love you.” he whispered softly.

But no one knew yet.

The two of you had been together for six months now, dating quietly and no one in his family knew. It was something the two of you had agreed on from the beginning. Azriel, was typically quiet about his lovers but you -- gods, you were someone he wanted his family to meet. At the same time, you were intimidated by the sheer force of them. He had tried to sooth you about them multiple times but in all honesty, he was worried about you all meeting. They were insane and you were very shy.

It spoke volumes on how distracted Azriel was staring at you and smiling stupidly because he noticed a little too late the loud voices that were making their way across his living room.

“Do you think he’s hungover?”

“We didn’t go drinking last night.”

“Cas, you realize he could have other friends aside from us, right?”

Cassian snorted. “No, he doesn’t.” he said and to Azriel’s annoyance Cassian started yelling, “AZ BABY, WAKE UP.”

You stirred next to him and your eyes fluttered open, confused at the loud noise.

“What’s going on?” you slurred, blinking.

“Nothing. Go back to sleep.” Azriel said quickly then leaned down to kiss your cheek. “Good morning.”

“Mmm.” you said and gave him a sleepy smile before pulling up the sheets up and closing your eyes again.

“AZRIEL. DID YOU DIE? WAKE UP.”

“Why are you so damn annoying? What if he’s being sad and you’re disturbing him?”

Azriel scowled at that. He didn’t brood that often for Mor to say it like that.

“How can he be sad? I love him. That’s enough to make him happy.”

“He’s known you for over 500 years. I’m pretty sure you’re the constant thing making him sad.”

Azriel groaned softly and his eyes darted to you again but was relieved to find that you had immediately knocked back out. Quickly slipping on his undershorts and the grey sweats he’d had on from the night before, he rushed to the door hoping Cassian wouldn’t start yelling again.

He slipped out of his bedroom, firmly closing the door behind him and then sighed at the sight before him.

Both were lounging on his couches, Cassian sprawled across one with his boots still on while Mor sat flipping through a book that had been on the table.

“I remember giving you keys for emergencies only.”

“You’re alive! Love how you always forget to wear a shirt around me. Gods babe, turning me on.” Cassian called out and Azriel gave him an exasperated look.

“This was an emergency. You missed the meeting this morning. You’ve been missing a lot things lately.” Mor said, putting down the book and staring at him. “Rhys would’ve came himself but Amren has him occupied with something. Plus he tried to poke in your head but your shield were firmly up and ignoring him.”

“You’ve also missed training with me and you’re usually there before I am.” Cassian added, tilting his head at his friend. “And this isn’t the first time.”

Azriel blinked. So they had caught onto his behavior. He’d have to amend that. Rubbing a finger across his lip, he sat down opposite Mor. “There was a meeting this morning? About what?”

“Rhys wanted updates on the human queens. You said you had information.” Mor replied with a raised brow. “What’s going on with you?”

“Yeah, Az...are you sick?” Cassian asked and Azriel pointed to his damn boots that were still on his couch. Smirking, Cassian lowered his feet.

“Nothing’s wrong. I’m fine...just tired.” he answered slowly. “I thought we had rescheduled it for tomorrow.”  

Mor and Cassian looked at each other then back at him. Cassian got up and sat down next to Mor, both now facing him and suddenly, Azriel felt very uncomfortable.

“Just tired?” Cassian quoted and looked sideways at Mor who smirked and looked back at him.

“It’s a girl, isn’t it?”

“No.” Azriel answered and tried to keep a straight face. “Since when have girls distracted me from my work?”

“That’s what I’m wondering.” Cassian drawled with a snort. “I mean, you must be having the best sex of your life for her to be this distracting.”

Azriel scowled. “Shut up. It’s not a girl.”

Mor stared at him and Azriel blinked back. Then she broke out into a fit of giggles, clamping down on Cassian’s arm.

“Oh my gods, it is a girl!”

“What? No! It’s not --- ,” Azriel began with a grunt, annoyed because if his friends inspected his apartment any further, he would quickly get exposed. “I’m fine, just tired. I’ll follow up with Rhys in an hour.”

“Why an hour? Are you going to go back and have mind-blowing sex with the secret girl you have in your bedroom?” Mor asked, grinning and Azriel rolled his eyes, though his cheeks had heated slightly.

“Please leave. I’m fine. I’ll be there soon.”

“So how hot is she?” Cassian asked, his grin matching Mor’s.

“It’s not a girl.”

“How long have you been seeing her?” Mor asked, getting up and making her way to his bedroom door.

“It’s not a girl.” Azriel hissed, quickly getting up and blocking her, his wings flaring behind him.

“Is it a guy?” Cassian asked curiously, joining Mor in her futile attempt to get past Azriel to his bedroom and Azriel gave him a flat expression.

“It’s not a guy either. It’s no one. I’m just tired.”

Cassian and Mor looked at him then shared identical looks.

“Then why aren’t you letting us go into your room? It wouldn’t be our first time in there.” Cassian asked with a raised brow.

“Azriellllll.” Mor whined and he let out a sigh. “Why are you hiding her from us? We’re your family!”

“You people are crazy. Leave, please.”

“No.” Mor replied, crossing her arms and holding her ground.

“Leave.”

“Nope.” Cassian added and with a grin, copied Mor’s stance.

“I’m taking my keys back from both of you.”

“You’ll have to claw it off our cold, dead bodies.” Mor said, sticking her tongue out.

“I will be the reason you’ll be a cold, dead body.” Azriel growled. “Give me my keys back!”

“Az?”

Azriel froze then slowly turned his head at your sleepy voice. You leaned against the doorframe, the bed sheet wrapped way too loosely around your body and rubbed an eye, completely unaware of the intruders in the living room. Azriel felt the air choked out of him, as usual when he saw you like this, and he absolutely hated his friends for being there at the moment because gods the things he wanted to do to you in this state.

“So it is a girl.” Mor confirmed with a smirk.

“A hot girl.” Cassian added, nodding approvingly.

You froze as Azriel groaned softly then glared at his two friends who were grinning at him obnoxiously. You opened your eyes properly then, blinked at the sight of them, and immediately paled.

Azriel gave you an apologetic look, rubbing his neck as he turned to his friends that he was still blocking and glared again.

“Y/N, this is Mor and Cassian...Guys, this is my girlfriend, Y/N.” he mumbled, his eyes narrowed at his friends who were way too giddy about this. You quickly tighten the bed sheet around yourself, face flushed. “They were just getting ready to leave.”

“No, we’re not!” Cassian huffed.

“Are you kidding? You liar.” Mor scoffed incredulously and immediately shoved past Azriel and zoomed over to you, pulling you into a bone-crushing hug. “It’s so nice to meet you!”

“Hi.” You replied quietly, giving them a timid smile and trying not to think about how naked you were as Mor’s body pressed against yours. “I -- it’s nice to meet you but I -- um -- I will just ---”

“So you’re the reason Az has been so mysterious lately. Come here, come here.” Cassian added and attempted to go for a hug that Azriel intercepted with a snarl. Cassian grinned, amused, then put his hands up in surrender. “Maybe not, then.”

Azriel took a deep breath and dragged a grumbling Mor back next to Cassian, his body the barricade between them and you.

“Why don’t you go back and get dressed, love?” Azriel suggested gently, giving you an encouraging smile and you instantly nodded, cheeks flushing deeply.

“Right...it was...nice to meet you guys. I -- okay.” you said quietly and darted back into the bedroom, shutting the door behind you. Azriel’s eyes were glued to the door. He didn’t want to look at his friends. He didn’t want to see their faces. All he kept thinking about was how mortified you could be because this was definitely not how either of you wanted you to meet his family the first time.

“Don’t say anything.” he said quietly but Mor giggled and Cassian snorted, making Azriel whirl around, annoyed. “Get out.”

“Did you hear him call her ‘love’?” Mor said to Cassian with a wide grin.

“I did, I did. Did you see him almost break my arms when I tried to hug her?” Cassian replied, his grin even wider.

“Oh, I did.” Mor said with a giggle and she turned to Azriel with wide, excited eyes. “Is she your mate?”

“You two need to leave.” he merely stated, the slight pink on his cheeks the only indication of how flustered he was.

“Answer the question then we’ll go.” Cassian demanded. “Or better yet, let’s start with how long you two have been together?”

“He’s not going to answer that.” Mor interjected with a frown. “When did he start acting funny?”

“Hmm, a month ago maybe?”

“Yeah but he’s sneaky. It’s probably been longer than that if he’s calling her love.” Mor mused, a finger tapping her chin and Azriel rolled his eyes.

“Get out.” he repeated and pointed towards the door.

“You’re right.” Cassian replied to Mor’s statement, ignoring Azriel completely. “Three months? More?”

“Probably more. Why are you hiding her from us? Is she weird? She can’t be weirder than you or Cassian.”

“Hey.” Cassian huffed.

“I’m not weird.” Azriel mumbled, slightly offended then he shook his head. “You two need to leave now. I’m done with this conversation.”

“Why didn’t you say anything? How could you not tell us?” Mor questioned, poking Azriel in the chest as he shoved them towards the front door.

“Yeah, I thought I was your best friend.” Cassian whined, digging his heels childishly into the ground. “How could you not tell me?”

“I’m his best friend, don’t claim the title!” Mor argued as Azriel opened the door and firmly shoved them both out.

“Actually, Feyre is my best friend. You both lost the title when you used the key for a non-emergency and scared the shit out of my girlfriend. I’ll be at the House in an hour.” He replied and slammed the door shut in their faces, his lips twitching at the protests his response had elicited.

Azriel waited a few more minutes until he was sure his two insufferable friends had left before making his way to the bedroom. He opened the door slowly and found you sitting mortified, bundled under the bedsheets.

“I’m sorry.” he immediately said.

“I was practically naked.” you whispered as he stalked over to you.

“I know. I had no idea they would do this.”

“That was the first time I met them.”

“I know.”

“I want to die.” you gasped dramatically and plunged face first into the bed. Azriel chuckled, sliding into the bed and leaned over, pulling you back up so your back rested against his chest.

“Please don’t. I can’t live without you.” he said softly, kissing your temple and you whined, flushed.

“I didn’t want to meet them like that!”

“I know. I kicked them out.” he said, kissing your cheek next. “But now that they know, it means everyone else will know and well...I really do want you to meet them. Fully clothed this time, though.”

“And here I was, planning to just show up nude.” you teased and he nipped at your ear, causing you to shudder.

“Naughty, aren’t you, love?” he whispered, his hand sliding beneath the sheets and stroking any and every area of your skin that he met.

“You’re the naughty one.” you whispered then bit your lip as his hand found its place between your legs.

“I had planned to wake you up with my head between your legs but that plan was ruined...can I interest you in other fun activities?” he said softly in your ear and wanted nothing more than to demonstrate the fun activities he had in mind, but you quickly pulled away from him, a finger up in warning.

“Two of your family members just saw me almost naked a few minutes ago. Not the time!”

Azriel’s lips twitched. “They saw you almost naked. I’d like to see fully naked. Please?”

He watched you roll your eyes then sigh. “So when would I have to meet the rest of them?”

“Whenever you’re ready.” he said with a small smile. “No pressure, love. They can wait.”

“I don’t want them to think I’m taking you away from them.” you replied with a small smile of your own. “You’re distracted as it is these days.”

“Oh? And how did you figure that out?” he asked with a quirked brow and a smile, pulling you back into his arms.

“I see you neglecting things. You’ve been a bad boy.” you said and leaned in to place a kiss on his lips. He hummed against you and pulled you closer, pressing your naked body against his.

“I can be a bad boy for you, love.” he said against your lips and you giggled.

“No, you’re a soft, sweet bat.”

Azriel rolled his eyes. “Are we still talking about me? Because I don’t think that’s right.”

“You’re my soft, sweet bat.” you said then nodded seriously and Azriel stared at you adoringly.

“I have a reputation, you know.”

“Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to hold very long with Mor and Cassian in the picture.” you replied and laughed when he groaned.

“This is going to be a nightmare. I can practically see them barging in on Rhys and Feyre gushing.” he grumbled. “I hope they catch them fucking and are traumatized.”

“Az!” you reprimanded with a laugh and he chuckled.

“It’ll serve them right for barging in here uninvited.”

You shook your head with another chuckle then leaned in, the sheets slipping off you and Azriel watch the movement intensely.

“Should I invite myself to dinner with them tonight?” you asked quietly.

“Hm?”

“Dinner? With your family? With the High Lord and Lady?” you repeated in the same quiet tone, only now your naked body was straddling his and Azriel was very distracted.

“I don’t want to think about them right now.”

“But don’t you have to go see them soon? It’ll be a good time to tell them I’d like to come for dinner.” you said smiling as Azriel let his his eyes and hands roam all over your body.

“Why wait till dinner? I can help you come now.” he replied, his eyes snapping up to meet yours and you laughed, nudging him lightly.

“See? Naughty.”

“For you.” he murmured against your lips and then flipped the two of you over, his lips caressing yours. “Only for you.”