#az ch

[hachiibun]

❗ PLEASE NO REBLOGGING TO NON-KINK BLOGS ❗

I'm honoured to have collaborated with the incredible @onetrickponi to celebrate a certain gravity-manipulating shorty's birthday! This has been in the works for a while now, and we're both really excited to finally share this with everyone!

Without further ado, we'd like to present Vigil.

— ♠ —

“I’ve always wanted to die in a church.”

Beside him, Chuuya snorts. “I thought you wanted to die in the Ooka.”

Dazai wrinkles his nose. “Not since it became a tourist trap,” he replies. “That wouldn’t be a peaceful death at all.”

“The amount of thought you’ve put into this disturbs me,” says Chuuya, his own nose creasing. His, however, is due to a low seated, buzzing itch along the bridge of his sinuses that has been lingering since breakfast.

Chuuya won’t give it the satisfaction of culminating into a sneeze, however; instead choosing to quash the soft tingle into oblivion with the sheer force of his willpower alone. Anything else would be unacceptable.

(—as well as fucking candy to the idiot next to him, if Dazai ever gets wind of…whatever this is.)

Chuuya swallows against a spark of itch that ignites in his nose and grits his teeth. When he thinks he can speak steadily he points to the pews with a gloved hand. “Find the flash drive,” he orders. “We’ve got a window of thirty minutes at—the fuck are you looking at, shithead?”

Dazai cocks his head to the side, blinks, and answers with, “Just admiring your striking resemblance to a cherub in this light.” It’s smooth and practiced, like most of Dazai’s bullshittery.

“Why, you–” Chuuya cuts himself off and exhales slowly through his nose. He tries not to wince at the slight whistling sound it makes. With a sharp sniff he stalks off to the sanctuary and begins sifting through the drawers there. Dazai scurries off to the apse with an excited noise, muttering something about how angelic his corpse would look strung up along the mosaics.

Chuuya’s nose gives a foreboding quiver.

It isn’t like Dazai hasn’t ever heard him sneeze, or vice versa. They’ve been working together too long for that. They’ve seen each other express every bodily function possible to man (in addition to the ones that aren’t).

And Chuuya might have even been okay with his current predicament, had it not been for a quip Dazai made last week about Chuuya being a “weakling.” It had stung because Dazai, whose lack of self care is, frankly, appalling, can operate seemingly unbothered by even the most serious neglects of basic needs. Chuuya’s seen him run at peak wit on days of sleeping ninety minutes a night, seen his hair and skin glow on a diet of crab cakes and sake…while on the other hand Chuuya’s the one with the—

Don’t say it. As if ignoring the problem will make it go away. It hasn’t worked with Dazai, so Chuuya is a fool to think it will work with his increasingly sensitive airways.

Chuuya rifles through some bibles, sparing a glance or two at Dazai before deeming it okay to swallow a couple of sneezes and throat clears into his sleeve. He’s perfected the silent stifle over time, which is a feat in and of itself since Chuuya tends to sneeze harshly, loudly, and in multiples. Perhaps the intensity is Corruption at work, but regardless, Chuuya enjoys scaring the living daylights out of people. Usually.

The flash drive is proving to be elusive. The Port needs it, badly, if they have any chance of winning over the west side gangs of the Pier. Chuuya jams a gloved knuckle against the side of his nose as he hitches, squints, and glares at the church pews like they personally offend him.

“Oi, Chuuya,” Dazai whisper-calls from somewhere behind a cupboard. “I think someone’s coming. You find it?”

“No,” Chuuya snaps. The dust of old, flaky books is making his already irritated nose twitch. He shakes his head and the tickle abates. Cocking his head he realizes that Dazai is right; the sound of slow footfalls is getting closer to the vestibule. “Shit.”

Dazai scurries lightly over to where Chuuya is glowering at nothing in particular, and takes him by the arm. “There’s a little den area over there,” he nods to a veiled corner, “where we can stay hidden until whoever it is leaves,” he says.

“Or we can just come back in the morning,” replies Chuuya, snatching his arm away.

“Mori-sama will be disappoinnnteddd,” Dazai sing-songs. Dammit. He knows how to hit Chuuya where it hurts and they both know it.

Chuuya sighs. “Fine.” He stalks over to the den and crouches in the darkness with Dazai just as the cathedral doors swing open. The gibbous moon twinkles through the stained glass windows enough for the two of them to make out one of the western gang’s right hands.

Dazai crouches low and squints through the shadows. “Maybe he’ll show us where the drive is,” he whispers.

“Shut up, slug.”

Dazai holds up his bandaged hands in a familiar, placating gesture. They watch the guy glide down the stone nave, rummage around some boxes along the altar’s steps, sift through a stack of papers, and make himself comfortable on a nearby cushion.

Well, there goes Chuuya’s hopes of a night in. And now with Dazai sitting so close, he’s bound to find out Chuuya isn’t in as good of shape as he claims. Chuuya’s not going to waste all of his energy hiding it, but he’s also not ready to be discovered because he couldn’t keep his damn nose under control.

He’d never hear the end of it from Dazai.

So when he feels a trickle of damp at the edges of his nostrils he takes a slow breath in and times a much-needed sniffle with their visitor’s dropping of a folder. Dazai shoots him a curious, but unsurprised glance, which Chuuya pointedly ignores.

The sneeze teasing the swollen membranes of his sinuses, however, is much harder to ignore. Chuuya knows he can stifle it, but he also knows that doing so won’t exactly solve the problem. The irritation needs somewhere to go, or it’ll just build fruitlessly until he lets them out proper.

He breathes carefully, making sure to hitch silently as he bunches up a handful of fabric from his jacket. Chuuya ducks his head in preparation for the sneeze (or sneezes, if this is indeed a…cold).

Dazai raises an eyebrow as he watches Chuuya curl into himself and shiver with two inaudible stifles. When Chuuya uncurls Dazai can see the bleary, hazy look of someone who still has desperately to sneeze but is trying very hard not to.

“Can you stop, Chibi?” whispers Dazai. Chuuya shoots him a look that is equal parts furious and embarrassed. It’s adorable. But…

“Frankly, I’d rather not get caught because you couldn’t tame your little nose there,” Dazai continues. “Are you suuure you’re good?”

Chuuya gives a curt nod. Which should be reassuring, but Dazai’s smile falters because this is actually very bad. He recognizes the lack of quip, even while hiding like this, means that Chuuya does not trust himself enough to speak. He’s seen it before.

Dazai flicks an errant strand of hair out of his eyes and sighs. “Maybe we really will die in a church, if you keep this up.”

Chuuya’s returning grin is feral. “Y-you wish.” No way in hell will he allow Dazai the satisfaction. The carpets blanketing the enclosed den mean that they can whisper without much of an echo. It’s a small relief, since Chuuya can feel the congestion crawling and pattering away in a far back place of his nose, dormant but threatening.

He focuses on how intently Dazai is eyeing him, knowing well what Dazai isn’t saying. Engaging would be easy, but it would be messy and they’re supposed to be currying favor with the west side gangs, not killing them (or in Dazai’s case, very emphatically bonking them on the head).

Chuuya’s right eye waters with the sharpness of the tickle, as the itchiness swells and becomes decidedly less dormant. He bites his lip. If this keeps up his nose is going to turn into fucking Krakatoa.

Dazai watches Chuuya massage his flaring nostrils through the fabric of his gloves and grins with as many teeth as he can muster. Chuuya’s losing battle with his nose is even more hilarious than the fact that he’s currently sitting on a pile of Communion pamphlets.

It won’t be long now, what with the way Chuuya has gone stiff and rigid. Dazai counts backwards from five in his head. He gets to two before Chuuya’s lip trembles as the itch erupts and overwhelms him.

“Gnt!” Chuuya’s able to pinch that one into submission, though it makes his head throb and the pulsating trickle along his nose intensify with unsatisfied need. “Gnt! Nt! H’Gnt!”

He starts to lower his hand, before—“Gnt!” Jesus fuck, can’t he be done?

The answer is no, apparently, because Chuuya feels his eyes begin to flutter shut and his chest start to jump with silent, building hitches.

Before he can sneeze again, however, he feels a tap on his shoulder. It successfully distracts him from the budding sneeze as Chuuya whips his head around to stare at Dazai’s familiar, shit-eating grin.

Dazai uses the finger he’d tapped Chuuya with to beckon. “C’mere.”

Chuuya sniffs carefully and squints. “Why?”

Rolling his eyes, Dazai grabs him (gently, Chuuya notices, which okay, is a little odd) and smashes his face into his long overcoat (a little less gently).

“Mnflgl?” Chuuya questions.

“Sneeze, Chuuya,” Dazai orders. Chuuya tries to shake his head because one, Dazai’s forgetting how harsh his sneezes are—sure to give them away, and two, Chuuya might hate the guy but he’s not going to sneeze on him.

Dazai seems to read his mind. “The fabric will muffle the sound,” he replies. “And you’ll pay for my dry cleaning.” Chuuya can hear his smirk. Asshole.

But he also wants very badly to sneeze. No; at this point he’s desperate to sneeze. His nose feels like one of his gravity bombs, pulsing, thrumming, and the itch is all consuming. It would feel so good to just let a few out. He really shouldn’t.

“I know you need to,” whispers Dazai.

So, against all logic, Chuuya does.

“Hep-MPPH! MPPHT! H’MPPH!” Somehow, the fabric dampens the sound better than Chuuya thought it would. So he decides he can sneeze a little more.

“Hh…hh…MPPHT! PHT! MPPHT! Hp!…H-Hep-MPPHH!”

He’s beginning to feel dizzy. It’s worth it, though, as the stuffy, spider-crawling prickle along his nose subsides for the time being. God, he’s never had to sneeze so badly in his life. Makes sense it’s now, when he needs to be quiet.

And Dazai—the utter prick—is patting his head, like Chuuya’s some sort of mutt. “You’re a mess, you know that?” he’s saying, fondly, as Chuuya shakes with sneeze after sneeze. It’s a wonder the gang’s right hand hasn’t discovered them yet.

Slowly, Chuuya comes up for air. He thanks some leviathan god that it’s dark, so he doesn’t have to look at what he’s done to Dazai’s coat. He’s not even going to look at Dazai, because this is probably one of the most humiliating things to happen to him in…well, not as long as Chuuya’d like to admit. This is Dazai, after all.

“Bless you,” Dazai says quietly. Chuuya’s head snaps to him because Dazai sounds wrong. Odd. Genuine. Ah, that’s why it took so long to place. Dazai rarely does sincere, and the few times he expresses genuine emotions tend to signify nothing good at all.

“Thank you,” Chuuya mutters between a clenched jaw because he may have made a mess of himself but he still has manners, goddammit. He blinks the remaining wetness from his eyes as he peers at Dazai for a suspended moment.

“Oh, and if you’re curious, the guy left five minutes ago.”

And the moment is over.

Chuuya jumps up. “You utter assho-ho–” He’s cut off by the familiar needling sensation at the back of his nose. Oh no you don’t. Jamming a fist under his septum hard enough to bruise, he points a finger at Dazai.

“I despise you,” he hisses. “All thihh…th…hih…”

Dazai holds a hand to his ear. “What was that?”

Chuuya shakes his head with a tickly sniff in hopes that his nose will make up its mind and move from where it’s currently settled—in the burning, stinging place between sneeze and not sneeze that’s driving him even more up the wall than Dazai is.

Dazai cocks his head at just the right angle that a piece of hair falls into his eyes. “That sneeze looks troublesome,” he observes. “Is it stuck? Like Chuuya’s growth spurt?”

Chuuya growls and kicks a nearby chair leg for good measure, now that they don’t have to concern themselves with being quiet. The sound is hollow and echoes across the large cathedral chamber.

There’s a wrinkled, damp spot on one side of Dazai’s overcoat that Chuuya pointedly avoids looking at. The crazy bastard had let him do that, all for, what? Funsies? To torture him? Chuuya will unpack that for later. It never bodes well to try to make sense of Dazai’s brain. Besides, the much-needed sneeze is still eluding him. If he could just–just…

“Hih…Hept! Hh…Fuck! Shit!”

Dazai sighs. “Okay, I can’t watch this,” he says, striding over to Chuuya. “Stay still, Chibi.”

Chuuya glares at him, irritation evident in his eyes and in his raw, wide-blown nostrils. “If you’re doi’g anythi’g other thad helpi’g, Dazai, I will obliterate you,” he says darkly, throat crackling and sore.

Dazai grins wide. “Relax,” he says. He wiggles a finger. “I know Chuuya’s sneeze spot.”

“What the fuck even is a—” Dazai presses a finger to the bridge of Chuuya’s nose, in the center, and gives it a circular rub back and forth. Chuuya stumbles back and manages a wavering, shaky curse in French before he snaps forward with a fusillade of unrestrained sneezes.

“Hih-ASHHHu! Hep’ASHHU! AHSSHU! AHSSH! AHSSHH! AHSSHU! Merde!…Heh-heh…hih’ASHHU!”

Chuuya sneezes and sneezes, for once uncaring about decorum. It’s a miracle his hat doesn’t fly off. He’s so overcome with finally scratching the itch in his nose that he almost doesn’t feel the tap at his shoulder. Dazai’s extending a packet of tissues that look like they were newly purchased.

“Goodness! I don’t know whether to bless Chuuya or call an exorcist,” he remarks.

“Shut up,” Chuuya mutters around a tissue. With that annoyance out of the way, it’s seeping in just how awful he feels. He sighs, heavy, and rubs at a temple. “Nom de dieu…”

“I really don’t know how someone so little can sneeze with such ferocity,” continues Dazai, ignoring Chuuya. It’s easy to say the man was put on this earth for the sole purpose of making Chuuya’s life miserable. “Hih…ASHHU!” Chuuya’s head gives a throb and things slide out of focus for a minute. He coughs, rough, and pushes some sweaty hair away from his face. How unsightly.

“Oh, and Chuuya?” Dazai makes a burlesque of leaning in and peering at him. “The next time you’re sick, call in, okay?” And then he reaches one lanky arm over and pats Chuuya’s head.

“I never said I was sick,” Chuuya snaps, jerking out of reach. Dazai makes to poke his nose again, but Chuuya evades him with a hoarse snarl. “Stop.”

In response, Dazai gives him a condescending look that Chuuya knows well. It’s the one where he purses his lips and crinkles up his large, dark eyes. The one he knows infuriates Chuuya the most. “Please,” he says, waving a hand. “I knew before we even got here. Just wanted to see how long you could keep it up.”

Chuuya opens his mouth to utter some expletive, he doesn’t know which one yet, but the sneezy feeling decides to return—bristling like a thousand tiny whiskers along the rims of his inner nose. Stifling it to refute Dazai’s point will only make his head pound harder, so Chuuya wrenches to the side with a sneeze. Which, naturally, makes him cough.

“Hmmm, you really don’t sound good, Chuuya.”

“Fuck you.”

Dazai makes a face. “Ew, no thanks. But since you’re already paying for my dry cleaning, why don’t I treat you to a nice bowl of leek soup and tea?”

Dazai is so confusing at times Chuuya could strangle him. Or at least blame him for the acute emotional whiplash.

“Hh’ASSHu! AHSSH! J'en peux plus…” Chuuya twitches his nose to the side and straightens his hat. “Whatever—let’s just find that drive and get the hell out of here so I can go to bed,” he grumbles. It’s not exactly a refusal (because tea does in fact sound nice), but Chuuya is more than done with this place.

“You mean this?” Dazai wiggles a little USB between two bandaged fingers. Chuuya sputters. “Yup. Found it ages ago and switched it with a fake.”

“AAH?!”

— Fin —

[curiosity-killed]

clarity

[ALT ID: A digital drawing of two people standing back to back with hands clutched on a field of orange. The figures are drawn with minimal features but bright red eyes.]

[grandwretch]

OIMW HIT 5K HITS THANK YOU EVERYONE 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[motylkiiiiiiii]

dlaczego ciągle się obżerasz

(kierowane do mnie)

[nightriumphs]

i’m doing more research for this prequel rhys fic than i’ve ever done for any of my nursing school assignments LOL

[azzibuckets]

i’ll always be your number one fan [pazzi]

paige bueckers x azzi fudd

summary: unedited rambling mess of my ideas inspired from the natty and 2025 wnba draft night (aka the best day of our lives)..more to come later perhaps

masterlist

April 7, 2025

Paige has known her girlfriend for almost a decade now. Even before they started dating, she’d always been attuned to her best friend in every way. If Azzi opened her mouth, she could probably guess what she was about to say. When Azzi looked upset or sad or tired, Paige was always the first to pick up on it and put a smile on her face.

But this? This is the first time in all these years that Paige has no fucking clue what Azzi is doing. It had started the day after the championship; they’d woken up in bed, still starry eyed from the events of the night before.

Paige rubs her forehead, her head aching from last night’s shots. Fresh memories of confetti and screams and smiles and tears and a trophy come flooding to her all in an instant, and she blinks dazedly. “Am I dreaming?”

She feels a pinch in her side, followed by sharp nails digging into her skin, and she groans. “Nope, not dreaming,” Azzi teases, before rolling on top of her to straddle her hips.

Paige’s hands find strong thighs, her fingers automatically going to rub the soft skin there. She gazes up at her girlfriend, awe in her eyes. Azzi has bags under her red rimmed eyes, and her shirt is rumpled with sleep, but she still looks like something out of a movie. “Now it definitely feels like a dream.”

Rolling her eyes affectionately, Azzi grabs the championship cap from the nightstand. With a sleepy grin, she places it haphazardly on her head before sliding her hands down Paige’s chest to her abs. They kiss each other, languid and slow, until Paige has to pull away. “We can’t,” she groans. “We have media in like, twenty minutes.”

And usually Azzi is the one to keep them on schedule, to drag Paige out of bed and force her to start getting ready, but this time, it’s like the younger girl doesn’t even hear her. She continues kissing Paige’s jaw, teeth and tongue making a mess of spit that Paige so badly wants to indulge in.

“Az,” she gasps when Azzi suckles on a particularly sensitive spot. “We really gotta go.”

Sighing, Azzi nips at her ear before pulling away. She sits on the bed, tired, as Paige get up and ambles to the bathroom, flipping on the lights.

Paige gives the younger girl a foamy, toothpastey grin when she walks in a few minutes later. Azzi silently grabs her own toothbrush and joins her, one hand wrapping around Paige’s waist as her chin finds her shoulder.

Paige scrunches her nose as they make eye contact in the mirror. “Baby, you’re getting toothpaste on my cheek.”

Again, Azzi ignores her, hand clenching even tighter on Paige’s shirt, and the blonde sighs, resolving herself to the fate of washing her face instead of detaching herself from her girlfriend’s grasp.

It’s like that for the rest of the week. On the plane ride home, Azzi gives Kaitlyn an approximate 24 minutes of peace before she’s forcing her to switch spots. As soon as she sits down, she’s immediately curling into Paige’s side; and the blonde isn’t by any means complaining, but Azzi has never been the clingier one, so it leaves her wondering just a bit.

When the team is chilling in one of their rooms after a hectic few days, finally enjoying some down time together without cameras shoved in their face, Azzi is in Paige’s lap, hands playing with the baby curls at the nape of her neck as the rest of their teammates gag and mimic shoving fingers down their throat. Even as they’re just chilling by themselves, Azzi’s head is always on Paige’s shoulder, or finding an excuse to hold hands or run her fingers through her hair.

It all comes to a halt on Thursday, though, when Azzi suddenly finds every excuse to avoid Paige. She rolls out of bed before Paige does, changing her clothes and leaving the room before the blonde is even awake enough to check her phone. She locks herself in her room, claiming the need to study and catch up on work, her responses to Paige’s texts few and far in between. At dinner with the girls, she’s quiet. It’s a sudden change from how she’s been all over Paige the past few days, and it’s safe to say that the older girl has no idea what’s going on.

“Are you mad at me?” After a thorough search of nearly half the campus, Paige has finally found Azzi in Werth.

Azzi doesn’t turn from where she’s shooting at the free throw line. “Why would I be mad at you?” Her voice sounds off, almost shaky, but Paige attributes it to her being out of breath from her workout.

“My key card doesn’t even work anymore.” Paige tosses it to the ground. “Isn’t that crazy?” she laughs.

Azzi still refuses to turn around, eyes laser trained on the hoop. It’s only when she sniffs that Paige realizes. “Are you crying?”

Azzi sniffs again, which doesn’t help her point, and her next shot resembles more of an angry chuck at the back board than her usually effortless swishes. “No.”

“You’re definitely crying.”

“I’m not.” Azzi shoots again, and it’s an airball this time. She curses.

“It is pretty hard to see through tears,” Paige says grimly.

“I’m not crying.”

Paige’s hand grabs her shoulder, but she still refuses to look at her. “Turn around, then.”

“Leave me alone, Paige. I’m trying to shoot.”

“Azzi, look at me.”

Azzi’s hand finds her chest and pushes her away. “Paige, I wanna be alone.”

The older girl finally takes a step back, breathing hard. “I’ll leave if you want me to,” she says quietly.

“Good.”

Paige swallows the hurt. “But I’m leaving in two days. For good. And I don’t think you wanna waste away the little time we do have together.” When Azzi stays silent, she adds, “And I don’t want to, either.” Her hand bridges the space between them, thumb stroking the back of her neck lightly. “Come on, Azzi. Talk to me.”

“A week ago we were watching game film.” Azzi finally turns around, and her cheeks are wet with tears. Paige’s stomach starts to hurt; she hates seeing her cry. As carefully as she can, she wipes the tears away with the sleeve of her sweater. “That’s all we could think about. Winning the next game. And I guess I was so focused on that that I didn’t have time to process the fact that you’re actually leaving.”

“Azzi.”

“And I just - I know so many people do long distance. But I- I’m so used to seeing you every day. And knowing you’re so far away? That fucking hurts, Paige, because I already miss you so much and you’re still here.” Azzi looks away, blinking back more tears.

“Az-,”

“Paige, this is our life for the next few years,” Azzi interrupts. “Until our rookie contracts are up. And I know it’s gonna be worth it, fuck, you’re always worth it, but it’s just so goddamn hard.”

“Az.” Paige presses a kiss to her forehead, lips trembling as she resists her own onslaught of tears. “Why didn’t you tell me this instead of avoiding me? I wish we could’ve talked about this earlier.”

“Because every time I look at you I feel like crying,” Azzi responds dryly. “We just won a national championship and you’re about to get drafted. Crying’s a bit of a mood ruiner.”

Paige sighs. She bumps her nose into Azzi’s, trying to elicit a smile from the younger girl. “It is gonna be hard,” she agrees. “And we’re both gonna hate it. But we’re gonna be racking up our flight mileage and seeing each other as often as we can, yeah? Facetimes every single day, and if you fall asleep and forget I’m gonna be texting every damn person on the team to knock on your door and force you to answer my calls.”

Azzi finally smiles, and Paige grins triumphantly. “And we’re gonna be at each other’s games, wearing each others jerseys,” she continues, “you’re gonna come down and visit and meet all my new teammates who are gonna love you because you’re so sweet and funny and kind but also hate you because they’ll be so sick of hearing me talk about you all the damn time.”

“P-,”

“My turn to speak,” Paige cuts her off. “And you’re gonna be at my table at the draft, because you’re my best friend and I want you there. Okay?”

“Paige, your siblings-,”

“They’re too young to really remember anything anyways,” Paige justifies. “You’ve been by my side through it all and I am not fucking going to the W if you’re not there with me, alright?”

“You’re so dramatic,” Azzi scoffs, but the only thing Paige can really focus on now is that Azzi is smiling instead of crying.

“Cuz I love you,” Paige says. “And you love me.”

“I do love you.” Azzi smiles bigger this time, dimples and all, and it’s worn and familiar and to Paige, it’s everything.

“Then that’s all that matters, right?” She gives Azzi a quick kiss before tugging on her sweaty shirt. “Come on. You left me in bed this morning and I wanna cuddle with you before we sleep.”

••••••

April 14, 2025

Paige loves to talk.

She doesn’t know why, but her mind seems to be constantly running at 100 miles per hour, always coming up with something to yap about. It’s not like she doesn’t like the quiet - she enjoys it every so often, having some time to think in silence. But the outgoing, extroverted part of her always pushes her to fill the silence, to speak her wandering thoughts out loud, no matter how silly.

But now?

Paige is speechless. At a loss for words. Or more fittingly, incapable of forming coherent thoughts or words.

She’d been tapping away at her phone, a little overstimulated by the sheer amount of texts wishing her luck in the draft (as if she’d needed it). That, combined with the hundreds of message from last Sunday that she still was painstakingly responding to, along with all the other notifications flooding her email and social medias, had been keeping her busy.

But as soon as the door had clicked and she’d looked up, all the noise in her head had just silenced.

Honestly, her eyes didn’t know where to start. At first, they’d gone to Azzi’s hair, the most noticeable difference of the night. Her usual curls were gone, replaced by silky smooth waves that rippled tantalizingly across tan shoulders. Licking her lips, Paige’s eyes shifted down to the bronze of her skin, the black folds of her dress teasing the open expanse of bronzed collarbone and cleavage. Fuck. Paige squeezed her eyes shut, willing the feelings in her body to go away for at least another six hours.

Her manifestations failed to work, because as soon as Paige opened her eyes, this time taking in the pretty plump pink of her girlfriend’s lips combined with the flutter of her long, dark lashes, she knew she was putty.

“You paid Brittany extra this time, didn’t you,” Paige accused.

Azzi, probably expecting something a little sweeter to come out of her best friend’s mouth, squinted a little. “The fuck?”

“This- this,” Paige is sputtering, and Azzi smirks as she begins to realize the full effect she’s having on the blonde. “This is-”

“Use your words, baby,” Azzi laughs, and she makes it across the room in a few steps. Her eyes flick down to scan the sparkling fabric of Paige’s suit as her hands lightly play with the lapel.

“We don’t have long.” She’s barefoot, and Paige is in platform shoes, so she has to tip-toe to press a kiss to her girlfriend’s mouth. “I asked them to give us a sec.” One hand cups Paige’s cheek as the other runs lightly through soft waves of blonde hair. “You look so pretty.”

“Not as pretty as you.” Paige’s mouth finds Azzi’s again, and they both smile into the kiss and come away giggling like little kids.

“Whatever,” Azzi brushed away the compliment, but the light bush in her cheeks give her away. “I just wanted to tell you that I’m so proud. And I love you. And you’re gonna get drafted number one and everyone in Dallas is gonna go out of their fucking minds.” Azzi plants a gentle kiss to the tip of Paige’s nose, trying to be careful about not messing up her makeup. “New home, but same you, yeah?”

Paige’s eyes soften. “You know my home is wherever you’re at.”

“Fuck outta here with that cheesy stuff,” Azzi grins, and they both laugh again. “But seriously. I love you. You know I’ll always be your number one fan.”

Paige grabs Azzi’s hands, entangling their fingers. “Thank you.” She gives Azzi a hug then, and it’s so sudden that Azzi is caught by surprise. She feels her girlfriends bury her face into her shoulder. Smiling, Azzi tightens her hold on her waist and inhales the scent of perfume. It’s unfamiliar but floral and rich, and Azzi tries not to get emotional at the thought that this might be their new normal: not recognizing each others scents. “I’m gonna miss you.”

“Don’t cry, Az. Your makeup artist’s gonna kill you.” Paige lightly pushes her shoulder. “Save the tears for later.”

Someone knocks on the door, and they both turn with heavy sighs. The handle turns, and Paige steals one last kiss before the door opens and they separate with longing glances.

•••

Paige has had to limit herself on the drinks tonight. As the woman of the hour, it probably wouldn’t be the best idea to get blackout drunk, especially considering how freely the alcohol had been pouring for the last week and the fact that her poor liver could only take so much after working double overtime.

Azzi, however, didn’t really give a fuck. Her girlfriend had just gotten drafted as the number one pick, and what the hell? She was a national champion - the most outstanding player at that. So fuck it, she was getting drunk.

“P,” she slurs. “I can’t find my Wings hat.”

Paige steadies her waist with her hands, trying to be as appropriate as possible but finding it incredibly difficult to do when Azzi’s in such a short little dress. “It’s alright.” She takes the cap off her own head and puts it carefully on Azzi’s, doing her best to keep her bun in pristine shape. “You can have mine.”

“You won’t miss it?”

Paige chuckles and brings Azzi in closer, scanning the room before brushing her lips inconspicuously across her cheek. “I got plenty more where that came from, baby, don’t worry.” Her hands sidle lower, grazing Azzi’s ass, but she gets pushed away before she can make any good progress.

“Nah, you were trying that shit on the orange carpet too,” Azzi laughs.

“Number one pick can’t touch her girlfriend?” Paige teases. “Who you tryna wear this tight ass shit for then, huh?”

“Greedy,” Azzi reprimands. “You know you’ll get it later.”

“Exactly. Later. That’s too late,” Paige emphasizes.

Azzi throws her arms over Paige’s shoulders. “My girllll,” she says. “A fucking Wing. And number one. ‘M so proud.”

“Thank you, Azzi.” Paige doesn’t know why, but compliments from Azzi always turn her into a flustered mess, and she can do nothing but say thank you and duck her head.

“You getting all shy now, huh?” Azzi slurs knowingly, poking Paige’s cheek.

Paige flicks away her finger, shaking her head as her reddening cheeks betray her. “You’re tripping.”

“Nah. Definitely not tripping.” Azzi yawns. “Okay. Lemme go walk around and flaunt.” She taps her cap. “My girl’s number one, baby.” Then she’s off, a giggling mess, hips swaying in the glittery dress.

Paige’s chest tightens with the bittersweet feeling of it all.

[transmutationisms]

Five more Palestinian fundraisers that need your help!

@akramalzaiem, verified by @/blackpearlblast

Ahmad studies in Germany, but his family are stuck in Gaza. He has already lost his beloved brother, Mahmoud, this December. He needs help now to evacuate 29 family members, including 13 children. €332 / €120,000

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@yasminalbalawi

Yasmin and her family were displaced when Nuseirat was invaded and bombed. They need help now to cross the border into Egypt. €5,199 / €50,000

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@hamouda-az

Muhammad is stuck in Gaza with his family, including his children Layan, who is 12, and Bassam, who is 8 and has Down syndrome. They have lost their home and need help to cross the border to safety. kr6,211 SEK / kr200,000

*For anyone donating in USD, EUR, or GBP, please note that the current exchange rates mean that your contribution will be multiplied more than tenfold into SEK!

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@save-mohammad-family, verified on this spreadsheet (row 192)

Mohammed, his wife, and their 3 children (ages 6, 4, and 3) are displaced and stranded in Gaza with their cat, living in a tent that provides little protection from the elements. They have little access to food, water, medical care, clothing, and bedding. Mohammed has already lost his parents and 4 of his sisters since October 7, and he needs medication to manage his asthma. He needs help to evacuate his family across the Egyptian border to safety. €5,225 / €40,000

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@tahanishorbaje2, verified in this spreadsheet (row 112)

Tahani lives in Gaza with her husband, their 3 children, and her parents and siblings. Her children have contracted hepatitis due to the water pollution, and have lost significant weight due to starvation as Israel is severely limiting food aid to Gaza. Tahani's home has been destroyed and she needs help evacuating her family to safety. $14,680 USD / $50,000

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Please share these fundraisers and donate if you can!

[lunajay33]

Never the Right Time

•🩶💋🦇🍂•

Summary: Living as a single mother in Velaris was difficult but at least she had her family, the inner circle, but the trauma of living under the mountain still lays heavy on her heart, the nights she shared with an heir of the autumn court by force of amarantha leading to the creation of her daughter, will she find love? Was she ever loved? Maybe her childhood best friend will show her

Pairings: Azriel x f!reader, Eris x f!reader

•Masterlist•

I was never meant to go to the party, I was suppose to have a girls night with Mor but Rhys was feeling anxious and asked me to come along and I’d do anything for my brother after everything he’s done for me

After our mother, sister and father passed we were there for eachother, holding eachother as we wept, Azriel and Cassian doing everything they could to cheer us up in their own ways, I cherished my little family but that night under the mountain changed everything

I was played out to be a gathering of high lords and their guests but she tricked us, Amarantha ruined so many lives, she took my brother away from me for 50 years as her own personal play thing and I was banned from speaking to him, thankfully we could communicate through thoughts, but seeing him break slowly was a different pain

Over the years amarantha became more cruel, she picked me and Eris Vanserra, the eldest of the leader of Autumn court, to have forced intimacy knowing his past with my family, she thought it was funny, night after night forcing us to be together while she watched, many tears were shed between the two of us and I guess along the way we bonded over the trauma, after everytime we’d apologize to eachother profusely even though we both knew it wasn’t either of eachothers fault

But when Feyre my lovely sister in law came and saved everyone I thought maybe Eris would want to keep in contact and help eachother being the only two to know what we felt but the night everyone left he was gone not even a word and at that moment I felt a strange tug in my chest, like I lost something

Rhys took us home after his talk with Feyre, our family swarming us immediately, Feyre came into our lives shortly after, Rhys had her and she had him to grow past what happened under that wretched mountain but I was lost, so many nights feeling like dirt until a month after during a cold night in Velaris I felt shadows swirling along my body holding me like a hug

•Flashback•

“You know I’ve always loved these little guys” I whispered knowing Azriel was stood behind me on the balcony

“You need to leave this room angel” his calm but rough voice soothed my soul for a moment until those feelings of disgust came crawling back

“I can’t Az, I feel like scum what she made me do and now…….” My heart felt like led

“What? You know I’ve always been there for you, I remember when you feel and scraped your knee when you were so little chasing after cas and I, but I came back to you and wiped your tears, and I’m here for you know” he said his scared fingers tracing through mine

“She made me do terrible things az, she thought it would be funny since the family and Eris have bad blood……..she forced us to have sex night after night for 40 years Az, I felt so wrong and Eris is the only one who knows what that felt like and I haven’t heard from him since and now…..now I’m pregnant” I gasped finally letting it all out

His face shocked, the first time I’ve ever seen him express so much emotion

“Oh angel, it’s gonna be okay, whatever happens I’m here” and that’s when I felt alive again, a golden string of love connected between us, my best friend

“My Mate”

•Present•

It’s been a year since then, Mor was over the moon to find out, Cass acted like a teenage girl all giddy for his brother, and Rhys was so proud of both of us, but when they all heard my story and finding out about my pregnancy they supported me, and now I have a beautiful little girl, turns out I was 5 months along when Madja checked on me the day after I told Azriel

So now Azriel and i are raising the cutest little girl, her hair as fiery as autumn, her eyes a deep purple like Rhys’ and mine, she’s everything I ever wanted but I’ve had this nagging feeling that Eris is out there and doesn’t know he has a daughter, even though Azriel stood up and took that fatherly role

I was sat in the living room of the house of wind watching Harlow crawl around and giggle at Azriels little shadows, ever since I had Harlow I felt more at home up here and so me and Azriel permanently moved in, it’s been a smooth year with him, he helped me heal as best he could, he went from my mysterious, quiet best friend, to my mate that used every chance he could to touch me either hugging me, running his hands through my hair, rubbing my belly, telling me every second he could how much he loved me or how beautiful I am, I never thought I’d see that side of him but I felt amazing to be the only one to receive his love

“She’s just like you, that’s why the shadows love her” Azriel whispers in my ear as I lay my head on his shoulder

“She’s like you too you know, she’s a little grump when she doesn’t have me around” hearing his laugh rumble under me made my heart swell

It was silent for a while more until Harlow crawled into my lap and fell asleep, her little blue dress sparkling from the fire shimmering in front of us

“I can hear your thoughts screaming from a mile away what’s got you so distressed Angel?” His eyes pierced into mine like he could read every bit of me

“Don’t be upset…….you know I know that you’re Harlows father and I’m lucky enough to have had you with me through everything but…..there’s this nagging feeling in my chest that Eris doesn’t know, that if I don’t tell him I’ll be letting her down and in the future she’ll wonder why she has her red hair and how she was created and I’d be robbing Eris of a pure love that is a child, he’s not cruel Az, not like how the rest of Prythian sees him, he’s kind and selfless………what do you think?” I chewed on my lip anxiously waiting for him to answer not being able to read what he was feeling

He tucked some hair behind my ear holding my cheek tenderly

“I think you’re right, she’s brought so much joy into my life I never thought I’d experience, who am I to stop you from giving our little girl the love and life she deserves, even if I don’t fully trust Eris I trust you”

“I love you Azriel”

“I love you y/n, more than all the stars in Velaris”

Thankfully the next day Rhys had to go have a highlords meeting in the autumn court and it was a perfect moment to try and find Eris and tell him everything

I dressed Harlow in an emerald green dress that had a sparkly black strap around the middle, I wore a ankle length silk dress a dark grey with a black shoulder covering

“Are you ready my lovely sister and adorable niece?” Rhys asked smiling from the doorway of the nursery, it was so nice to see him smile after what he went through

“I guess as ready as I’ll ever be, I’m nervous Rhys” sucking in an anxious breath, all these feelings I’ve been holding in since under the mountain and all the questions gone unanswered when I needed Eris

“Oh my little star, it’ll be okay, one way or another everything will work out” I sighed picking up Harlow as Rhys wrapped his arms around us both in a warm hug

“Okay im ready”

The air was suddenly crisp with a chill nipping at my exposed skin, the light breeze blowing my hair back as the leave rustled along our feet

“You can open your eyes” Rhys chuckled

“Sorry I’ll never get use to that……..well I guess it’s now or never” we both walked into the Vanserra Mansion, maids leading me one way as guards led Rhys another to the meeting

“Umm excuse me is Eris free by any chance?” I asked the maid infront of me

“I’ll check on master Eris, please wait in the library miss” she smiled as she motioned to the two big oak doors to the left of the hall

I always found comfort in reading, many lonely night trying to escape in the words of the pages, but then Azriel became my mate and nothing could compare to the fantasy and romance he gave me

Pushing inside it was huge, walls upon walls covered with books it was beautiful, noticing a comfy burnt orange couch placed infront of the burning chimney I sat down laying Harlow down in her blanket infront of me as she had fallen asleep, she really is the light of my life even if the way she was created was under horrific circumstances I still love her

I hear the doors open behind me and the room gets warmer and I know it’s Eris, after 40 years of being with him I just know

I stood turning to him standing tall gathering as much courage as I could, his pants a dark brown his vest a deep burgundy embroidered in gold thread, finally meeting his eyes

“Eris”

He gasped starring at me almost stunned

“Eris are you okay?” He finally shook out of whatever daze he was in and that stoic expression was back on

“Y/n it’s been a while, wasn’t expecting to see you” he said holding his hands behind his back

“Why did you leave me Eris?” Just jumping right in was all I could think of, might as well get this over with

“What?” He asked suddenly shocked again

“40 years, she made us do things for 40 years and then we were free and you didn’t even stay to atleast say goodbye, I needed you Eris you were the only one who could understand I looked for you but you were gone…..I spent so many sleepless nights just wanting to talk to you” the emotions were finally spilling out to the person I’ve been craving to talk to

“I’m……I’m so sorry my dear I just….i couldn’t bare to say goodbye, to know that after everything you’d just finally be gone so I thought if I never said goodbye maybe we’d find our way back to eachother again” he sighed showing that emotional side to me like he always did under the mountain

“Maybe things would’ve been different but that’s not the only reason I’m here Eris, I didn’t find out until a while after I got back to Velaris and then coming to terms with the decisions of coming here but……just come over here” a lump forming in my throat not being able to say the words, confused he rounds the coach now facing me and Harlow, picking her up I sat he gently in my lap as I eased back down onto the cozy couch

He dropped to his knees infront of us his one hand gripping my knee as the other gently traced Harlows rosy cheek

“She’s mine” it wasn’t a question it was a statement, anyone that knew our story knew that she was biological his

“She’s beautiful isn’t she” my heart settling

“Lovely” he was completely awe struck

She started stirring blinking open her big eyes instantly giggling when she sees Eris

“She has your eyes and your smile”

“Her name is Harlow, Azriel thought it was perfect” his movement stopped as he looked at me tearing his eyes from our giggling little girl

“And what reason did he have to name my child”

“Eris please don’t be like that with me, you have no idea how hard it was to go through being pregnant and lost but he was there for me he’s my best friend and……he’s my mate”

“What? No that’s impossible”

“How is it impossible, I know mates are rare but is it so wrong for me to have found happiness?” I sigh looking back down at Harlow as she plays with Eris’ fingers

“Just forget it, I’m coming back to Velaris with you, father can not know about you or Harlow, I need to make sure you’re okay”

“Are you sure? You don’t have to pretend you want to be apart of our lives if you don’t want to I’d understand”

“No im coming I need to be there I don’t care if Azriel is your mate I want to be apart of both your lives and protect you from Baron” he smiled brushing my hair back making my heart jump

“Okay you can come but don’t go starting trouble with Azriel please” he smirked

“I’ll try my dear”

We winnowed back home to Velaris, Rhys wasn’t very happy about the decision to bring Eris back with us but he’d do anything for me he always has

I gently laid Harlow down in her crib as to not wake her from her nap after her feeding when I felt shadows swirl around my ankles making a sense of calm set over my body

“Mother above I’ve missed you Az” I sighed turning to see him leaning against the door frame

“How did it go?” He asked stepping closer as he placed his scarred hands on my hips

“Better than I thought but I still feel like somethings unresolved, he already loves her though who wouldn’t” at that he smiled

“Of course he would she takes after you” but I know the next thing I say will wipe that smile away

“He’s here…….he said he wanted to come back here for a while to protect us from baron”

“I know can’t say I’m too happy about him being here but I know the past baron has with people involved with his children and I’ll take that extra protection for you both even if it’s Eris”

“Wow I never thought thee shadow singer would be agreeing with me” came Eris at the door way

Azriel growled as he turned glaring daggers at Eris

“Please don’t fight at least not while I’m here I can’t take it right now” I pleaded already feeling a headache coming on

Both their expressions calmed as they looked at me with the same expression……..Love and that’s when I felt it, the same spark I have for my beloved Azriel was now singing for Eris too, making me gasp and clench my chest

“No” Azriel gasped as he pulled me into his chest

“This doesn’t make any sense” I whisper

“How do you think I felt when I find my mate and she tells me she’s already mated” Eris sighs

“Azriel I’m sorry I still love you this doesn’t change anything……oh mother above I don’t know what to do” I panic scared I’ll lose everything I’ve tried to build and heal from

No body said anything making the panic set in more mixing with nausea, I pushed past Eris in the door way and went straight to Rhys and Feyre

Tears were now streaming freely as I pushed open their bedroom door, they looked at me immediately swarming me with worry

“Y/n my star what’s wrong what’s going on?” Rhys asked as he sat me down on the bench at the end of their bed, Feyre sitting next to me as she rubbed my back soothingly

“Eris……I don’t understand it’s not possible Rhys, and what if Azriel doesn’t want me anymore what if I lose everything oh I’m gonna be sick” I gasp breathing quickly

“Shhhhhh you need to breathe and tell me what happened did Eris hurt you?” He asks brushing my hair back from my face

“Maybe somethings wrong with me maybe the mother made a mistake what if neither of them want me”

“What are you trying to say honey” Feyre says calmly

“Two…….how can I have two mates” they became like statues at my words

“What? I’ve never heard of that happening in all my life” Rhys says squeezing my knee

“Do you think Azriel hates me now, what if I’m disgusting to him now and he leaves me and Harlow what if he never wanted me in the first place and he would’ve never loved me if it weren’t for the mating bond” I continued spiraling

“That would never happen Angel” Azriels voice rings from the door way, we all look up seeing him and Eris there looking almost as distraught as me

“We’ll give you some time” Feyre says taking Rhys’ hand and leaving the room

Azriel kneels infront of me taking my hands as Eris takes feyres spot

“I loved you long before we became mates, I loved the way you always tried to play with us as kids, how you always tried to cheer me up, how you smell like a cupcake and the way your hair shines in the sun, I’ve loved you for so long and this won’t stop that, we can figure it out because I’m never leaving you or my little girl”

“Really you mean it?” I sigh relaxing at his heart warming words

“Of course my angel, maybe the mother thought you were so special and so filled with love you were meant to have two mates to spread the joy you give” Azriel rarely got this emotional with me

“I love you Az, always” I lean down placing my forehead against his sending a jolt of love down our bond

“Not as much as I love you, forever”

The moment was interrupted by Eris clearing his throat

“I didn’t mean to cause you so much trouble my dear” he said soothingly, he always talked to me like I was fragile under the mountain and I can’t deny how he only treats me with that kindness

“It’s not your fault anymore than it is mine, just give this time for me to figure out how I feel”

“Of course I’d give you all the time in the world my dear……..I’ll go check on Harlow” he said as he placed a gentle kiss to my cheek before leaving me and Azriel alone

“You know I could go to that bakery you love and get you your favorite cookies”

“You read my mind”

[inabcck]

How could anyone so soft and sweet find anything in him to be special? Elain clearly didn't understand the effects of her words on him because maybe with time he would start believing her. Azriel's gaze focuses for a moment on that twirl of her finger in her curl how it's such an easy move most wouldn't think of, but he recognizes as that subtle nod of flirtation or admiration. Though it could also be an absentminded action, it was hard to tell with her she could be such an enigma at times. That bright excited smile of hers could melt even the coldest of hearts he felt because his certainly softened each time he saw it. "Yes. I recommend pants and something that will be a bit warm. It can get cold in the sky sometimes and I don't want either of your sister's trying to kill me if you catch a cold." There was a pause as he realizes that they may do it simply for him taking her out on the patrol in the first place. "Maybe also don't mention to them that I'm taking you with me."

"You are" She repeats, twirling a curl around her index finger. Somewhat thankful she doesn't need to go into detail, Elain looks up when he mentions her sisters. It may have taken them a bit to get there, but she did trust them. With her life. She loved them, hated them, adored them again. It simply how it was when you had sisters. Pausing in her thoughts, she smiled brightly at the offer. While she did adore her sisters, they were often very overprotective. "Really? I'd love too" And while they might not agree with her patrolling, Azriel's offer was exactly the kind of excitement she craved. It could be boring, but it was something to switch up the routine of her day. ". . . Should I change?" Would a dress even be fit for such an outing?

[curiosity-killed]

it's been a hot min since i doodled the noodles

[ALT ID: A digital illustration of two creatures in a sea cave on a foggy morning. The creatures are thin and quadrupedal with long tails and humanoid skulls without faces.]

[meldarkthrop]

Was re-reading the Gwyn parts of Silver Flames and now I need a fanart of Gwynriel posing exactly like this, side by side.

Gwyn leaned against one of the shelves, crossing her arms with a casualness that belied her priestess’s robes.

- ACOSF Ch 13

Azriel leaned against the wall by the lone door, Truth-Teller bloody in his hand.

- ACOSF Ch 37

Gwynriel moments would eat. I just know their enemies would hate to deal with them. Gwyneth-charming-irreverence-Berdara being casually badass, while Az stands with his arms crossed, all smug.

Their aura is already ✨immaculate✨, I fear.

[grandwretch]

i'm literally so close to finishing oimw ch 7 i have like one scene left and it's dark!steve adjacent and i love it. anyway. im so glad. that i'm almost done with act 1. like it's crazy that i'm almost halfway done with this monster.

[elainem-art]

🦋 Elain Archeron Magazine Cover || Sabrina Carpenter Vogue Cover Reference 🦋

“Another young heiress was at the ball, and she positively hated me. She was several years older, and I’d never done anything to provoke her hatred, but I think …”

“She was jealous of your beauty,” Amren said, an amused smile on her red lips.

Elain blushed. “Perhaps.”

~ ACOSF, Ch 44~

.

I imagine this is Elain’s surprise for Az for Valentine’s Day 🤭🤭

[g00seg1rl]

Dirty Dancing

Pairing: Azriel x Eris Vanserra

Summary: Eris gets unceremoniously dragged along for a night out in the Night Court with Azriel, where a drunken evening at a bar turns into an impromptu bisexual awakening—complete with a freaky encounter in the bathroom.

For @sjmprideweek Free Day, the Nesta/Amren is coming soon 😫🤭

Said unceremonious summoning is below the cut, but all 6.2k words are over on ao3! 🫶

Eris was just about to leave his office, finally retreating from the migraine gnawing at his temple when Azriel appeared, scaring the fuck out of him.

“Oh! Cauldron Az, what happened to sending little gremlins to warn me of your jump scares?”

Azriel snorted, strolling forward as if he didn’t just piss off the High Lord of Autumn- the cranky High Lord of Autumn, and slowed his pace as he neared the desk. He rounded the corner and leaned back slightly against the long edge.

“I do remember informing you I like hearing you scream for me,” Azriel replied with a far too easy salacious grin.

Eris just pursed his lips, rolled his amber eyes and ignored his blushing cheeks as he set his sight back down to his desk.

“That does ring a bell.” Eris cleared his throat. “Is there something I can help you with?”

“Oh I can think of many, many ways you could help me, Eris.” He licked his lips and looked up and down Eris’s fitted riding clothes before continuing, “But at the moment I was just wondering if you’d like to go out with me.”

Startled twice in what couldn’t have been five minutes. Fuck Az for always catching him off guard.

“Out?” Eris lifted his head and raised a skeptic copper brow, “Out where? You know I prefer more intimate affairs.” Eris spoke with a dismissive tone he knew pushed Azriel’s buttons.

“Lots of things have been changing Eris, maybe it’s time we have some fun in public. There are so many places I’d like to show you,” Azriel persuaded earnestly, compelling hazel eyes lined heavily in kohl.

It was not as though Eris hadn’t thought ‘I wish Azriel could see this’ or ‘I’d literally kill to have an afternoon with the Shadowsinger’ countless times over the decades- if not centuries during which their trysts had taken place.

“And what, precisely, did you have in mind for this little outing?” Eris caved and inquired as casually as he could manage.

“Hm, so glad you asked,” Azriel said with a smirk. “There’s a lovely and rowdy establishment in Velaris that even Mor would eagerly appreciate you letting loose and coming out to party... perhaps two nights from now?”

“Wow, even Morrigan wants me there, the honor is nearly too heady to handle,” Eris said dryly.

Azriel fought off a chuckle and pushed on. “Oh c’mon Eris, I want you there.”

“Okay, alright,” Eris huffed mirthfully at Azriel’s dimpled smile before adding, “Save your begging for Friday night.” Transferring some of his blush to the Shadowsinger’s high cheekbones.

“We’ll see who begs who,” Azriel said surely before pushing off Eris’s desk and leaning down to capture his jaw and pull him in for a slow, luscious kiss. “I look forward to it either way, Autumn.”

Eris just shook his head slightly with a grin before cupping Azriel’s nape, threading ringed fingers within ebony curls and capturing the Illyrian in another languid kiss, lazier than either busy male’s schedules typically allowed.

Only at the meek cough from a servant who’d prefer to be anywhere else at the moment (Eris would have preferred that, too) did they finally break away. He trailed his hand down to Azriel’s built chest and pushed him away to see the yearning in his hazel eyes.

“Me too,” Eris promised. “Now shoo, my lunch is here and you’re not invited.”

“Aw, why not?” Azriel asked with a mock pout and ridiculously convincing puppy eyes for a grown male.

“Because we keep creeping out my attendants and I’d prefer to have a slightly more intimate private life than your High Lord and Lady fucking around the sky,” Eris teased, finally gaining enough of his composure to dispel his scarlet cheeks and make his third favorite dismissive hand gesture. (The second was far crueller and the first was only a singular finger, a bit crude for the moment).

“One day Eris,” Azriel declared, “One day you will let me have my way with you among the stars, and you will regret nothing but wasting all this time saying no,” he finished knowingly.

Eris rolled his eyes so hard his migraine acted up again, and he winced and rubbed his temple.

Azriel tsked and pulled out a small vial of pearlescent powder and poured a little pile before his thumb and lowered his hand to Eris’s nose.

Eris wasn’t born yesterday, he knew there were many dusts that could elicit various euphoric reactions, he had simply presumed Azriel would be too stuck up for all those more frivolous activities.

Eris raised a brow but shrugged and dove his nose in to snort the bumps gracefully as one could.

His lifted his brows and scrunched up his nose a bit as his sinuses processed the dose, the intense pressure in his temples was fading but he didn’t feel that rush of elation that typically came after inhaling some of “Hel’s concoctions” as the saints and priests dubbed most recreational drugs.

“I didn’t take you as someone who’d partake in... fun,” Eris noted.

“I suppose someone as square as you would see a lack of migraine as fun. And for future reference, I do partake in fun.” The male kept his smooth yet gravelly voice gingerly light as he poked fun at Eris and his assumptions.

“Well, thank you for the healing remedy,” Eris said with an embarrassed flush, “May I suggest informing fae before telling them to shove random powers up their nostrils?” he proposed.

Az chuckled, “To be fair, you didn’t ask.” He paused to leer at Eris once again, and there was something akin to intrigue but nearing pride in his voice as he continued, “I didn’t even have to say anything for you to listen.” His smirk sharpened lethally.

Unfortunately, the remedy worked great and he was able to process everything much clearer without the ringing between his ears.

“Oh- get out, you’ll have me all to yourself to torment in two nights, you are absolutely pushing it,” Eris finalised.

“Okay, okay,” Azriel said easily, leaning down once more to kiss Eris’s now completely fine temple. He leaned into his ear, whispering darkly, “I look forward to it, Autumn.”

Eris hadn’t realized his eyes had closed till he opened them from the shadow’s whooshing cue.

He groaned as his heart nervously fluttered in his chest. It was not as though he’d never been to parties, he had just never been to what he assumed was the infamous Rita’s and he’d never danced with Azriel.

It was something Eris had built up as monumental steps in their increasingly normalized relationship. Although he’d certainly miss the comfort of their secrecy, Eris knew it was time to accept that their happiness deserved to exist louder than secrets could allow.

Thank you for reading!! I hope you enjoy the rest 🤭💗

Thank you so very much @the-darkestminds for beta reading and being an amazing person in general, ilysm 😘

Dividers by @animatedglittergraphics-n-more 🙌

The azris babes: @astro-h0e-4azris @nus4y @jules-writes-stories @molcat07 @ninthcircleofprythian @fourteentrout @pippsmcgee @missblackstar @mistandmemories @3xolara @irithiadourden @sunstar-drabbles @icey—stars @iftheshoef1tz @neciebee @mudandmire @queercontrarian @chunkypossum @brunetterebel010 please let me know if you’d like to be on/off my azris tag list 💗

[moonlitstoriess]

Across the Universe- ch.15 (Fenrys x Reader)

Summary: Y/n has everything she needs in life. A family, friends, a safe place she calls home and most importantly a male whom she loves. What happens when it all changes when Y/n finds out about the betrayal of her lover and her so called family? Well, ending up in Terrasen and in queen Aelin's court was not what she expected but what she will need to start her new journey full of surprises.

Warnings: Sexual themes but no full smut

See masterlist

This was new for her. She never felt like this before. She never was treated like this before.

Like she was a very delicate statue that would break the second it falls.

While Azriel knew her inside and out, her weaknesses, her traumas and nightmares, her insecurities, he still never treated her this way.

He never treated her like Fenrys did.

Unlike Azriel, Fenrys doesn't know her ugly past. She would rather be eaten by a Middengard Wyrm than ever unravel her past and scare him off, shattering her heart for a second time in the process.

While Az listened to her troubles, he never truly comforted her, or fully listened, brushing them under the rug and simply telling her 'it is in the past now'. And after all that happened between them, she realizes now how he never loved her enough to care. Because he was never even the one with whom she was destined to be.

But Fenrys.....not only did he hug her tightly, bringing her to his chest, on the floor, but he also listened to whatever she would say with his complete undivided attention. Whenever she would stop or say 'sorry' for talking too much, he would reassure her and then ask questions related to what she said.

She told him about her mistreatment, about how broken she truly was, about how she was still so traumatised over things that happened so long ago that she couldn't move on. She complained about herself, her scars, her unfortunate life, constantly dodging or avoiding his questions about what exactly happened to her, who caused her the wounds and scars, who took away her happiness.

She wouldn't tell him. She couldn't. He would be afraid of her, be disgusted with her.

But then when he would kiss her head and cheeks constantly, reassuring her that it was her insecurity talking, that she was so strong and brave, beautiful and delicate, y/n thought that maybe he wouldn't leave her like everyone else did.

The rest....the rest she does not remember. She only remembers falling asleep mid-ranting right the on the floor, curled up in Fenrys' chest. And now, waking up in her bed, well-rested and alone, y/n felt a warm, comforting feeling envelop her at the thought of him bringing her over to the bed and tucking her in. But she also felt cold and sad at him leaving and not staying by her side.

Maybe, having a mate isn't so bad after all-

Would she accept the bond though? She had to make a decision. She wouldn't be like Elain and drag Fenrys on without giving him an answer.

And she knew her answer. It was clear.

With that decision in mind, y/n climbed off the bed and went towards her wardrobe, changing into something more flexible and comfortable before doing some more touch-ups and leaving. It was definitely later than her usual training time, so y/n went straight to the library to read something.

But on her way, she heard noises. Multiple of them, in fact, coming straight from the sitting room. Curiosity peaked, y/n turned and headed straight towards the area, the noises getting louder and louder with each step she took.

When she opened the door, y/n was met with five different faces, all gathered around the table, all now looking straight at her. Yrene was pointing at the books in front of them, Chaol just standing by his wifes side and listening, Aelin and Rowan stood on the other side of the table while Fenrys stood closer to the healer, clearly from the look on his face, listening carefully to her.

Aelin spoke first, her face breaking into a smile as she said, "Good morning, y/n. We have wonderful news."

"Yrene deciphered both books and found a way for you to go home after closing the gates." Chaol pointed at his wife, causing her to give y/n a small smile. Rowan was just nodding along, looking at y/n as if he was waiting on her next move.

Fenrys on the other hand, seemed quite unhappy. Actually, unhappy would be an understatement. He looked straight at her with millions of emotions swirling in his eyes, none of them good, all of them seemingly of despair.

Oh, no. This was really happening. Why? Dread filled her body, both her mind and heart agreeing for once that she shouldn't leave this place.

Y/n took a quick, steadying breath, managed to pull her eyes away from Fenrys, and came closer towards the table. "Really? How? What?"

Aelin's smile widened at y/n's eager questions. "Yrene found a spell in the books that can be used to reopen the gates temporarily. It requires a lot of power and precise timing, but it's possible."

Yrene spoke next. "Yes, the spell essentially creates a bridge between the worlds for a short period. During that time, you should be able to cross back to your own realm."

Chaol added, "We've been discussing the logistics, we believe we can manage to synchronize the spell with the closing of the gates."

Rowan nodded in agreement. "It's risky, but it's our best chance."

Why did her stomach drop? Why were none of her current emotions happy? She was going home! Why wasn't she happy?

She tried to keep her voice from shaking and asked, "When do we do it?"

"Both the Book of Breathings and the book we found in the library align in their predictions regarding the time," Yrene began, her voice measured. "The gates will be most stable and receptive during the upcoming lunar eclipse, which is in three days' time."

Rowan stepped forward, his voice low and steady. "During the eclipse, the gates will naturally weaken. That's our window of opportunity. We'll synchronize the opening with the peak of the eclipse, and then stabilize it long enough for you to cross."

"Of course not all of us will be with you," Aelin said, before looking at her mate, "Half of us will be heading to wherever the Valgs were, to hopefully kill them but not before finding out how they are still alive. I have a theory regarding on how to end them completely."

Turning to Yrene, who was studying her with a reassuring look, y/n asked, "Yrene, could you explain how I might use my powers to help with opening and closing the gates?"

Yrene nodded thoughtfully, adjusting her posture to face y/n more directly. "Certainly. The spell we've uncovered requires a conduit of power to stabilize and synchronize the gates' opening and closing. Your unique abilities, y/n, could serve as that conduit."

Y/n listened attentively, absorbing Yrene's explanation. "So, my role would be to channel my energy into the spell to maintain the connection long enough for me to cross back?"

Yrene smiled encouragingly. "Exactly. Your powers resonate with the magic of the gates. With proper guidance and preparation, you can help stabilize the spell during the transition."

Chaol stepped forward, his expression serious yet supportive. "We'll need to train and prepare thoroughly. The timing and precision will be crucial."

This was truly happening, then.

"So, my powers are strong enough to not only take me back to my world but to ensure the gates are closed forever?"

Yrene nodded her head. "Yes, your powers are ancient not to mention how you carry the blood of two different beings from two different worlds within you."

Y/n slowly nodded her head, taking all the unfortunate news in. Actually, the news weren't unfortunate. They would finally get rid of the valg forever and close the gates completely. The only part that is horrible is that she will also have to leave and with the gates closed, never return back here.

Never see Fenrys again.

Aelin nodded her head before clapping her hands together, "Well, y/n dearest, me, Yrene and Dorian will be waiting for you in the afternoon at the royal gardens. We have to start your training."

Y/n didn't say anything, her eyes trained on the books, but the queen took that as a 'yes' and headed towards the door after patting her on the shoulder, followed by Rowan.

"Well, I have to go put the books back in the room, love, help me please, this one is quite heavy." Yrene handed one of the books towards her husband who took it with one hand while holding his wife's waist with the other as they left the room as well.

Y/n, however, didn't move. She couldn't. Her brain was filled with all kinds of thoughts and calculations, dread filling her more and more with each minute that passed by.

All of a sudden, she felt a large hand take hers, holding it tightly. Y/n looked to her side to see Fenrys also staring at the book, not saying anything. And before she could stop herself, as if the Mother herself willed it, y/n's mouth moved on it's own accord, whispering, "I don't want to leave."

She felt his hold on her hand tighten as Fenrys took in a sharp breath before saying, "Me neither."

As if on cue, they both turned to fully look at each other, hands still locked, and said at the same time,

"Y/n-"

"Fenrys-"

She stopped herself from spilling anything out and said, "You first."

Fenrys smiled. "No, you."

She chuckled but shook her head, "You."

He smiled once more before asking her, "What will happen to us? Have you made a decision? Are we- well- I- if you accept the bond, will you still leave me?"

She looked at his eyes, her expression unreadable. "Do you accept it? Do you want me?"

Fenrys came closer, standing chest to chest with her, his expression suddenly turning serious as he said, "Do I want you? Gods, y/n, I want you like I have never wanted anyone else before. I would accept the bond in the blink of an eye but-"

"But?"

"But I need to know how you feel about it first. I need you to want this as well."

She shook her head slightly, looking down, her expression solemn. "Fenrys, but I am leaving-"

"But you don't have to. You don't have to leave, y/n. We are mates, and if you accept it as well, we can be together. You can just shut off the gates and we will end the valg but you don't have to leave, it's not a must."

She sighed, "I don't know Fen, after all that happened to me, I am scared of the whole mate situation. Azriel truly scarred me for life."

He lifted his hand so that his knuckles gently grazed her cheek as Fenrys said, his eyes full of determination, "I am nothing like Azriel, y/n. I would never treat anyone that way let alone my own mate. I- I would never hurt you-"

She smiled and leaned closer to him, "I know, Fen, believe me I know. But....love? I- I don't think I love you right now. I feel something towards you, yes. Like, care, adoration, protectiveness but love? I don't think I am there yet."

He gave her a soft smile and said, "It's hard for me too, princess. But with time, can't we learn to love? We can heal together, y/n. Your presence alone has healed me so much. Whenever I am with you, I feel at peace, like no nightmare can reach me. Your touch grounds me."

Her heart was about to burst with emotions y/n thought she had buried. Oh, Cauldron boil her, Fenrys was making this very hard.

She put her head on his chest, smelling his scent that was so...him before saying softly, "We can try, the lunar eclipse is in three days right? We can try to see how it goes between us in these three days first. And if we accept the bond, then what?"

She felt his arms wrap around her, tightly holding her body close to him, "If we accept the bond, then we will have a lifetime to get to know each other more. To be with one another, to love one another."

She gave him a contented sigh, "Yes....that sounds like a good idea."

"Hopefully, one that will come true."

Despair has never been an emotion that Fenrys felt. He was never desperate for anything in his lifetime because he never had anything to lose.

Now he did.

Her.

He was desperate for her not to leave. If y/n left, he would lose her. And he isn't telling this just because she is his mate. No, Fenrys has grown used to her presence and even rely on it. Y/n understands him like no one else. She is always ready to listen and support him in whatever he says or does. Seeing her, touching her, smelling her scent, all confirm to him that she is alive, well and beside him, where she belongs.

Fenrys did contemplate the idea of also going back to Prythian with her but, that isn't his world. That isn't his place. And although Fenrys would never say no to a chance of putting the inner circle and especially Azriel in their places, he still can not live in such a foreign place forever.

Thinking of her going back to her world, back to her usual life, moving on, brings him so much pain and sorrow. And then thinking of her finding someone else, settling down with them and giving her love to them makes him go mad.

He was so hopeful that she wouldn't leave, that she would stay with him. So what they barely know one another? They are mates. And both clearly feel something for one another. They would have a lifetime to know one another more. To be with one another.

The only hope he has is that she thinks the same and chooses hi-

"Fenrys!! Slow down, will you? You are about to break my nose!"

Fenrys stopped his punching, breathing heavily as he pushed aside the thoughts he was temporarily lost in. Lorcan was already on the ground, panting heavily and looking at him with furrowed eyebrows.

Fenrys held his hand out for the man to take and then heaved him upwards to stand. Lorcan was still breathing heavily when he asked after a moment, "What is happening? You seemed to be deep in thought back there, all of a sudden lunging for me like I am a valg."

Fenrys shook his head and said, "It's nothing, just stress."

Lorcan smirked, "Yes, of course, stress, and I wonder if a particular winged female is causing this stress?"

Fenrys went to take his shirt and put it on. "No. Y/n and I are nothing."

He was about to leave when he heard Lorcan say, "Well then, that is good news. Nox was asking about you and her because he had taken an interest towards her so I can inform him that she is free for the taking-"

In the blink of an eye, Fenrys was in front of Lorcan, grabbing him by his shirt. "Y/n isn't a sack of potatoes or some other object being sold in a market to call her 'free for the taking' and tell that little shrimp that if he values his bones and doesn't want them to be broken, then he will do well and stay away from her."

That's when Lorcan began to laugh loudly causing Fenrys to loosen his grip and stare at him with the same intensity as he did a minute ago.

Lorcan put his arm on the shifters shoulder and said, "I won't say that because Nox didn't say anything about y/n."

Fenrys' brows furrowed in confusion.

"I made it all up to see your reaction and now I can clearly confirm that you like her."

Fenrys sighed and pushed away from the man. "I don't just like her, Lorcan. She is my mate."

And then, he felt water spill all over him and quickly turned around to see Lorcan with his mouth hanging open and an empty cup in his hand.

"Did- did you just spit your water all over me?"

"You- She- Gods, Fenrys, mate?!"

"Yes, yes she is my mate."

"Does she know?"

Fenrys looked towards the hills as he said, "Yes, she knows."

He felt Lorcan come closer. "And what will you do? with the whole gates issue and-"

"I don't know. We don't know. She told me we will see how it shall be within these three days. Nothing is for sure."

"Fenrys-"

"Lorcan, I am loosing my mind here. I am ready to beg whatever being there is that has power, to make her stay with me, here. Those people, her world, I- I don't know them, Lorcan. But the ones that I do know are anything but nice. They are all liars and traitors. She won't be safe there, I need her safe, Lorcan, do you hear me? I need her safe."

Lorcan put his firm hand on his friend's shoulder and said, "I understand you, Fenrys. But your issue is.....quite complicated."

Fenrys sighed and tilted his head to look skywards, "Yes, I am aware."

There was a momentary silence that passed between them before Lorcan spoke once more, "But not impossible to solve if you both do the right thing."

"And that is?"

"Accept the bond, of course."

Fenrys scoffed, "Easy for you to say. You already have your wife."

Lorcan smiled at the mention of his wife before replying, "That's because I did the right thing by saying 'fuck it' and turning into a mortal for her."

"Well, y/n isn't a mortal either so I don't need to give that up."

Lorcan smacked him in the head. "You big idiot, of course you shouldn't do that. That was my choice to make because Elide and I's story was different but complicated nonetheless. I am saying that you must make a decision. If you are willing to be with her, you must be ready for either of her replies. You must be ready to sacrifice some things."

Fenrys sighed, "I will always find a way to protect her."

"This is frustrating!"

"It wouldn't be if you just listened!"

"Ladies, i think I am about to fall face down because of how drained I am."

"Dorian, shut up and help!"

"How?! My body refuses to do anymore magic, I am thoroughly depleted, Aelin dearest."

"Gods, Dorian, you are the worst teacher I have seen."

"Y/n doesn't think that, yes?"

"I am sorry, but you most definitely are."

"HA!"

"Are you serious-"

"What is happening here?!"

"MANON! Love, save me from them please. They are torturing me!"

"Dorian get your senses together, no one is torturing you."

"Don't talk to me, Aelin- I mean, peasant."

"Did you just call me a peasant?! I am a queen, you-"

"I AM TIRED!!"

It has been a total of two hours since y/n entered the royal gardens to train with Dorian, Aelin and Yrene.

Recognizing the strain of using powerful magic, they focused on y/n's physical and mental well-being. This included exercises to maintain stamina, meditation techniques to enhance focus, and strategies to manage stress. Yrene taught this to her first, before leaving and giving the turn for Aelin and Dorian. Now, they were teaching her how to regulate the flow and intensity of her energy, ensuring she could sustain the necessary level required for the spell.

The rest of them were busy planning how to attack the Valg after Aelin told them of her plan to cut them from the root. According to her, they must have some kind of a core source located in their hiding place which is why destroying it, would also destroy them.

They did make some progress, but y/n still had troubles with concentrating and not going overboard by using too much of her energy. Safe to say, just like Dorian, she was also drained.

Manon rolled her eyes while smiling slightly and let the king hug her as she said, "Well then, training is over. You can't continue unless you regain your energy."

Aelin, still glaring at Dorian, nodded her head and said, "Very well then, let's go eat something."

On their way towards the dining room, Aelin turned to look at Dorian while staring daggers at him, "We are not done, you little bastard. I will get my revenge on you for calling me a peasant."

Dorian just smirked and held Manon tighter by the waist. "You can try, and even if you kill me, my witchling will avenge me. Won't you, Manon dearest?"

Manon just elbowed him in the ribs. "Don't drag me into your childish matters."

Dorian scoffed. "Very well then, my ghost shall come back to haunt you. You won't be able to escape me!"

Aelin just rolled her eyes and told y/n, "Do not mind him, he hit his head very hard when he fell to the ground from a tree which is why now he has completely lost his mind."

Y/n chuckled as Dorian protested while Manon just ignored them all but still snuggled closer to Dorian who was holding her towards him tightly by the waist.

When they entered the dining room to have lunch, Lucien and Petrah were already sitting on one of the couches near the windows as the latter drank some....soup?

At the sound, Lucien looked at them and smiled, "Hello, everyone. We came to eat something."

Manon stepped forward, heading towards her second in command, "Are you mad? Isolde said you couldn't leave the bed for a week! What are you doing here-"

"I begged her like a thousand times before she allowed me to have slow, small distance walks with someone supporting my body. Lucien here, was kind to offer and then I got hungry so we came to eat and now don't talk to me because my ribs hurt and I can't talk much." Petrah continued on drinking her soup.

They all looked at the prince who just smiled slightly while looking at the witch beside him and nodded his head in confirmation.

Aelin smiled, already heading towards the table, followed by others, as she said, "Well, we are all also really tired after hearing Dorian's constant nagging during training so we came to eat."

Dorian, who was already busy with cutting up his food and eating, replied, "You have no right to talk to me, peasant."

Manon rolled her eyes from her place beside him, "Gods, here we go."

Aelin threw a broccoli at the king as she said, "One more time, Dorian, I dare you to say it just one more time!"

"Gods, what are you, five?" Petrah mumbled from the couches before Lucien stuffed her mouth with bread.

Y/n laughed loudly, eating her lunch with them and joining multiple conversations, with Lucien and Petrah interjecting from time to time, from their place on the couch.

She never felt such freedom, such a sense of belonging as she did then. Not even with the inner circle did she ever feel this safe or....valued.

"Y/n? Can we talk?"

Y/n turned her head to see Lucien standing beside her, waiting for a reply. She smiled and noded her head before getting up and following him outside into a corner in the hallway.

"What is it, Lu?"

Lucien looked at her with a mixture of concern and determination. He was unsure and yet keen on something.

"Y/n, I think- I think I will stay here. I- I can't leave her."

Y/n's eyes widened, "Did you tell her? Does she know?"

Lucien shook his head. "No, she doesn't. I am waiting for her well-being to get better before I tell her but....even if she doesn't accept it, I can never leave her, y/n. She is my mate and I have to insure her happiness and safety. Even if it is from a distance. I am sorry."

Y/n put her hand on his shoulder and gave him a small smile, "Don't you dare apologize, Lucien Vanserra. I am sure she will accept it once you tell her so you won't have to look at her from a distance. I am proud of you for choosing to do the right thing, you know. This is maybe why the book sent you here, because you have a mate, waiting for you. This is your home, Lu."

He smiled slightly, "Yes, maybe you are right. So, you aren't mad?"

"Mad? why would I be mad?"

"Because I won't leave and you will."

"No, Lu. I am not mad. I could never be mad at you for doing the right thing. In fact, maybe I should even listen to my own advice."

Lucien's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Y/n sighed and said, "Fenrys is my mate, Lu. He is my mate and I found out about it yesterday."

Lucien's eyes widened in shock as he coughed out, "Alright, now it is my time to be dumbfounded because what?!"

She gave him a small smile, "Yes, it's a long story but, we are mates and I don't know what to do Lu."

Now it was his turn to put his hand on her shoulder as he said, "Maybe the book also sent you here for that purpose? Because you have a mate here? Because this is your true home? Hmm?"

Y/n shook her head, "I don't know-"

"Listen to me, y/n. If you do not like him or feel like you do not want to stay here for sure then please do go ahead with your plan, do whatever makes you happy. But, if you do feel something towards him, if you feel an attachment to this place, then it is a sign. Then you shouldn't leave because your mate is here. And just as you said, it would be better to be by his side rather than look at him from a distance, wouldn't it?"

Y/n sighed, "I told him we would see how it goes in the next three days before I have to open the gates."

Lucien nodded his head before saying, "Remember y/n, you will only get one chance to make a choice so make sure you won't regret it."

One choice.

Just one choice.

Yes or no.

If she would go back in time now and tell the y/n from the past that this is the position she would end up in, that y/n would just laugh in her face and call her mad. Gods, this was frustrating. Why her? Why couldn't she have been a nobody born in an unknown place where no one knows her?

She truly began to enjoy the company of Aelin and her friends. This place was growing on her, more than Velaris ever did. And Fenrys....she definitely felt something for him. But, at the end of the day, he is still a male, just like Azriel, and that means he could end up breaking her. She was so afraid of that. Afraid of once again letting her walls down-

A knock on the door.

Y/n got up from her bed and put on a long robe over her short nightgown before heading towards the door. When she opened it, her breath caught in her throat. Fenrys was standing in front of her, looking as attractive as ever.

His eyes took her in- no, devoured her as he looked at the robe hugging her body like second skin, at her unbound hair, at every part of her from head to toe, his gaze becoming more and more intense with each minute that passed by.

Y/n felt her body get hotter and goosebumps arise all over her, wishing to run away but it was as if her feet were frozen in place under his gaze. Maybe she would end up turning into a puddle because of how he was looking at her. She cleared her throat and managed to say in a steady voice, "Yes?"

His gaze snapped up at her and he came closer, standing chest to chest, "You didn't come to dinner."

"Y-yes. I- I was tired so I slept."

He slightly nodded his head but made no move to leave, bringing his face closer to her, his breath fanning her face, their lips inches apart. She didn't move either. How could she? This was Fenrys right in front of her.

Suddenly, Fenrys whispered, "Ask me to kiss you."

She inhaled sharply before whispering the thing she has wanted him to do for so long, "Kiss me, Fenrys."

He didn't need anymore confirmation. Didn't need anymore time wasting as he immediately crashed his lips onto her, devouring her completely.

She tugged him closer to her as he enveloped her with his arms, leading her back inside the room and closing the door with his feet, not breaking his lips from hers and frankly, she didn't want him to.

Fenrys pushed her up against the wall, tapping her thighs for her to wrap them around his waist. Y/n was sure that his hair was a mess because of how hard she was tugging at it but she didn't care and neither did he as Fenrys broke the kiss to immediately start devouring her neck.

She was trying really hard to not moan as his hardness rubbed against her in a delicious way. As his tounge kept on kissing and biting her collarbones. When he reached the hem of the robe he looked up at her with lust filled eyes, once again asking for permission. And this time, she nodded her head, giving him the confirmation he needed. Because this time, he already knew of the scars she hid even if he didn't know their backstory.

When he couldn't open the robe gently, he released a growl and ripped the material apart, causing her to let out a small sigh, "My robe..."

"I will get you hundreds of others but now, I can't let it keep you away from me."

And with that, he pulled down the straps of her nightgown to expose her breasts. All of a sudden, she felt conscious, her upper body was littered in ugly marks and y/n was letting him see this. When she tried to cover them and make a move to get down, his firm grip on her thighs tightened as Fenrys brought up his hand to remove her arms from her chest, whispering, "Gods, you are beautiful. So beautiful and so ethereal. There is nothing to be ashamed of. I love your body, princess."

For some reason, hearing such words for the first time brought her comfort like no other. At that moment, y/n knew that she would follow Fenrys anywhere because with him, she felt the safest.

He leaned his head down and took one nipple to his mouth, sucking and biting as his other hand was busy with massaging her other breast. Y/n threw her head back at the pleasure, letting out quiet moans, not wanting this moment to end. Ever. Fenrys kept on kissing, biting, sucking and littering her in his marks and scent as she started to slowly grind on him, causing him to let out a low, hot and delicious growl.

"If- if you do that, I don't think I will be able to stop myself."

She leaned down to kiss the corner of his lips, still grinding on him, before whispering, "What if I don't want you to stop yourself, Fen?"

She saw how his pupils widened even more at that, causing him to let out a moan as Fenrys let out a low 'fuck' before smashing their lips together once more, grinding back into her.

A knock came on the door causing them both to freeze their actions. Eva's voice sounded from the other side, "Y/n? Are you in there? Lysandra told me to call you, we have a problem."

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[azrielsdove]

Love and Loss Ch.1: Rhysand x Reader x Azriel

Chapter Warnings: Mild Smut, Angst, 18+

Ch.2

***

You woke early, the sun shining softly through the windows. You turned, watching the even rise and fall of your loves chest, sunlight highlighting the golden skin. You wished you could preserve this moment, the peace on his face. He carried too much, wound himself up too tight. You reached a hand out, brushing some of the midnight black hair off his face. His eyes fluttered open at your touch, violet blinking blearily at you.

“Good morning, my darling.” Rhys murmured, voice thick with sleep. You smiled down at him, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. He groaned softly, reaching up to pull you on top of him. You broke the kiss, laughing at the pout on his face.

“Needy, needy boy.” You teased, feeling his fingers dig into your waist. You loved how insatiable he was with you, how desired he made you feel. You pushed your hips down onto his, fire sparking in you at the noise he made.

“Stop teasing,” he growled, pulling your lips back to his. You smiled into the kiss, at his hands tracing down the curve of your ass, grabbing onto the back of your thighs. You opened your mouth for him, giving a soft moan as his tongue overtook yours.

You were interrupted by the door to your room slamming open. You froze, the both of you turning your heads to see Azriel standing there. He looked like he would rather be anywhere else, a light blush on his face. He looked at the ceiling, pretending he didn’t see you straddling the High Lord, both of you dressed in only your underthings.

Rhys looked at him accusingly, one hand on your thigh sliding around to your front. You jumped as he rubbed you through your underwear, biting your lip to keep quiet. “Well?” He demanded, sliding his fingers under the soft fabric covering you. “What is so important you feel the need to interrupt my morning with my wife?” You whimpered when his finger deftly circled you, embarrassment coloring your cheeks at Azriel standing mere feet away.

“Sorry, Brother. There is a female from Hybern in Prythian, meeting with all the High Lords. She has requested to meet with you tonight.” Azriel informed, trying hard to not show the way your sounds were affecting him. Rhys noticed the scent coming from him, a low growl in his chest. He wasted no time in sliding two fingers into you, expertly hitting that spot he knew made you tick. You gasped out his name, nails digging into his bare chest below you.

“Fine. Tell her I agree.” He said, curling his fingers in and out of you. “Now leave. I must tend to my girls needs.” Azriel was gone in a second, the door slamming shut behind him. Rhys looked back at you, a devious smile on his face as you continued to moan and whimper for him.

“Where were we?”

***

You found Azriel shortly before the meeting that night. You knew Rhys was protective, that he liked showing off what was his. He had never gone quite that far before, but something about Azriel made him extra touchy. You weren’t sure why, the Shadowsinger had never said or done anything outside of normal friendship to you. Honestly, Cassian was the one who flirted with you and made sure to touch you a little too long. Yet Rhys never acted this way towards him.

You knocked on the open door to the room he used in the townhouse, seeing him looking over something on the desk. He turned and gave you a small smile, motioning for you to come in. You walked over to him, leaning against the desk to face him. “What can I do for you?” He asked politely, always so kind.

“I wanted to apologize,” you started, “for Rhys. I do not know why he acts that way to you. It was incredibly inappropriate of him to do that while you were there, especially when you were just trying to deliver important information.” You studied his face for any discomfort, any sign of upset. Azriel was your dearest friend, and you didn’t love how your husband teased him.

Az shook his head, a small laugh coming from him. “It is okay, do not worry. I am aware of how … territorial Rhys is.” You laughed with him, not able to argue that. You opened your arms, beckoning him into an embrace. Azriel wrapped his arms around your waist, tucking his head against your chest. The two of you stood like that for a few minutes. You knew this brought him comfort, a feeling of love and safety he struggled with. When you first became friends you often shared the same bed, holding each other through the night.

Until Rhys started courting you, that is.

You pressed a sweet kiss to the top of his head, pulling away. “I have to go make sure my husband is ready, and that his attitude is in check.” You said, giving a goodbye as you left the room. Azriels laugh followed you into the hallway.

You found your husband in the living room, waiting to winnow you to the Hewn City. He turned to you with a wide smile. “Come, my love.” He said, holding his hand out to you. You allowed him to pull you into a kiss, holding you tight. He began kissing down your neck, nose brushing your skin when he stilled. “Where were you?” He asked, the words laced with jealousy.

You shook your head at him, bringing his eyes up to yours. “Husband,” you said, reminding him of who he was to you and you alone, “I was apologizing to Azriel for your actions this morning.” Rhys scoffed, a wicked smile coming across his face.

“He should learn to knock.” He said with a shrug, dipping down to kiss you again. You melted into his touch, into the love radiating from him. Life with Rhys had been such a dream, a blissful existence. A hundred years of marriage and the two of you were just as lovesick as the day you said your vows.

“Alright, enough!” A dramatic shout interrupted you, Cassian fake gagging. “We don’t all want to see you sucking face every second of the day.” You rolled your eyes at the General, holding tight to Rhys as he winnowed you away. You strode confidently next to him as you walked into the throne room, always a step behind. Allowing him to command all the attention.

Rhys settled on his throne, you standing slightly behind to his right. Cassian took his left, Azriel next him and Mor next to you. You stood tall, strong, intimidating. The dark wife to the cruel High Lord.

The doors to the throne room burst open and in walked a red headed female, dressed in a seductive maroon gown. She bowed deeply to Rhys, her cleavage on full display for him. Now it was your turn to be jealous, your hands folding tightly in front of you. “My Lord,” she crooned, standing up straight. “We thank you for allowing us your time.” You didn’t miss the way her eyes were devouring your husband, lust clearly visible.

You didn’t like her one bit.

***

You begged Rhys not to go, running after him out the door. Tears were streaming down your face, your hand desperately grasping his. “You know there’s a good chance this is a trick, my love. Do not risk yourself like this.” You cried, turning him to look at you. He cupped your face gently, a million emotions swimming in his eyes.

“I know, but if I don’t go it will only cause trouble for you. I can’t let you get hurt. Please,” he whispered, lips pressing to your forehead. “Let me go. I will be gone at the first sign of trouble.” He pressed a hard kiss to your lips, holding you tight. You cried against him, refusing to let go. “Cass.” Rhys commanded to the General behind you, strong arms pulling you off your husband.

“No! No! Rhys!” You screamed, watching as he winnowed away. You collapsed into Cassians hold, dread and fear taking over your mind. He carried you inside, setting you on the couch. He didn’t seem to know what to do, having never seen you so upset before.

“Hey,” he spoke softly, trying to soothe your crying. “Rhys is the most powerful High Lord of all time. If it ends up being a trap, he will be out of there before anyone can blink.” You shook your head, tears coming faster.

“I don’t think so, Cass. I don’t trust Amarantha. She’s more clever than we give her credit for.” Your words were hoarse, voice tired from the screaming and crying. The heavy feeling in your heart was crushing you, panic threatening to overwhelm at any second.

Cassian pulled you into his arms, better with physical affection than words. “It’s going to be okay. I promise, I promise.” He murmured into your hair, holding you as you cried.

***

It had been 49 years since you saw your husband. You could still hear his last message to you, swirling around your head while you laid awake at night. You had screamed, cried, fought, pain overtaking you when his message came through. It was weeks before you left your room, months before you allowed one of Cassians jokes to pull a smile from you.

You were broken. Half of yourself, the other half trapped under that mountain with Amarantha. Velaris was completely locked down after Rhys was taken, no information coming in or out. You had no idea what was going on down there, what had happened to your husband. You knew it was for everyone’s safety that you remained here, but it still took everything in you to keep from running there yourself.

You were sitting in the living room reading a book when darkness swirled throughout the room. A very familiar darkness. You shot to your feet, running to the shape becoming visible on the rug. You yelled for your friends, hearing them come running. You slid to your knees in front of your husband, grabbing his hands in yours. Tears fell from your face, taking in his pale skin, the haggard look on his face. He looked up, eyes going right past you. You turned to see him looking at Mor, not even reacting to you in front of him. You ignored the hurt in your heart at the way his hands didn’t even hold yours, reminding yourself that you have no idea what he may have gone through over these decades away.

“She’s my mate.” He croaked out, eyes locked onto his cousin. “The cursebreaker.”

***

Here’s chapter one to my new series!! I am so excited to get the next few chapters out to you all. This first one was a little short, but the next ones will be more in depth. Please let me know your thoughts <3