#hazel my long suffering sweetheart <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[ettawritesnstudies]

sts! What’s your favorite non plot related fact about the world of runaways?

Thanks for the ask!

I think my favorite thing is the fact that the girl's home has a house brownie that cleans their rooms for them named Hazel. She never appears in the plot of the story but that's a reference I threw in for my little brother. He got some pretty bad burns when he was 6 and had to stay in a hospital for several weeks while we had to go home and keep doing school, so in between visits, I would write and send him short stories to keep him entertained during his treatments - and these were called "The Brownie and the Ghost". They were about these two kids, Dan and Nan, who meet their house brownie and help her catch a ghost that keeps eating her cookies, and in that story, the brownie's name was Hazel.

Jump ahead 4 years. Before I ever decided to write Runaways as a book, I just had a bunch of characters in a notes app on my phone. I persuaded my little brother and sister to help me pull weeds in the garden in exchange for a story if they would help, and I started making up the plot of Runaways on the spot as we were working through the tomatoes. I could tell they were getting bored so, so I through Hazel into the new story as a reference to the old one they loved, and they got all excited about the worlds being tied together. Hazel's made it through every draft since as a throwaway line, specifically for my siblings.

[thelostrainbowthenovel]

The third and final part of inking + coloring the old sketches for my TLR next-gen concepts, following after these previous two: Part 1 and Part 2! :3 These guys being from here. Like stated on the previous bios and sketches, I won't be touching these guys again for a long while as I have to focus more on the current story, but I might explore them here-and-there if I get any big ideas and they all will have more prominence if I choose to write a sequel book/novellas about them. But, we shall see when/if those times come!

For now, I hope you enjoy! :D Below are all their bios again(for the third time lol), from left-right and top-bottom!

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* Briar Belmonte Daughter and oldest child of Rosia and Carmelo. Part of Erdennia's noble class. Oldest of all the next generation kiddos, she is born several months after the events of the main story have past. While Gaia was away to help find a cure for the Blight Flu and to help find Talia with the others, Rosia and Carmelo worked on trying to start their family again, feeling much more comfortable to do so again after Rosia suffered a miscarriage in the early years of their marriage. She soon became pregnant again, and this time the baby survived with no complications, having a healthy and safe birth. Everything was warm and peaceful during the first days for the new family, the new parents being beyond grateful to finally have their child and their daughter was quite the happy baby too. Briar herself grows to be quite the sweetheart, more down-to-earth than her Mama but still with a fun and playful side to her. She is quite close with her ‘Auntie’ Gaia, who absolutely adores and spoils her and the rest of her siblings. As the eldest child, one would expect for her to be exhausted from having to deal with all her rambunctious younger siblings, and while that is true on occasions she actually loves them all and does her best to be a good role model for them to look up to. * Basil Belmonte Son and second child of Rosia and Carmelo, younger brother to Briar by 2 years. Part of Erdennia's noble class. As the second-eldest child he often takes to ‘leader’-like roles amongst his siblings like his older sister, however more on a ‘lax’ level than her as he prefers for her to take charge with their plans most of the times. He is mostly a peaceful and chill boy, going with the flow of whatever his peers are up to. He takes after his father more in being rather practical and sensible compared to some of the chaos amongst the other noble children, though does have a hidden ‘wild’ side to him that is only unleashed during certain moments. * Thyme Belmonte Son and third child of Rosia and Carmelo, younger brother to Briar by 3 years. Part of Erdennia's noble class. Unlike the rest of his fun-loving and happy family, Thyme is more of the serious and brooding type. No one is really sure where this came from, but some suspect that it may be from hanging around the older children too much when he was really young, and having their ‘cynical’ attitudes rub off on him. While his family is more obsessed with flowers, especially with his father’s job as the royal gardener, Thyme prefers more of the ‘scary’ plants, like cacti or venus flytraps.

* Hazel Belmonte Daughter and fourth child of Rosia and Carmelo, younger sister to Briar by 5 years. Part of Erdennia's noble class. Hazel is the most outspoken of her siblings, having no filter sometimes when it comes to the things she says and she is rather impulsive in how she acts and talks before thinking sometimes. To her, she would rather say what she is honestly feeling even if her replies come off rash, as she sees no appeal in walking on eggshells with others. Despite her approach, she truly means well deep down and will apologize and feel remorse if she senses she has deeply upset someone. * Ivy Belmonte Daughter and fifth child of Rosia and Carmelo, younger sister to Briar by 6 years. Part of Erdennia's noble class. Being the same age as the Crowned Prince Aster, the two have practically gone through life side-by-side so far and are best friends just like their mamas are, both having the same compassionate natures to fight and stand up for what they believe in. Ivy is perhaps the most like her Mama, being a little free-spirit in what she wants to do, rather than feeling restrained and conforming to what others want her to be. This has gotten her into some trouble with the royal court and older nobles, but those who really know her admire her for her unapologetic approach to herself and life. * Sage Belmonte Son and youngest child of Rosia and Carmelo, younger brother to Briar by 7 years. Part of Erdennia's noble class. Unlike some of his more confident siblings, Sage is much more quiet and timid, preferring to keep only to himself or family when out in public or huge social gatherings. Part of this comes from having so many older siblings, as he often finds it hard to get a word in himself during family conversations or get much spotlight with his more humble nature. He does wish he could be more outgoing like his siblings, but he also enjoys his more peaceful life that he has now, where he can just chill with his drawing hobbies without having to worry so much about expectations.

[thewayshedreamed]

Congrats on the 800 followers bby you deserve it! I have a good one for you. I slipped and fell in the shower and the only person who can help me is my enemy for nessian 👀👀👀

Well, Sim, it was you who BLEW my word count. I should have seen it coming, I guess 👀

Although, I will say you didn't do it alone. I also combined @maastrash 's prompt "Are you hurt? What happened?" and one from anon, "You're cute when you're all worried."

They all went together so well that I couldn't resist. And as a result, you got this 3k+ beast. RIP 800-word limit.

Anyway, I hope you like it, my love! Enjoy!

--

Nesta wasn't sure why she had agreed to go to the beach with Feyre, Rhysand, and his brothers. Gwyn had come through in her time of need and agreed to join them, but she'd quickly flipped her allegiances to spend more time on the beach with the others instead of retreating back to the house with Nesta. She had a suspicion it had something to do with a certain tall, dark, and broody man who hoarded his smiles from the public eye.

Unless the public eye belonged to Gwyneth Berdara.

After the long trek to their rented beach house, Nesta stopped at the edge of the dock to knock the sand from her shoes. There was a small shower outside the backdoor to rinse the saltwater and stubborn sand from her body, and Nesta hissed against the stark cold that rained down on her legs. A proper shower was the only thing that was going to combat the chill in her blood, and that realization was enough to solidify her decision to stay inside the rest of the afternoon with a romance novel.

Her towel was full of sand, so she hanged it over the porch railing and headed directly to the bathroom. It was best if she peeled her bikini off in the shower to avoid scattering any lingering sand all over her bedroom, so she moved swiftly into the small bathroom and cranked the water nearly to the warmest setting. The firm grip of her arms around her body did very little to combat the goosebumps on her skin, and she let out a near moan at the feel of the hot water.

She closed the shower door behind her and stood beneath the spray properly to rinse her hair. Her bikini made a loud slopping sound against the tile in the corner. Dealing with it was a task for someone with any motivation beyond warmth and cleanliness.

Nesta lathered her hair and combed a generous amount of conditioner through her strands to help with the detangling process. The wind had created a monster, adding another notch against the beach in her book.

While her conditioner did the Cauldron's work, she grabbed a wash cloth and body wash. As she moved back beneath the spray, her foot slipped over the suds near the drain, but Nesta righted herself with a firm hand against the tile wall. The excessive amount of conditioner wasn't helping matters.

She rinsed her hair and body all at once to get to her lounge clothes as soon as possible. Stepping out of the spray to hang her washcloth on the nearby rack to dry was near torture now that she was properly warmed, and Nesta wasted no time in stepping back into the water for one last hit before shutting it off.

That was her intention, anyway. What happened instead is that her traitorous feet were no match for the slick tile, and the backward steps were all it took to send her careening to the floor. She slapped at the wall to no avail, finding no ally in reach. What she did find was insult to injury when various toiletry bottles rained down on top of her.

She had stupidly tried to brace her fall with her other hand, sending a spark of pain from her palm to her shoulder. Her groan echoed off the walls and the shower showed no mercy as the water rained onto her chest, all over her face.

A booming voice made her eyes snap open, only to snap them shut against the sting of the water.

"Nes?"

Her delay had been too long. The bathroom door burst open, and through the frosted glass, she saw Cassian's imposing form assessing the situation.

"Nesta? Are you hurt? What happened?"

This could not be happening. Of all the fuckers to be in the house at one of her lowest points, it had to be Cassian. Gwyn would be hearing about this.

"Go away."

She cringed against how dejected she sounded. Turning her head and shielding her eyes with her uninjured arm, she found that he did no such thing.

"Cassian," she warned. "Get the fuck out of here. Now."

He propped a hip on the bathroom counter. Arrogant bastard. At least, from what she could tell, his chin was turned up toward the ceiling rather than his gaze being fixed on the frosted glass.

"Something tells me things aren't going well if you've yet to peel yourself off the floor."

Nesta rolled her eyes and turned her face toward the water once more. Maybe she could drown.

"Let me help."

"I thought I was pretty clear. I'm not accepting help from you."

A deep sigh sounded in the bathroom, but before she could snap, his rough voice followed.

"Fine. Don't accept my help. Rhys came with me to grab snacks for the others. I'll have him switch with me."

"No," she roared, cringing against the command in her voice and her lack of options.

Every time she tried to sit up, pain tore through various parts of her body. Her ass, the hip that had taken most of the impact, her shoulder. She needed help, and while she hated the idea of accepting it from Cassian, she would rot in hell before Rhysand helped her out of the shower. How had she found herself in a situation where her only chance at help was the man who spent the majority of his life being as big of a pain in her ass as possible?

His voice sounded again, but it carried away from her. "Rhys, head back without me." His brother's voice came next, but Nesta couldn't hear him over the patter of water in the shower. "Nah, I'm good. Just taking a break from the sun. I'll catch up."

With that, he shut the bathroom door behind him. At least Cassian had the good sense to lie to Rhys rather than recruit any additional attention to her compromising position.

"Alright, Sweetheart. I've got a towel ready. I'm going to open up and shut the water off."

Nesta's breath hitched at the rush of cool air, at the form that cast her in shadow almost entirely. She pulled her legs up and shielded her chest with her good arm, earning a throaty chuckle from her savior.

"I'm not looking. I'd rather when a woman wants me to see them naked."

Why her need to launch jabs at him overpowered her pain was lost on her. "Must have been a while, then."

"Saw a good set out on the beach, actually. She was feeling pretty generous after watching me and Az play volleyball, I guess."

Nesta scowled. That tingling sensation down her spine didn't feel secondary to her injuries at hearing the story.

"You're a pig," she grumbled, but she let Cassian drape the towel over her front and ease her into a sitting position.

"It felt rude not to look."

Her huff of a laugh was genuine. Damn him. He moved to wrap the towel tightly around her shoulders.

"Think you can stand up?"

Nesta grimaced against the soreness in her hip. "Yeah. In a couple of minutes."

Without a word, Cassian hoisted her into his arms with measured gentleness. Her cheek rested against his shoulder since she didn't have her arms free to prop her up, but she barely had the energy anyway.

He maneuvered them out of the tight bathroom and down the hall to her room, easing her onto the edge of her bed. She opened her mouth to say thanks, but he had already spurred into action.

"What did you want to wear?"

"I'll get it."

He shot her a glare. "Fine. I'll pick."

Nesta growled her frustration, but Cassian only ticked his eyebrows upward in challenge. She hadn't realized initially that he wore only his swim trunks, half of his black hair pulled back and out of his face. The sun added color to his already bronze skin and left a soft blush on his cheeks that accented his hazel eyes. And she, to the contrary, was a lump beneath a massive towel. One that had managed to injure herself during a simple shower, evidenced by the soaked strands of hair plastered to her face and shoulders.

"There's a large night shirt in my suitcase and some sleep shorts."

Cassian grabbed them before turning toward her, a hand gripping the back of his neck. "Anything... underneath?"

Nesta allowed a sardonic laugh. "Underwear are for people with the use of both their arms."

He cleared his throat and left the clothes next to her on the bed. With a final instruction to call for him if she needed anything, he was gone.

She assessed the clothing and picked the shirt up first. One of her arms was through a sleeve in no time, but the second one was another story entirely. With a defeated whimper she gave up, dropping her arms into her lap with a hiss.

"Cassian!"

No response. Maybe he didn't hear her; the house was rather large. Her voice was louder the second time.

"Cassian!"

A muffled thud sounded, followed by a quick, "Coming!"

He appeared at the threshold of her door, dripping with water and suds. A large towel was wrapped around his waist, his grip white-knuckled to keep it in place.

"Everything alright? Where's the fire?"

Nesta blinked at him. "You said to call you if I needed anything," she pointed out, running her eyes over his state in accusation.

Cassian let out a long, suffering sigh. "I meant it, but you said you had this part covered. I take a 3-minute shower, tops."

"Well, I don't have it covered."

There was more bite to her voice than she'd intended, but self-pity and shame were settling into her bones. She hugged the nightshirt tighter against her body to serve as some form of armor, but it wasn't nearly enough.

Cassian's shoulders sagged, but she barely noticed in favor of watching beads of water travel down his torso, over his strong calves, and make a small puddle on the floor below. "I'm sorry. I was full of sweat and sand. I thought you'd be more likely to take help if I was clean."

Something in her chest softened at his forethought, even more so since he was right.

"Go finish your shower," she relented, settling her hips deeper into the mattress. "I can wait until you're done. I just— I need some help with my clothes."

He was on the balls of his feet, ready to haul himself straight to the shower. The water beneath his feet made her breath hitch. The words left her before she could think better of them.

"Careful! Don't rush." He blinked as if seeing her for the first time, but his usual cocky grin eventually stretched across lips. "I can't help you if you fall, too. And I'm not keeping you company on the ground until the rest of them come back."

Cassian's smile grew. He offered her a wink before he replied, "You're cute when you're all worried."

Her eyes narrowed to slits. "Go."

He hurried off on balanced feet, whether that was on Nesta's orders or a natural grace, she wasn't sure. While she waited, she opted to set them up as best as possible to make the process quick and painless. Well, minimally painful, considering there was a layer of awkwardness that was going nowhere fast. That was without counting the actual physical pain she would no doubt endure.

With a pathetic swatting motion, she knocked her sleep shorts to the floor and began shuffling them around with her feet. She'd managed to slip one into the proper leg hole before she heard Cassian's rich laugh from the doorway.

"Stubborn woman," he mused, seemingly allowing a sliver of affection to slip through. Nesta knew better.

She scowled, turning her chin up to make sure he knew how unwelcome his teasing was. He laughed harder and dropped to his knees in front of her, adjusting the tee he’d pulled over his head on his way into the room.

"What do you want to put on first? You're half-committed to both."

"Let's go with the shirt. It's long enough to cover me while we work on the shorts." Cassian nodded, reaching toward the crumpled article of clothing in her lap. Nesta jerked back to establish some expectations before moving forward. "You're about to see me naked."

"Yeah, probably," he sighed, as if it was a burden to him, too. "I won't look more than necessary though."

"Okay, good. And this doesn't change anything, so don't start acting weird around me. We take this to the grave, too. We'll never hear the end of it otherwise."

Cassian bit the inside of his cheek, pursing his lips in a failed attempt to hide his amusement. "You have my word."

He gently peeled the shirt from her grasp, sliding each sleeve beyond the crooks of her elbows before pulling the opening over her head. Nesta hissed at the pinch of pain through her shoulder but bit her tongue.

"I know. I'm sorry." He pulled the fabric down her sides and over her back. The backs of his knuckles dragged across her soft skin, and she barely contained her shiver.

Clearing his throat, he looked to the floor where her shorts were still tangled around her feet. He got to work on straightening them and allowed her to slip her other foot into the proper place. He didn't dare look up at her through his next request.

"Think you could put your weight on the leg that's not as sore?"

Nesta swallowed and said, “Yeah, I think so.��

“Use my shoulders to brace your weight, too.”

Her hands trembled as she reached for him. He was solid beneath her, the muscles in his shoulders unyielding under her grip. She had to resist flexing her fingers more firmly in a test of their resilience.

Cassian eased her shorts upward, the roughness of his knuckles tracing the same blazing path as they had over her back. His gaze was fixed resolutely on the floor, yet he managed to release them at the proper moment. The soft pop of the elastic snapped her out of whatever trance she was under, but the echo remained in the feel of his warm hands easing her hips back down to the mattress.

"Maybe we should have someone take a look at you; make sure you're okay." His brows came together when he realized she was already shaking her head in refusal.

"I'll rest a bit, and I'll be fine. I may be sore tomorrow, but I'm good."

Without a word, Cassian braced one of his legs outward and scooped Nesta into his arms. It grated her nerves how easily he'd lifted them both into a standing position.

"What are you doing? You can't make me go to the doctor."

Cassian leaned back and shook his head, trying to get his rogue hair out of his face. "I'm not manhandling you to the doctor, Nes. Settle down." His bottom lip jutted out to try and blow the strands away while he walked. "I'm taking you to the couch and getting you ice."

Oh. Well, that hadn't been what she expected. The gesture was enough to have her mindlessly raise a hand to tuck a lock of hair behind his ear. His eyes snapped to hers, his steps slowing to a stop in front of the couch. Their faces were close enough that she could run her nose along his if she wanted to, but she definitely didn't. Not even at the feel of his firm chest heaving against her.

They stayed that way, transfixed by the contact that was somehow more intimate than when he had draped clothes over her naked body. Their breathing settled into a rhythm together, and Nesta couldn't resist tracing the path of his sharp jaw. His slight stubble scraped against the pads of her fingers, all the way to his chin, where she grazed over his skin with her thumb. She snatched her hand away like he'd burned her.

Cassian's throat bobbed, and his fingers flexed against her ribs. His other hand did the same against her thigh, except his thumb traced a soft, idle path back and forth along the sensitive skin at the back. He made no moves to put her down.

Nesta knew she would regret the loss of his warmth immediately, but the line they flirted was thin. Not to mention, it was irresponsible to succumb to such a base urge considering, any other time, they would be poised to rip each others' heads off.

The shrieks of children at the neighboring beach house snapped their attention to something beyond the bubble they'd created for themselves. Cassian eased her to the couch and positioned pillows around her to keep as much pressure off of her aching joints as possible. He threw a blanket over her legs before heading to the nearby kitchen for ice.

Nesta watched his retreat with shameless appreciation. How had she never stopped to look at him through her current lens? Doing so may have been enough to make her more agreeable in nature. The thought made worry sink in her gut with what had transpired moments before, and she craved the oddly familiar banter they'd engaged in since he showed up to the scene of her demise.

"So," she called, eyes fixed on the intricately patterned throw pillow beneath her injured arm, "how much did you see?"

His voice was closer than she'd expected, but she managed not to startle. "Uh— I mean. I saw some things."

Nesta fixed her glare on him, and he gave her a sideways smile while he placed the ice strategically over her shoulder. She hissed against the cold, earning a look of apology.

"What things?"

He let out along breath. "A bit of everything, really. Not on purpose. " A slight blush turned the tips of his ears pink, but Nesta didn't comment on it. "Mostly, you know—" He gestured back and forth between his pecs. "—everything else was more... indirect, I guess."

Nesta groaned, allowing her forehead to fall to her good hand, cradling it in her palm. Cassian moved to the nearby armchair and took a sip of his bottled water.

"Don't be embarrassed, Sweetheart," he soothed, albeit mockingly. "They're not the worst ones I've seen today."

—

They had watched a movie in loaded silence until the others trudged up to the house near sunset. Nesta gave the cliff notes of how she'd wound up injured on the couch, making no mention of Cassian's help. The last thing they needed was an onslaught of questions from their nosy friends.

"I thought you were coming back out there. What happened to you?"

Cassian's brows drew together at Rhys' question. "Well, I saw Nesta laid up on the couch and offered to watch a movie with her. I lost track of time."

Rhysand eyed him skeptically, but no one questioned it. Cassian redirected everyone's attention to the matter of what they would cook as a group that night, but he was sure to give Nesta strict orders to stay planted on the couch. Overbearing prick.

With so many hands on deck, dinner was ready quickly. They all settled around the table, and Gwyn had made it a point to cushion Nesta's chair with pillows before letting her sit down. Her best friend must have sensed the verbal lashing that awaited her in the privacy of their shared room that night.

Laughter filled the space while they told stories from the day's events. Apparently, Azriel had rescued Gwyn from a feared creature of the deep while taking a dip in the water. He had hardly been able to stop laughing himself to tears long enough to complete the epic tale of how he defeated the bundle of seaweed that had threatened Gwyn's life so mercilessly. The latter hadn't found it quite so amusing, but Az offered her a broad smile in apology.

Nesta wasn't sure she had ever seen one quite so wide on his face, and holy gods. If she'd thought him to be beautiful before, she had been sorely mistaken.

As they usually did, Rhysand and Feyre settled close to each other as the other talked. Rhys was busy murmuring things into Feyre's ear that made her cheeks as red as Gwyn's sunburn, which earned a proper warning from Cassian to "stop being gross with his little sister". Nesta agreed with him enough to refrain from reminding him that he was in no way related to Feyre.

"Don't mind him, Darling," Rhys purred. "He's pouting because the only action he'll see during this trip will be self-directed."

Cassian nostrils flared in annoyance, and for whatever reason, Nesta found herself rising to his defense.

"I don't know," she sang, "I hear Cassian saw a pretty good set today."

A chorus of questions broke out, but he only had eyes for Nesta. The gleam in his eyes told her he knew she hadn't been referring to the ones flashed to him and Azriel after the beach volleyball game.

"I did," he agreed, sipping some of the amber liquid in his glass. "Perfect, actually."

The questions continued, and Azriel reluctantly began recounting the tale of he and Cassian's victory flashing. Nesta used her good arm to raise her wine to her lips, mouthing a subtle thank you over the glass for everything he'd done for her. The least she could do was preserve a bit of his dignity.

Cassian lifted his class in mock cheers and said everything he needed to with a single wink.

The pleasure was all mine.

[inkedstarlight]

Sins of Hewn City

Summary: Cassian and Nesta are friends-with-benefits. When Cassian is gone for a business trip, Nesta isn’t patient enough to wait until he returns. She ventures to a scandalous nightclub, Hewn City, to find a suitable one-night stand. That is, until Cassian comes home early... 

Note: This is my first PWP and the smuttiest thing I’ve ever written so please be kind! Constructive criticism is always welcome. Let me know what y’all think! This fic includes some kinky stuff, a jealous Cassian, and (kind of) public sex. I’m going to post the second part soon!

The heavy bass thrummed in Nesta’s ears, rendering her nearly deaf as she flirted with an attractive man at the bar. Red LED lights cast an alluring glow in the crowded room, giving a sense of anonymity to those bold enough to enter the nightclub’s door.

On a typical Friday night, Nesta would be at Rita’s with her friends. That, or writing smutty fanfiction. But she was bored of that routine. She was sick of the mediocre drinks Rita’s provided, sick of spending the entire evening on the sofa. More than that, she resented the fact that she hadn’t gone out once since Cassian had left for his trip. She felt like a puppy waiting for him to come home. She hadn’t gotten herself off since the night Cassian left. Which was more than a week ago. So, she decided to venture to a new club that night.

It was called Hewn City, notorious for its nudity and voyeurism. Dozens of people were on the dance floor grinding against one another and making out.  If you were looking somewhere to have meaningless, lustful sex, Hewn City was just the place. There was a room dedicated to explore erotic fantasies in the basement of the club. They called it the Court of Nightmares. From what Nesta had heard, there was little to no privacy down there. A place full of sins.

Though Nesta would never admit it outright, there was something… enticing about the concept. Perhaps it was the idea of being caught, the adrenaline rush of fucking someone in a room full of people.

Nesta had been alone the entire week. Cassian was at a business meeting a state over, and he would be back tomorrow. After trying to distract herself with television shows that evening, Nesta decided to go to Hewn City to find herself a one-night stand. Cassian and her were technically exclusive, but how exclusive could friends-with-benefits be?

Not very exclusive, she’d decided. That’s why she was letting the man in front of her buy her drinks and whisper sweet nothings in her ear. 

She had no idea what he said, but she giggled nonetheless. He seemed satisfied with her response, his hand travelling past her lower back to grab onto her ass. Nesta arched her body closer to him. She wasn’t here for pleasantries. No, she was here to bring a nameless man home – a man she’d never see again. A man to distract her from the fact that Nesta missed Cassian.

That’s when she felt someone staring at her, their gaze searing into her. Nesta turned her head to find the all too familiar hazel eyes – eyes that were narrowed with anger. Looking directly at her.

Fuck.

He said he was returning on Saturday. It was Friday night.

She had no idea how he’d found her. The only person she told was…

I’m going to kill Amren.

Cassian stood on the other side of the bar. He was wearing a business suit as if he’d come straight here from the airport. The sleeves of his dress shirt were rolled up to his elbows, his tight muscles stretching the white fabric. He had popped the collar, his tie loosened around his neck. Nesta noticed his unkempt hair that begged for her to run her fingers through it. Cassian was a smoldering mess. 

Ignoring the way her thighs clenched together at the mere sight of him, Nesta flashed Cassian a smirk. His jaw was clenched with anger, a storm brewing in those amorous eyes. Nesta had spent the week dreaming of his hard body against hers. He’d made her suffer through endless wet dreams, waking up to no one to give her reprieve. Nesta was done waiting for him, and she certainly wasn’t in the mood to deal with his dramatics.

She resumed her conversation with the man – his name forgotten the minute it left his lips – his leering hands brushing against her breasts, which were swelling thanks to Cassian’s heated gaze. She reached a manicured hand to grab the drink the man held. She took a large gulp, letting some whiskey dribble past her chin and down her bare chest. The man watched every movement as Nesta licked her glistening lips and leaned in to kiss him.

She was pulled away before she could get any further. She stumbled over her heels as a dark figure led her far away from the man. Nesta looked down at the strong hand that held her close, the veins in his arms bulging with strain. She tilted her chin up to look at Cassian.

Gods, she forgot how large he was.

Cassian stood several inches taller than her, his chest wide enough to swallow her entire body. Nesta inhaled the familiar scent of his cologne mixed with a musky undertone. She had once told him that she couldn’t control herself when he wore that cologne. He had worn it every day since.

Cassian looked down at her with a possessive glare. His teeth were bared, and Nesta watched as he swallowed deeply, his Adam’s apple bobbing with the movement. 

He was pure male.

“Who the fuck,” Cassian snarled, “is that?” His eyes ran down her scantily clad body so, so slowly. “And what the hell are you wearing?”

Nesta rolled her eyes. “He’s a friend.” She looked down at the wine red mini dress she wore, its deep V dipping all the way to her navel. It barely covered her ass, and she controlled the urge to smirk up at him with triumph. “And this is called a dress.”

She tried to walk away, but Cassian gripped her waist and swung her around to face him again. 

“Did you forget about my rules, sweetheart?” he seethed in her face.

 Of course, Nesta hadn’t forgot them. He had made them clear the day they fucked for the first time.

1. There must be clear consent along with an agreed upon safe word.

2. Cassian was the only man who could touch her. Neither of them were to see anyone else during their arrangement. Flirting was off limits.

3. Nesta was to accompany him to business events when he requested. 

4. No cuddling. No sleeping over. No feelings. 

Nesta let out a sigh and crossed her arms, which only accentuated her voluminous curves. Cassian watched, and something like hunger flashed in his eyes. “I was horny, and you were out of town. I’m not going to apologize for wanting to fuck someone else.”

Nesta was just baiting him at this point, but Cassian was so blinded with jealousy that he didn’t notice.

“You’re mine.” A shiver ran down Nesta’s spine at the statement. 

“I beg to differ,” she retorted. Nesta couldn’t help playing with him, pretending she was anything but his. Cassian was easy to tease. All Nesta had to do was flirt with another man or defy Cassian’s rules. If she did one of the two, Cassian was taking her roughly from behind and whispering in her ear that she was his.

“Oh?” he asked, taking a menacing step closer until their bodies were flush against each other. “You seem to be forgetting about those filthy texts you sent me the other night.”

She inwardly cursed. Nesta knew exactly what he was referring to. She had sent a picture of her naked body tangled in her sheets at two in the morning with a text accompanying it:

You should come home and fuck me.

His response had been instantaneous.

I was just going to text you. I’ve been thinking about you for the past hour. I’m so fucking hard for you, sweetheart.

She replied with two words. 

Show me.

The picture came through a minute later. He hadn’t been lying. Nesta moaned at the image and texted back:

When you get home, do whatever you please with me. I’m all yours.

 “You’re such a naughty girl, aren’t you, sweetheart?” He backed Nesta into a wall, trapping her with his body. People danced and touched each other around them. Nesta’s legs wobbled. 

Once Cassian had discovered that Nesta lost control when he talked dirty to her, he used that to his advantage. He had been able to make her come with just his hand and words. Cassian’s language had never been too explicit, though. Nesta hadn’t told him yet, but she wanted more. She wanted him to whisper the filthiest things in her ears until she could barely stand. 

Cassian took his hand and slid it up her bare thigh. Nesta couldn’t help the whimper that escaped her. He chuckled against her hair. “Gods, I love when you’re helpless.”

Nesta’s head fell back against the wall, giving him access to her bare neck. “Cass...”

He pressed his growing hardness against her stomach. “What is it, sweetheart?”

“I...” her mouth was dry as Cassian dragged his tongue over her exposed neck, leaving a path of wetness in his wake. “I want you to talk dirty to me.”

He bit the soft skin of her shoulder lightly, pulling back to look in her eyes. “I already do that, Nesta,” he murmured to her. “Tell me what you really want.”

“More,” she gasped against his touch. “I want more. Don’t hold back.”

Cassian pushed her against the wall roughly when the words left her lips. His hard chest was pushed up against her tits, putting pressure on her hardened nipples. He smirked down at her. “I’m going to enjoy punishing you, sweetheart. I’m going to make you wish you never laid a hand on that man.”

“Take me to your apartment,” Nesta pleaded with him. 

Cassian laughed quietly at her begging. His hand found her panties under the thin fabric of her dress - panties that were already soaking wet. Nesta’s core pooled with heat as his fingers travelled to the place that throbbed for him.

“I can’t wait that long,” Cassian murmured to her. Nesta wanted to cry out in protest. She needed him now - 

Cassian pulled her off the wall, gripping her upper arm tightly. Before Nesta could ask what he was doing, Cassian was leading her to stairs that led to the basement A sign was hung directly above the stairs.

Court of Nightmares.

Then, they descended into the dark room.

--------------------------------------------

I hope you guys enjoyed this! The second part will be posted shortly. Let me know if you want to be tagged in this/in any of my writing I publish. Thank you for reading! :)

READ PART TWO HERE

[rhyswhitethorn]

Steel and Fire [4]

I had writer’s block for like 4 days of the week and I was on the verge of crying but neh I made it!! 

I hope you guys like this one. There’s probably one or two chapters left in this, and I’m thinking of starting another ACoTaR or a ToG fic. Do let me know if you’d like to be tagged in upcoming fics!

Warning: Kinda NSFW

AO3 version: Steel and Fire [4]

Chapter 1 // Chapter 2 // Chapter 3

Rhysand flew Nesta to the House of Wind, Feyre by his side. Her younger sister had improved tremendously, although she still had some trouble when it came to riding the air currents and breezes properly. Rhysand never gave her hell for it, though. He only chuckled at her attempts, encouraging her once in a while.

You need to feel the wind course through you, he told her when they were about to catch an updraft to the House of Wind.

Feyre listened to his advice and tried, showing a significant difference in her control. Nesta was proud, but she didn't show it. She'll compliment her another time.

After she tied her loose ends with Cassian.

Nesta watched Feyre and Rhysand banter among each other mid-air longingly. She had never experienced true love. And if Cassian had grown up with Rhysand, it would only mean he had as much love to give to her as Rhysand does with Feyre.

She smiled at that thought, only to have Rhysand look at her weird. She shot him a look, Feyre laughing into the winds, before he got ready to land in the House of Wind.

They landed smoothly and Nesta straightened her hair. Azriel was waiting in the sitting room, Cassian nowhere to be found. Behind her, Rhysand asked the Shadowsinger before she did. “Where is he?”

Azriel sighed and pointed to the direction of the kitchen, and said, “In the kitchen rummaging through whatever alcohol could get him drunk the fastest. Elain’s trying to stop him.” Nesta stared at him blankly. Why the hell would Cassian want to get drunk? Shouldn't he be happy she accepted the bond, even if she wasn’t aware that she did? There were sounds of cupboard doors banging shut, and a small whine coming out from what sounded like Elain.

“Cassiaaaaaaaan!” 

Feyre walked over to Nesta and held her hand. “Do you want us to get him in order, or do you want to do it yourself?” Nesta blinked at her sister and frowned..

“What difference would it make?”

Feyre glanced at Rhysand before saying, “If we do it, it’ll be. . more official, I would say?” Rhysand nodded, and she continued. “Cassian would prefer if it was you. His pride wouldn’t be as hurt then. He’s most likely drinking because of the whole mating bond thing,” Feyre finished, wincing.

Nesta debated quietly for a while. “And if I got his shit together?”

Azriel, surprisingly, answered. “It means you accept the bond wholeheartedly, because you’re willing to be there for him when he needs it. To be his backbone and support.”

She looked at the three of them slowly, composing and bracing herself for the whirlwind of a mate in the kitchen. Nesta could still hear Elain trying to stop Cassian. It was time to take responsibility. 

Nesta Archeron breathed in and walked to the kitchen.

She passed the doorway, and what she saw was immediately embedded into her memory. Cassian was looking through a cupboard above the sink, one hand pushing past glasses as if he could find strong liquor in there, the other holding Elain back, who was slapping his arm. Not like it would be any use. 

"Rhysand hid all the liquor!" She was insisting to Nesta's stubborn mate. Both Faes were too busy focusing on their current goals that they had not realised Nesta was watching the whole ordeal. She stifled a laugh when Elain continued to hit Cassian and he remained unfazed. 

Putting her face to neutrality, she said, "Cassian." At that, he whipped towards her. 

"You're in trouble now," Elain just cooed to him, taking his hand off herself and walking past Nesta, out of the kitchen.

Cassian was still looking at Nesta up and down. He gulped when he noticed his dagger still strapped to her thigh. 

"What are you doing?" Nesta asked, setting a serious tone to throw him off guard. It would be fun to play games with him now. 

Cassian just threw her his million dollar smile and said, "I'm about to daylight drink, sweetheart." 

"Why would you want to do that?"

He walked over to her and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her nose flared at that to play the part. 

"Why wouldn't I? I love to drink, you should know that from the year you spent with me." 

A statement to get her off her feet. As if she never wanted to take note of his routine when they were together. 

What he didn't know was she knew every single thing he did. The whiskey he took when days were good. The vodka shots he'd take when it was pure shit, mostly when that asshole Lord Devlon decided to humiliate Cassian. 

And most importantly, she knew he drank often at the camp because she was there with him. 

"Come with me," she simply said, disregarding Cassian's statement from earlier. Nesta turned on her heels, heading towards the library a floor below. The House of Wind was already empty save for the two of them, and she knew it was at Feyre's request. She silently thanked the Cauldron for Feyre’s quick work as Cassian followed her without a word. 

Nesta pushed open the door and pointed to a chair. "Sit."

Her mate listened and watched as she pulled a bottle of whiskey from the drawer by the chair, eyes wide. Nesta poured two glasses and passed one to Cassian. 

"Feyre lets me keep a bottle here," she explained. 

Cassian nodded and took a sip. "So, what are we doing here?" 

Nesta walked to the office table by the window, unsheathing his dagger and placed it down slowly. Cassian's hand brushed the twin dagger on his other thigh. “Give me yours,” she said, and he wordlessly unstrapped his and handed it to her. She set it by the dagger she took from him. The steel looked as if it swallowed the sunlight that shone on it. 

A harsh beauty, just like she was. 

Leaning on the table, Nesta swirled the glass and said, "Remember when I just turned into a Fae, I'd only come here?" 

"What's your point, sweetheart?" 

Ever the impatient Illyrian. Nesta sighed. 

"What I'm trying to say is, my time spent in this very library, among all these books, made me think. Made me understand that I am what I wasn't. And it took me a damn long time, because we all knew I hated the Fae more than anyone," she said, glancing at him. Cassian was looking into his wine glass, unable to think of anything to say. "And now, I find out I have a mate. The Cauldron must despise me so much, because they keep handing me things I don't want. Especially when I found out I indirectly accepted the bond by taking your weapon." 

His eyes shot to the two Illyrian daggers on the table, and he gulped. The Cassian she saw now wasn't the one with the fiery spirit she was used to seeing. This was the raw Cassian that she's seen so rarely, only when he was so worn down and had no solutions to his problems. 

Nesta sipped from the glass and placed it by the dagger, walking to him. She lifted up his chin and looked into those hazel eyes. 

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the dagger. I should've, but I didn't know how to," he said, full of sorrow. His apology caught her by surprise, but if she was to be honest to him in the library, then he might as well be too. 

Nesta took his glass and placed it on the table by his chair.  She got on her knees and leaned in, brushing a hand on his cheek. 

"The Cauldron may have handed me immortality and a soul bonded mate, but what I would do with that will always be my choice." She cupped his face in her hands to pull him to look at her. "What we both faced this morning only made me realize. . that I want it. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

He stared into her eyes. "Why?" he whispered. 

"You were there for me, Cassian. When they took everything from me. You pulled me out of my suffering and grief, and trudged through Hell itself to make sure I was alright again." The year at the Illyrian Camp had made her realize that. And the morning she found out about the bond. . she didn’t mind it, to be with him for the rest of her life. There were tears streaming down his cheeks now, and she could feel them on hers too. Nesta wiped it away with her thumbs before saying, "I want to have this. To be your mate, for the rest of my godforsaken immortal life." He smiled at that and leaned closer, his lips brushing hers. 

"Can I?" She only nodded, unable to form the words. 

Cassian pressed his lips softly against hers. Her hand quickly moved to his hair, fingers tangling itself within it, but their kiss remained slow and passionate. Not like the kind she had gotten from Tomas or her other Fae flings—all of those had been filled with hunger. 

And Cassian, despite his rough hewn features and hulking size, kissed her with such love. He pulled her up, into his lap, trailing his kisses down her neck and over her collarbone.  Nesta was getting into it when she coughed out, “Cassian, do you want to do it here?”

The warmth from his lips left her neck at breakneck speed and he looked right at her, weighing her request. He started grinning when he realized that yes, Nesta was implying what he thought it was.

He angled her on his lap and stood, her legs wrapping around his waist. Cassian planted his arms under her ass to support her. He gave it a squeeze while nuzzling her neck, walking towards the shelves. “I have been dying to hold this for a long, long time,” he said, voice filled with desire. Nesta just pulled his head closer, enjoying the feel of his lips against her throat.

Nesta felt one of the shelves pushing against her back, her already core heating up from feeling Cassian’s hardening length. He was still working on her neck, as if he knew that it was her soft spot. His kisses on her neck had gone more insistent, and she could feel there were bruises blooming around it. 

Cassian really was marking his territory on her. Not that she didn’t like it.

Nesta began to unlace her leathers and threw it down, suddenly feeling hot in the library. She untied the bindings around her breasts, feeling them come free and the weight of it setting in. Cassian just watched, drinking in the sight before him. She was in the midst of unbuttoning his leathers while avoiding his wings when his lips circled around her nipple.

She had a stifle a moan when his tongue started swirling around the peaking bud, his teeth grazing the sensitive area. His right hand had moved from her ass to her right breast, squeezing and tugging, not entirely fitting into his large hand. Nesta concentrated on his buttons while he teased her, until she remembered the sensitivity of an Illyrian’s wings. She knew that they were untouchable, but. . .

Cassian groaned against her when she dragged a finger at the membrane beneath one of the talons, his wings flaring slightly. She could feel him getting harder and knew it wouldn’t be any more longer for him to claim her. He loosed out a breath and said, “That’s how you wanna play?”

If what he was doing to her hadn’t turned her on, the gruffness in his voice certainly did. 

Nesta was about to give a smart comeback when he pressed into her, pushing her into the shelves harder. She could feel the corners of some books digging into her back, but she couldn’t concentrate on the pain as she watched him untie her pants, balancing her enough to get it past her ass and to her mid thighs. He stepped back, placing a small distance between them, her warm core suddenly greeted by the cold air. Nesta could not process anything, not as Cassian propped one leg on the shelf, Nesta balancing on his knee, placed two of his fingers in his mouth, took them out and positioned it at her core. He teased and pulled at her folds, his eyes monitoring where his fingers were running on.

Nesta turned her eyes towards his face, and he slowly dragged his gaze up to her. He looked at her, and whispered, “I love you,” before he plunged his fingers into her.

Nesta gasped and her hands reached to the bookshelf behind her, gripping it with such intensity that she knew her knuckles were white. But she couldn’t let go, not when Cassian was pumping his fingers into her, his mouth lazily planting kisses on her neck. Her eyes fluttered shut and she tried, she really did, to focus on the three words he had uttered, but Cauldron, if he could already make her act this way with only his fingers, what would his tongue and cock do?

Her legs began to shake around his waist, her body begging for release. She was about to ride it out, not caring that his fingers were still in her, when he pulled it out. Nesta’s eyes snapped open, her mouth prepared to snarl at Cassian for taking away those godly fingers, when she felt his tip at her entrance. In her pleasured state, she had not realized that his other hand had untied his own pants.

And there he was, stroking his own, glorious length, his fingers glistening with her essence.

He had pushed her up a little higher unknowingly to her, both feet planted at the ground again, and had already found a direct way for him to get inside of her, past her pants still at her mid thigh. Nesta cupped Cassian’s face in her hands, pulling him closer, his tip brushing her opening, hands going to her ass again. He looked at her quizzically, as if waiting for her to say something.

Nesta only looked into those expressive, chocolate eyes, and said, “I love you.”

As if Cassian had waited for those words, he pressed his lips to her and drove his cock in, hitting home. She moaned against his mouth, her hands moving to his hair while adjusting to his length and size.

This was nothing like those lesser Faeries and Fae had.

Cassian pulled out and started thrusting, slowly but deeply, eliciting moans from her. He didn’t even look bothered that her pants were in the way, only watching as he entered her, again and again, each time coming out wetter than before, thanks to her. 

Nesta could see it in her mind now—the bond was shining clearly, the doorway to him wide open. She could feel his emotions and the rawness in it, the love and passion pouring from him.

She drank in those emotions as he thrusted into her and out, sweat dripping down to his brow. Cassian picked up the pace, as if he couldn’t get enough of her, one hand moving to hold the shelf behind her. Nesta knew she was closer than he was, given that he had a head start with those fingers, but she didn’t want to go without him.

With this bond, she didn’t want to go anywhere without him. So she decided to even the playing field. 

“Cass,” she breathed out, “I’m close, I’m close.”

He was grunting now, fucking her as hard as he can, but gentle enough so she won’t feel the pain of the shelves in her back. He only nodded, a few drops of his sweat dripping onto her bare breasts. 

Nesta could feel her climax rolling out, and traced a finger onto the wings of an unsuspecting Cassian. His eyes widened and he groaned, slamming into the hilt and Nesta moaned, unable to hold it in as she orgasmed. A few books from the shelf behind her fell as his hand pushed into the bookshelf, steadying himself as he came in her.

They stayed in that position for a while, until Cassian said, “You cheated.” 

Nesta laughed, and reached towards his wings again, but his hand moved fast enough to grip her wrist. He pulled it towards him and kissed the inside of it softly, before setting it down. He hoisted her up to pull himself out of her, her juice leaking down the floor, undoubtedly mixed with his.

“Look, you made a mess,” Nesta observed.

He gave her an incredulous look and said, “Hey, don’t blame me. It’s on the both of us.” She just hummed, turning away while pulling her pants up when he slapped her ass. Nesta turned her head sharply towards a grinning Cassian and noticed that he was stroking his cock. Again.

“No. No no no, I want to be able to walk out of here,” Nesta said, while walking backwards and trying to pull her pants up. Why the fuck must the leathers be so tight?

Cassian only walked towards her and it was then she realized he was intentionally directing her to the table. “Not a chance, sweetheart.”

The back of her legs hit the table and she could do nothing as she watched him approach her, taking his shirt off. His tattoos were stark against his tan skin, and she couldn’t help but admire them, like she always did at her time in the camps. He leaned down to kiss her nose and said, “Say it again,” as he gripped her waist and turned her around, slowly. She knew what he wanted to hear.

“I love you,” she whimpered, her palms going onto the table. 

He pulled her pants down slowly and she wiggled out of it. “Again,” he repeated, angling his cock at her entrance. Cauldron, she wanted to be fucked by him again.

“I love you.”

He pressed kisses down her neck, onto the lovebites he had given earlier, his hands stroking her back. “And I am in love with you. Until the end of this life,” he was saying against her back, planting kisses between each word.

And into the next, she heard his voice, clear as daylight, in her head and through the bond, before he fucked her from behind.

She hoped her youngest sister and her mate wouldn’t mind the scratches she left on their library table from their love-making.

Taglist: @harmonyindark245​ @sayosdreams​ @pompinara​ @iceprincessviviane​ @catchdreamstomorrow​ @sarcasticsashimi​ and tagging @bookstantrash​ because I woke up a few hours ago to someone begging for the 4th chapter hehe <3

[ourloveisforthelovely]

The Fall 4

Harry Potter AU

Pairings: Sirius Black x Reader 

Link to Chapter 3

Rating: M

_______

“Y/n, don’t do it. She isn’t worth it.”

Sirius said carefully as he followed you through Kings Cross. All he could see was the disaster waiting to happen!

“She needs to hear it! She is a horrible toad of a woman and has personally offended me.”

Sirius glanced over his shoulder at James, who looked as nervous as he did. All he could see was your little 5’3 self storming up to his intimidating mother and telling her exactly what you thought of her! Sirius was ready to grab you, if need be, and vanish. Between James and himself, they could get you away before the sparks started flying.

The moment Walburga Black came into view, Sirius was pleading with you to just go another direction. He also knew telling you not to do something worked about as well as baptizing a cat. Once that you had something in your head, he needed to be ready to pick up the pieces. Typically Sirius didn’t mind. He was always ready to scoop you out of whatever mess your feisty temper got you into, however, his mother was another story.

“Mrs. Black?”

Walburga knew who you were. Y/n Potter was no secret to the Black family. Walburga knew that you had been with her son for over 2 years now and was probably part of the reason he went around the twist.

“What do you want, child? Haven’t you ruined my life and family enough?”

Walburga said, rolling her eyes. You didn't back down as so many people did when Walburga’s cold eyes fell on them.

“No, you’re done that yourself. How dare you hurt Sirius the way you have! You should be ashamed of yourself for being an abusive cold monster!”

Sirius quickly wrapped his arms around your waist. If Walburga cared for him at all, she wouldn't attack you while in his arms. Sure, it was a long shot but he couldn’t risk you being harmed.

“Stay out of things that you don’t understand. Sirius is no son of mine.”

You were trembling in Sirius’ arms as he hissed at you to calm down.

“I totally understand that you are a psychopath and I am thrilled that I won’t have to deal with you as my mother in law! You don’t have to worry about your son. I’ll give him the love that he deserves and that you are incapable of giving…”

Sirius’ eyes snapped open. He hadn’t had that dream in a long time. It seemed since Harry and yourself arrived a few days before; you were not leaving Sirius’ mind at all.

When Sirius tried to move, he became aware that he wasn’t alone. Looking down quickly, his mouth dropped seeing you draped across him. Your face was snuggled against his shoulder while your left arm was thrown across his chest.

“What did I do last night?”

Sirius thought as he tried to think about the previous evening. The conversation with you slowly replayed through his mind.

“You can kiss me all you want tomorrow.”

If you wanted nothing to do with him that would be one weird statement to make. Sirius slowly turned on his side before you wiggled right back against his chest. He slowly reached down and stroked his finger over your cheek.

Your hazel eyes fluttered open slowly. To Sirius’ relief, you didn’t jump and try to bolt from the room. Instead, you actually smiled at him. It had to be the most beautiful smile that he had seen in a long time too!

“I would ask what we did last night but we both have clothes on.”

Sirius said with a small grin. You smiled again.

“You were super drunk and arguing with your mother’s picture. Me getting in bed to cuddle you was the only thing that would shut you up.

Sirius rolled his eyes. That sounded like himself!

“You know that I’m a needy drunk. Does that promise of getting to kiss you anytime I want still stand?”

He was surprised when you leaned forward and pushed your lips to his. Sirius wanted to kiss you longer. When you pulled away, it took all he had not to protest.

“That should answer your question”

You replied with a shy smile.

“What changed your mind?”

Sirius asked out of curiosity. The day before, you were adamant that you would not take him back now you were in his bed offering kisses. Your hazel eyes rolled back to his.

“I don’t want to hold onto the bad parts of our past anymore. You’re here...I’m here. It's the way things are supposed to be.”

“Y/n, about what you told me...the way I acted...you didn’t deserve that. I’m sorry that you had to go through all of that alone. I should have stayed home that morning that I went after Peter like you asked. I was so angry…”

Sirius knew that he should have said more but the pounding in his head made finding all of the right words difficult. He was relieved when you seemed pleased with his apologies.

“I was angry that day too. Not at you, but at Peter. I also knew that there was no sense in arguing with you that morning. I knew that you were going to kill him and as bad as it sounds…I didn’t mind. I’m sorry that I bought into the whole narrative that you spread around. I know you better than that. I can’t even give you an excuse…”

Sirius shook his head.

“I don’t need one. Love, we were young. It was so easy to buy into anything in those days. You had just lost your parents then James and Lily...you were grieving and not in the right state. When I got out of Azkaban, I wanted to come to you right away! I wanted to come to you and just see your beautiful face...but I couldn’t. I didn’t want to risk you being harmed and at the time I had no way to care for you the way that I am supposed to.”

You pressed your lips together feeling the tears beginning to well up again

“I think that was one reason why I have been so hostile. I was hurt that you didn’t come after me. I thought that you didn’t care.”

Sirius frowned before reaching out, wiping some of the tears away from your cheeks.

“Didn’t care? Sweetheart, I cared very much. I wanted to make sure that I had some way to take care of you properly...be the husband that you deserved.I also wanted to get my hands on Pettigrew. That kind of went to hell though.”

You smiled. Sirius had grown up! When all of this had happened, he was still your rebel bad boy. You had been the responsible one in the relationship while Sirius was still “having fun.”

You reached out kissing him again.

“Sirius, I want you to listen to me. We are going to get him. He’s going to suffer for what he did and you’ll truly be a free man.”

You let your lips linger near his as you spoke. Sirius’ dark eyes locked with yours. This was the first time that he really resembled the man that you loved so much. He could drive you crazy but you had missed that smile!

“As long as you know that I am innocent that is enough for me now.”

Sirius pulled you into the first long meaningful kiss that the two of you had shared in a long time. You winced when Sirius’ hand closed around your injured one. Sirius quickly snapped his eyes open and looked down at your bandaged hand.

“What happened?”

You shrugged.

“I kind of got hit with a curse. You should see the other guy. He definitely came off worse.”

Sirius shook his head.

“We’ll need to get something on it. I mean it when I said that I can take care of Harry and yourself. You don’t have to keep putting yourself in danger.”

You slowly sat up enough to straddle his lap.

“I have been putting myself in danger since we were kids. It's hard to turn that off, love.”

Sirius had to admit that you were right. Both of you had a habit of getting into dangerous hobbies and activities.

“At least think about it.I don’t want to lose you when I’ve just gotten you back.”

You smiled as he leaned down for another kiss.

“So when does the horny boy that used to make me late for class show up?”

Sirius chuckled.

“I suppose the same could be said for the girl that wanted it as much as I did. You’re such a pain in my dick and ass.”

You pushed Sirius on his back before leaning down.

“That’s why you are crazy about me.”

You quickly got out of bed leaving Sirius booking after you with a lust-filled expression. He lit a cigarette before leaning back.

“Your dirty boy is right here. You are the one that got up. I’ve still got it.”

You smirked.

“Oh darling, I’m sure you do but your godson is probably awake now. He goes back to school in a day. I think that you can keep it in your pants until then”

Sirius inhaled before standing up.

“Doesn't mean that I can’t kiss you all that I want. You promised me after all…”

He gave you that cocky little girl that melted your heart. Sirius knew how to use his looks to his advantage with you and clearly that didn’t change.

“Want to go piss my mother’s painting off a bit?”

You didn’t know exactly what he had planned but the idea was tempting. Even though the painting would just screech like a banshee maybe Walburga burning down in hell would get the message.

“Sirius Black, what are you doing?

He gave you an eyebrow wiggle before taking your hand and leading you down the hallway.

You could hear Walburga screaming as the two of you walked down the stairs. Sirius smirked as he moved the curtains away from the portrait. The moment that Walburga saw Sirius she started her whole your no son of mine and blood traitor lines. Sirius glanced back at you before holding out a hand.

“Mum, want to watch something?

Sirius quickly pulled you to him before titling you backward in some 1950’s style kiss. Walburga’s eyes almost popped out of her head as she started screeching louder and louder.

“This painting is getting out of control…”

Remus’ voice came from the kitchen and stopped the moment that he walked to the living room seeing you in Sirius’ arms. This was the last thing that he was expecting! The night before the two of you were barely talking now you were both kissing like the world was ending!

“I see the two of you are doing much better.”

Sirius almost dropped you hearing Remus’ voice for the first time He was in a world totally of his own. Sirius quickly lifted you back up before meeting his friend’s gaze.

“Yeah, Moony it sure looks that way.”

Remus sighed. Something told him that this was going to end badly. While part of him was more than happy to see his best friends back together; the sensible side said this needed to be approached slowly. Judging by the fact the two of you were making out in front of \Walburga’s photo so quickly...slow most likely wasn’t going to happen!

“Y/n, can I talk to Sirius alone for a moment?”

You glanced between the two knowing that this wasn’t going to be pretty.

“Remus, I think that I should stay...to moderate whatever is about to happen.”

Sirius patted your bottom before shaking his head.

“It's alright, love. Nothing is going to happen. I'll be in there with you shortly.”

You carefully looked between the two once more before turning and walking into the kitchen.

Sirius waited until you were out of the room before turning back to Remus.

“What?”

Remus sighed, shaking his head.

“The two of you need to slow down.”

Sirius rolled his eyes before lighting another cigarette.

“Remus, calm down and take off your mum apron. You act like Y/n and I have never been together. What is so wrong with the two of us wanting to be happy, huh?”

Remus crossed his arms over his chest.

“Nothing is wrong with it...I just think the two of you need to slow this down. The two of you aren’t the kids that you used to be.”

Sirius glanced over his shoulder.

“Y/n and I will be just fine. We were before and we will…”

Remus nodded.

“That’s right….before. You have both changed a lot from when the two of you were together last.”

Sirius rolled his eyes. What was Remus getting at? Where was this sudden hostility coming from?

“Remus, stay out of it.”

Sirius turned to walk after you. Remus was silent for a moment before deciding that he needed to speak up.

“And if she gets pregnant again? What happens if you get caught and hauled back to Azkaban? Are you really waiting to risk making Y/n a potential single mother again because you can’t keep your hands off of her? Sirius, I knew that she was pregnant before. She didn’t have to tell me. I figured it out and had to watch her suffer. I am sick of playing the dumb guy that is clueless to everything. Having another child won’t replace the one that was lost.”

Sirius was silent for a moment before turning back to his friend.

“Then don’t be the dumb guy.”

Sirius turned and left Remus alone in the living room with only Walburga Black’s screeching voice with company.

____

@lilulo-12

@hawkeyeharrington

@brokencasbutt67-writer

@authoressskr

@fandom-trash-worth-it

@hankypranky

@summer-novak

@shaylybaby2032

@shadows-and-padlocked-hearts

@untoldshortsofthefandoms

@shitfaceddaniel

@stuckinsaudi1

@mycuddlycorner

@sprnaturallover

@li0nh34rt

@wontlookaway

@marichromatic

@maggiolim

@emiwrites3reads

@knight-of-gleefulness

@deanwherescas

[ghostinthebau]

GhostInTheBAU’s Fic Masterlist - Criminal Minds, Teen Wolf, Lucifer, and Iron Dad

One Call Away series - Criminal Minds

One Call Away 

Spencer Reid/OMC, Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid endgame, 203k words, 32 chapters.

Summary - When Reid's boyfriend attacks him, leaving him broken and bleeding, he calls the first person he thinks of for help. 

He calls the only person he really wants to see. 

He calls Hotch.

Warnings for graphic violence, domestic violence, non-con.

A slow burn recovery/healing fic that has it all: hurt/comfort, angst, fluff, sex, and a happy ending. It’s my pride and joy, to be honest.  :)

Unsteady

Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, 8.3k words, one shot.

Summary - Spencer feels himself beginning to spiral after the case in Texas, and receiving a subpoena in the mail did nothing to ease his anxiety. He knows he needs help, so he asks Aaron to take him to his first victim support meeting with Carlyle Boone and the Finding Solace group. But will he be able to face the man who reminds him so much of his living nightmare, or will he crumble under all the pressure?

One thing is certain: Aaron will be there for him every step of the way.

Warnings for graphic violence, domestic violence, non-con.

The Honor if Stargazing

Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, 9.1k words, one shot.

Summary - Aaron takes Spencer out on their first date—a true and proper date—and shows the genius exactly how he should be treated.

Warnings for mild PTSD symptoms.

Rise

Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, 6.1k words, one shot.

Summary - It's been nearly a year since that painful morning when he'd called Hotch, asking his boss for help after waking up in a pool of his own blood; and now that the trial is over and the jury has deliberated, Spencer Reid will finally learn the fate of Parker Simmons, the man who brutally attacked him, raped him, and tried to break him.

Warnings for graphic violence, domestic violence, non-con.

The final installment of the series.

All Night Long On My Bed series - Criminal Minds, Teen Wolf, Lucifer

***** THESE ARE ALL STAND ALONE PORN WITHOUT PLOTS *****

A Virgin, You Say?

Criminal Minds, Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, 3.6k words, one shot.  

Summary - “I’ve heard rumors floating around the bullpen lately. People say you’re still a virgin.”

“Maybe you can help me with that….Daddy.”

Under the Pale Moonlight

Criminal Minds, Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, 5k words, one shot.

Summary - "Spencer, Love, if you keep teasing me like this I'm just gonna take what I want from you and you won't get to play."

"Oh, please Aaron....do you promise?"

The Genius and the Morning Star

Criminal Minds/Lucifer, Spencer Reid/Lucifer Morningstar, 5k words, one shot.

Summary - “Do you want me to take you right here, Angel?”

“Yes, please. Show me what the devil can do….”

All of Me

Criminal Minds, Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, 7.1k words, one shot.

Summary - “I wish you could see yourself right now....”

“Do you like what you see, Aaron? You want me like this, don't you? I think you want me helpless and spread out just for you....”

“Only for me.”

Better Than Fiction

Criminal Minds,  Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, 4.3k words, one shot.

Summary - "....W-What?" he gasped, his eyes quickly scanning the words in front of him. "It, it can't be," he shook his head in disbelief, mumbling under his breath, "Is this....is this porn?!? Did Garcia write porn....about me?!?"

Penelope Garcia has a naughty little hobby, and Reid's lucky enough to stumble upon it.

He and Hotch may never be the same again.

Working Lunch

Criminal Minds, Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, 5.4k words, one shot.  

Summary - “Tell me what you want. Would you like me to make it hurt more?”

“Y-Yes....please, Aaron, more....I want so much more. I—I want it all....”

“Oh come now....I know you can do better than that. Beg me for it.”

Or....

The one where Aaron and Spencer decide to stay in for lunch.

His Boy

Teen Wolf, Stiles Stilinski/Derek Hale, 2.2k words, one shot. 

Summary - “Come on, Big Bad,” he purred, voice lilting, teasing, taunting, “Is this really all you got? The best you can do? Everything you can give me? Hm?”  

Derek went stone-cold rigid at the provocation, his Wolf clawing at him, snapping just below the surface of his skin, itching to be released, longing to show this boy—his boy—exactly where he belonged.

“Because, silly me, I thought you were supposed to be something scary,” Stiles continued, “Something cold and deadly—violent and dreadful and feared.” A huff of laughter leapt off his sharp-wit tongue; and a smirk danced shrill and cunning through the flow of his sultry voice. “Hell baby, I thought you were supposed to be a fuckin’ Wolf.”

And that was it.

That was the end of Derek’s self-control.

In the Mourning series - Criminal Minds

This House

Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, 2.7k words, one shot.

Summary - He was gone, and he wasn’t coming back.

He was never coming back.

The love of his life had left him, and it had completely shattered his heart….

Warnings for major character death, angst.

Immeasurable Joy

Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, 6.3k words, one shot.

Summary -  It's Spencer's first Valentine's Day since Aaron's death, and he finds himself alone in the house he'd shared with his lover.

Warnings for major character death.

Sex Sent Me to the ER (no, seriously) - Sterek (Teen Wolf)

Teen Wolf, Stiles Stilinski/Derek Hale, 21.2k words, 7 chapters.

Summary - “So, what’s going on tonight, Mr. Stilinski?”

“I woke up coughing.”

“Blood,” Derek cuts in, oh so helpfully, “He was coughing up blood.”

“There was a little blood,” he concedes.

-----

Stiles loses his V-Card, and it lands him in the ER.

Derek worries.

Warnings for character injury, medical procedures, a little bit of blood.

Permanent - Sterek (Teen Wolf)

Teen Wolf, Stiles Stilinski/Derek Hale, 9.7k words, 2 chapters.

Summary - One of Stiles' worst fears comes true, and in his shock he shuts himself off from the rest of the pack. But when a certain moody alpha shows up at his house, worried and a bit annoyed, he breaks down, clinging to the wolf for solace and comfort.

The sort of comfort, it seems, only Derek can provide.

Warnings for terminal illness, underage sex, angst.

For Want of a Dad (in need of a son) - Iron Dad (MCU)

Iron Dad, Peter Parker and Tony Stark, 24.9k words, 7 chapters.

Summary - Peter longs to have a deeper relationship with his mentor, a more meaningful connection; but he's managed to convince himself that the only reason Tony Stark spends any time with him at all is purely because of his enhancement.

Because of Spider-Man.

Warnings for violence, character injury, blood, angst.

Angels on the Moon

Criminal Minds, Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, 8k words, one shot.

Summary - “I'm fine, Aaron,” Spencer reassured, turning his hand over and threading their fingers together, “Besides, it's not time yet. I don't wanna go until....”

“Until we see the sunset,” he finished for him.

Reid softly chuckled, “Yeah. I just don't wanna miss any of it.”

Warnings for major character death, angst.

In the Sky of a Million Stars

Criminal Minds, Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, 12k words, 3 chapters.

Summary - “It helps.”

The words startled him into silence; and the new voice had his head snapping up, eyes wide, frantically searching the shadows until they landed on a shaggy mop of messy blond hair. Familiar blue eyes stared back at him, and the man they belonged to smiled softly, knowingly. “What?” he asked, wiping at the tears obscuring his vision, “What....what helps?”

“The bullet,” Tobias quickly answered, “It helps to quiet the voices.”

Warnings for mental illness, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts.

Who Let the Genie Out of the Bottle?

Criminal Minds, Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, 6.2k words, one shot.

Summary - Aaron Hotchner has had a rough few months, what with his wife leaving him and having to move into a new apartment. He just wants to spend a quiet weekend at home alone.

What he gets is something so much better….

His Familiar Reality

Criminal Minds, Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, 1.9k words, one shot.

Summary - He's stopped sweating altogether now. That's probably the most worrisome issue at the moment. Heat stroke has definitely arrived. And as if he wasn't suffering enough, his mind begins to mock him, running through everything he should be doing in order to not die.

Warnings for mental illness, hallucinations.

How an Angel Dies

Criminal Minds, one-sided Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, 8.9k words, one shot.

Summary - “Spencer, I'll give you one warning, and I want you to listen very carefully. Don't struggle, don't scream, and most importantly, don't try to run.” He stared down into wide, hazel eyes, misty with unshed tears, and allowed his voice to soften slightly, “This will be far less pleasant for you if you fight me, Sweetheart. Do you understand?”

Warnings for graphic violence, abduction, non-con, mental instability.

Finding Solace

Criminal Minds, Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, 13.6k words, 8 chapters.

Summary -  After the Mr. Scratch case, Aaron's having trouble coming to terms with what he saw while drugged. He can't get the sight of Spencer Reid lying dead on the ground out of his head. Will his downward spiral lead to dire consequences for those he holds most dear, or will he be able to pick up the pieces and turn his life around?

Warnings for non-con, drug use, major character death.

My very first fic, and it really shows!  Eeeek!

Fright Night

Criminal Minds, Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, Remy LeBeau/Spencer Reid, 17.1k words, 4 chapters.

Summary - He’s a hunter, and this boy with the golden brown curls and brilliant hazel eyes is his prey. It’s fate, and it’s love….and it’s forever.

Warnings for graphic violence, vampires, blood drinking, mental coercion, abduction.

Call Me Spencer

Criminal Minds, one sided Spencer Reid/Aaron Hotchner, 17.9k words, 6 chapters.

Summary - Spencer Reid has a crush on Aaron Hotchner. He knows his boss feels the same way. When Spencer gets Aaron alone, he may never let him go….

Warnings for graphic violence, mental instability, captivity, non-con.

Another of my first fics.  Double eeeek!

[onceuponanaromantic]

A Match Made in Hell (i.e. hellverse)

i mostly just want to talk about the characters in hellverse esp the main group because i love them and they’re all such idiots.

Hellverse is basically an urban fantasy story set in a similar-but-not-quite Singapore and the key premise is they need to get to a wedding held in hell for someone who’s supposed to have died 3 years ago.

So :> the group of idiots includes:

Chen Liyan (陈丽炎) (psst @a-blue-hoodie)

- studying in university as a biochem major and a Proper ScientistTM

- An Actual Proper Scientist Thank You who Knows What She Is Doing (she doesn’t)

- bi demigirl human

- tries to get the nonhumans to pay rent when they live with her

- 3 days later has to put in the stipulation that all the money has to be legally acquired

- 1 day later that the money cannot be in 10 cent coins good god

Autumn Qiu

- lol her name literally translates to qiu qiu like cos autumn in chinese is 秋 and the surname qiu is 丘

- Bi Cis Artist human

- constantly suffering from battery dying stupidly fast and slow wifi

- ‘is there a charging port in hell please say yes’

- does art commissions to fund their bullshit journey trying to get into hell

- does some really dubious shit in the name of Art and has to explain that to her neighbours

- at least they never question like caihong, phoenix or seph wandering around

- or actually hazel tbh but hazel is nice and not a hell disaster like the above

Caihong (彩虹）

- name literally translates to rainbow

- according to @a-blue-hoodie, has big crowley energy and blue’s not wrong tbh

- forgot his gender at some point but uses he/him for convenience, functionally agender

- snake shapeshifter

- as in can transform into snakes but may or may not transform into a human when shocked

- does not Think Things Through

- actual dumbass

- he really likes snakes and knows an almost ridiculous amount about different species

- phoenix and him joke abt it but like one time he was in this old lady’s flat and like she screamed when she saw him and he transformed and screamed and the old lady had a heart attack and died. so now both phoenix and him just have a running joke when caihong does stupid shit like ‘at least no one died this time’

Phoenix

- looks legit until you actually talk to her for a while and know her

- stays and goes everywhere with caihong

- same situation as caihong as in she forgot her gender at one point but uses she/her for comfort

- will go from legit to crack like in an instant and crack to legit again like a goddamn switch on a wall

- bird shapeshifter

- technically like any bird but she prefers sparrows and pigeons because they’re common enough

- cares a goddamn lot abt caihong and he for her and theyre like siblings

- ‘sir, that’s my emotional support dumbass’ yeah that them

- (is actually worse at impulse control than caihong but like u don’t see it that often cos caihong is ard like literally all the time)

Seraphim Quek or as she prefers ‘Seph’

- disaster bi vampire

- that’s it that’s like the entirety of her

- Can Not Get A Date

- lowkey has a crush on hazel

- has zero impulse control

- slept through her orientation as a vampire becos she thought a three month long nap was a good idea

- uses vampire skills for a) drinking games b) intimidating assholes at the gym c) being lazy like she jumps off 2 stories just cos she doesn’t wanna take the stairs and scares the ever living fuck out of phoenix, liyan and autumn

Hazel Xu

- sweet soft summer child

- dead

- is a ghost who has no clue how she got onto the living plain again and has No Clue how to go to hell

- permanently confused

- does Not Understand Seph’s crush induced flailing

- lowkey demiro ace

- hazel’s a sweetheart okay

- her way of getting money was to move ouijia boards and demand the medium gave her a cut of the profit

- accidentally scares the ever living fuck out of people when she doesn’t mean it

that it

also

the two beings getting married are both idiots cos they forgot to put like how to actually get to hell in the invitation becos they’re bad at planning okay.

[toastyborg]

When Fates Collide

Chapter 1: Hush Little Baby

Rating: M

Warnings: None (will be in later chapters)

Additional Tags: Villain!AU, Soulmates!au, Child!Saitama, Child!Genos, Angst, Fluff, Drama, Tragedy, Villain Saitama, Hero Genos, Blood and Gore, Minor Character Deaths

Summary: Life had been so good for them in their younger years, but all it took was one event in life to make them choose different paths to one another.

Saitama never used to be bad. And maybe he doesn't want to be bad anymore. But who on earth would want to try and get the strongest villain alive to change after suffering such a tragedy?

————————————–—

-20 years ago-

It was warm, the faint whirring of a small fan filled the living room space downstairs where a husband and wife sat together on the couch. Despite it being late evening, it was still extremely humid. A bead of sweat rolled down the males forehead, sighing in discomfort.

As they were watching a game show on television, the heartbreaking sounds of a young child sobbing and sniffling were heard from upstairs in the family home.

“I’ll go see to him, dear”.

The mother of the little boy got up from her seat beside her husband and hurried up the steps to her son’s room. The brunette gently peered at her child around the open door before stepping in.

“Saitama, baby, what’s the matter darling?”.

She padded over to his bed and sat down at his side. Lifting him from his bed covers, she then placed him gently on her lap, hugging him close, rocking him. She hated seeing her son so upset. Just seeing him cry made her want to cry too, feeling him tremble in her arms. The male sniffled again as he tried to talk, tears still rolling down his slightly plump cheeks.

“Mama, my countdown still hasn’t started… Is it broken? Or do I not get to have a soulmate?”.

Having just put her five year old son into bed minutes ago, the question had come rather unexpectedly to the young woman. What had made him think of it? He had asked the same question before, but the answers never seemed to appease him.

Her hazel coloured eyes glanced upon his small wrist. True enough, the countdown still read the same as the day he had been born.

–:–:–/–:–:–

She lightly took his wrist into her hand, lifting it gently, leaning her head down to meet it half way, pressing a kiss to where the numbers would be.

“I’m sure it will start soon, dear. It just means your soulmate hasn’t been born yet. Big age gaps aren’t too uncommon so there’s nothing to worry about. Your father had to wait 4 years before he saw his counter start because I’m 4 years younger than he is”.

The little male looked up at his mother through his black bangs with shimmering brown eyes, eyelashes dark and thick with tears.

“What do each of the marks mean again?”.

“The first 3 are years, months and days, then you have hours, minutes and seconds. It’s accurate right down to the second. Once you see your soulmate, you’ll never want to lose them. You’ll love them with every ounce of your heart, just like how daddy and I love each other”.

A big bright smile grew on the boys face. He was excited to meet his soulmate. With his mother talking about love, it made him giggle.

“I hope I don’t have to wait too long to meet them. I’m gonna protect them and take real good care of them, just like how daddy does for you. I’ll be the best soulmate ever!”.

She placed her hand on his head, stroking her son’s hair affectionately before lifting him to her chest and pecking his nose, a beautiful smile at her lips.

“Sweetie, you’ll be such a wonderful soulmate. You’ll make them very happy, I know you will. I love you so very much”.

Saitama wrapped his arms around his mothers neck, nuzzling and hugging her tight. He would definitely do his best.

“I love you too, mama”.

——————————–

-19 years ago-

“Mama! Mama!”.

The little boy scrambled up from playing in the sand pit, dusting off tiny particles from his bare knees and shorts. Now 6 years of age, little Saitama panted as he dashed from the play area and over to the bench that his mother was sat on.

She heard her son calling for her as she spoke to a friend who was seated beside her on the park bench. The two females stopped their chit chat and looked up as Saitama approached them.

The little boy came to a halt at his mothers side, tugging on the hem of her skirt excitedly, a huge bright smile beaming.

“What ever’s the matter, sweetheart?”.

“Look! My wrist started tingling, and when I looked, the numbers appeared!”.

He thrust his arm out towards her to show her his countdown. Both women leaned in to take a closer look. His mother could feel herself smiling wider as she watched the numbers ticking down.

19:3:22/2:18:44

Excitement swelled within her chest, happy for her little boy.

“Then that means your soulmate was just born! You’re 6 years older than them, Saitama, that’s so cute! Well, your official countdown has begun, dear. You get to meet your soulmate in 19 years, 3 months and 22 days, in 2 hours, 18 minutes and 9, 8, 7 seconds!”.

She was terribly thrilled for her son, to see that his soulmate had just been born. It meant that someone was finally out there for him.

“They’ll have the exact same numbers on as you, so they’ll get to watch it count down with you somewhere. Oh Saitama, I’m so pleased for you darling! We’ll have to show your father when he gets home later and celebrate! Hmm, you’ll be around 25 years old when you two meet. That’s a good age. Your school work won’t get interrupted. I can’t wait to see them! I bet they’ll be perfect”.

“Yeah! I’ll have to write their birthday down so that I know when I meet them to take them a present as well! I’ll be counting down every day!”.

Seeing her little boy this happy about finally having a soulmate really made her day. She couldn’t wait to tell her husband. They could rest easy that someone was now out there, just waiting for him to enter their life and vice versa. Saitama would get his happy ending.

[iwillwakeherinthemorning]

All the hidden love beneath

Pairing: Leonard McCoy/Reader

Description: Unrequited love, grumpy Len, angst Part 2

A/N: 1. I posted a few days ago that I really liked the song “All the Pretty Girls” by Kaleo. This is my response to it. I don’t know I just felt a really strong connection between the song and Len. 2. I like the idea that no one but Jim calls our grumpy doctor, Bones so he will be called Len, Leonard, or Dr. McCoy for this unless Jim is in the scene. 3. This is only part one so I’ll probably have part two up this weekend. Thank you! :) Also! Please be kind… this is the first time I’ve tried to write anything that isn’t poetry.

Prologue:

All the pretty girls like Samuel Oh he really doesn’t share Though it’s more than he can handle Life is anything but fair, life is anything but fair

The first time Leonard McCoy sees you, you’re both sixteen. The first thing that runs through his mind is “Jesus Christ! This girl is gorgeous” It only takes him seconds to commit your beauty to memory. Permanently engrained like a tattoo on his subconscious. 

The feeling of euphoria only lasts for a second or two as he moves his line of sight by one degree and feels deflated. Angry even. Because fuck you’re standing next to his best friend and the schools resident play boy, Samuel. The next thought that passes through his mind is that you’re new. You have to be. Because as much as he loves Sammy, and he really does, Len knows that he’s wooed literally every girl in the county.  “She can’t possibly know.” he says to himself. He knows already by the way you carry yourself that you wouldn’t fall for his best friends tricks were you any the wiser. His suspicions are confirmed moments later when Sammy claps him on the back. 

“Len? Dude! Earth to Leonard!” Sammy shouts knocking Leonard out of his reverie.

“What?” Leonard asks. Still slightly dazed. Looking up at his friend he suddenly realizes that their are people talking to him. “Oh hey, man! Sorry, guess ‘m still sleepin’.” Leonard drawls and you giggle causing him to snap his gaze over to you.

“Len, this here is Y/N Y/L/N. Y/N, this is Leonard McCoy.” Sammy introduces and Leonard is already holding out his hand to shake yours. “Len, this is Y/N’s first day. I’ve just been showing her around.”  Samuel winks conspiratorially over at Leonard. 

Just as soon as they turn older He’ll come and sweep them off their feet It’s only making me feel smaller All the hidden love beneath

After that first day you’re caught up in Samuels game and Leonards once happy demeanor around you, turns to bitter anger. And you can’t figure out why. “He seemed so sweet this morning.” You’d thought to yourself as you process the terse encounters with the hazel eyed boy.

 He isn’t angry with you though. He’s angry with Sammy. His best friend of his full sixteen years, and Leonard can’t help the seething glare that he pins Sammy with from behind for the next two years of your lives. 

After that first encounter Leonard had already fallen in love. The way his name fell off your tongue sent shivers down his spine. Leaving him wondering for the first time in his life, what it would feel like to run his fingers through your hair through fits of passion. “But its too late.” Leonard thinks to himself. “Life is anything but fair.” 

And thats the way the next two years of Leonards life roll. Watching from a distance wistfully wondering what he had done to have fate play with his heart like this. Until graduation, Leonard is mopey and short with you. You can only coax a smile out of him when the charming boy you call your boyfriend isn’t around. 

He’s finally able to escape this hell with the promises of the big city and a scholarship to the prestigious Emory University. His plan is to forget about you. To throw himself in to his studies. To become the “best damn doctor” he can. Because damnit he’s going to be happy. To move on and maybe even fall in love with someone that will love him back. And he does. He finally finds happiness. For a little while at least. 

All alone, alone again No one lends a helping hand I have waited, I have waited Takes it’s toll, one’s foolish pride How long before I see the light I have waited, I have waited for you to lay me down

17 years later… 

35 years old and Len is broken again. His wife has left him. The she-devil otherwise known as Jocelyn “took the whole damn planet in the divorce.” And what’s worse is that she’s taken his little girl with her. “Bitch.” He thinks as he’s awaiting sure death from space. 

This is his last stitch effort. His last chance to escape his miserable life. The Star Fleet medical path is his sure fire way to distract himself and if this doesn’t work well then hell, Leonard really doesn’t know what to do. 

Sail on by, sail on by for now They play naked in the water You know it’s hard, heaven knows I’ve tried But it just keeps getting harder

3 years later…

and Leonard is about to graduate for the third time in his life. And he’s praying to a God that he doesn’t believe in because he thinks that this might just be it. By this time tomorrow he will be a certified xeno-medical doctor. It took him significantly less time because he was already a doctor in the civilian world before he joined Star Fleet so he’s graduating early. Moving on with the man that has quickly become the best friend that he’s had since the one he hasn’t talked to in almost 21 years. Jim Kirk.

The cocky bastard has stood by Leonard since meeting him on the transport shuttle 3 years to the day. And now they’re moving on together. The U.S.S. Enterprise calls their name and in less than 48 hours the duo will be venturing in to the unknown. Boldly going where no man has gone before. . . or something like that. 

Fates a bitch though because try as he might, Leonards past comes back to haunt him. And this time its harder. Because now its you. 

After the Narada incident. After Jim succeeds Captain Pike and Commander Spock for the Captaincy. After Leonard assumes the role of Chief Medical Officer aboard the Enterprise they have to re-supply. New equipment, and after the lost crew has been buried, new personnel. Which means you. 

You’ve been reassigned and are now the Head Nurse aboard the Fleets newest ship. And 21 years of pain and suffering come to smack the good doctor in the face the minute he sees you. 

“Dr. McCoy, I’m Nurse Y/L/N. I’m you’re new head of nursing.” And fuck. . . if he doesn’t still recognize that sweet as sugar voice that he hasn’t heard in years. 

“Y/N… “ he all but whispers. And your head snaps up at the use of your first name from that voice that you had long ago adored. 

Oh won’t you lay me, won’t you lay me down Won’t you lay me, oh won’t you lay me down Oh Won’t you lay me, say won’t you lay me down Won’t you lay me down

Leonard grabs your hand and pulls you in to his office, much to the bewilderment of the rest of his staff. “What are you doing here?” He asks as soon as he’s shut the door. He’s reeling. How can this be? 

“Len, I… I can’t believe its you.” you say going up to him. All of a sudden as if you’ve noticed your proximity you step back a micro-meter of a step. Knowing in your mind that if you were to hop on to one of the bio-beds it would immediately begin to scream from the sheer force with which your heart is beating inside your chest. And whats more is that you know Leonard can tell. 

He looks bewildered. Like he’s seen a ghost. And suddenly you can’t look at the man with whom you fell in love with the minute you met him. So you run. Like you did the first time.

Oh I’ll wait, I’ll wait, I’ll wait, I’ll wait for you Yeah I’ll wait, I’ll wait, I’ll wait, I’ll wait for you Oh I’ll wait, I’ll wait, I’ll wait, I’ll wait for you Oh I’ll wait, I’ll wait, I’ll wait, I’ll wait for you

And Leonard doesn’t know what to do. One second you were there. In his office. In his medbay! The next you were gone. And his mind is screaming at him. “Run! Run after her!” But he can’t. His feet are glued to the floor. 

Suddenly though it’s like his feet are thinking for him and he’s sprinting after you. He can just make out your shiny locks as they disappear through the medbay doors and he’s on auto pilot. 

“Y/N! wait! Darlin’ hold on.” and you do but not before knocking in to a door that you could have sworn was not there before. And then your on the ground. And Leonard is above you seconds later. 

“Darlin’ are you okay?” He asks but your eyes are closed and you’re not responding. “Y/N! wake up sweetheart.” and again Leonard is praying to a God he doesn’t believe in to “Please let her be okay.” and he’s yelling at people around him to “give her some space damnit!” 

Again, he’s on autopilot. Carrying you as fast as his legs will allow back to medbay and laying you on a biobed. 

And then it’s a waiting game. Because your knocked out for, to Leonard, what seems like hours. Which gives Leonard the time to process all that has taken place. 

[modernbookfae]

Illyrian Bat

This is a Vampire AU Nessian story that has been in my folder for so LONG. I kept re-writing the first chapter over and over again so this is the end result. Nesta is a recently turned vampire trying to live under the radar of other vampire courts. One day in the market she feels a pull directing her to one shop in particular. And she gets more than she bargained for.

P.S. This is going to be a short story with only a few chapters with smut mixed in. Also if you are not at ease with blood and that type of thing this is a VAMPIRE story so this is your warning!

Part 1 Here     Part 2     Part 3 Here     Part 4 Here

Early morning light brightened the market square. Nesta winced at the sun’s rays before wandering to the food stalls and purchasing ingredients that were on her shopping list. She made it a point to move quickly among the throng of people that were walking the busy pathways. She couldn’t afford to linger too long or else they might discover her whereabouts.

It had been months since the defeat of Hybern and society was finally starting to return at peace. Humans and vampires were forming a more stable balance compared to what it had been in the past century. The proverbial ‘wall’ had been taken down as humans and vampires began to work alongside each other. It seemed that all was well, but Nesta’s life had been forever shattered since the day Hybern kidnapped her.     

Nesta clenched her fists. The war had brought much loss. The humanity of her and her two younger sisters was taken leaving them to become creatures that thrived in the night and with blood. Feyre had adjusted extremely well as did Elain eventually. Both were powerful in their own skills as Feyre controlled shadows and starlight while Elain was a healer and grower of vegetation.     

Nesta on the other hand was a destroyer. Lightning bent to her will and she was able to negate powers of other vampires’ glamor and mind reading.  

When the war was over Feyre, as High Lady of the Night Court, ruled beside her mate Rhysand. Elain followed her own mate back to the Spring Court where she and Lucien were living happily and adjusting to their new peaceful life. Nesta had watched her two sisters flourish in their new vampire forms. It was a struggle each day for Nesta to accept that her previous life had been stolen and she was left to pick up the shattered remains. Each shard cutting deeper wounds as she tried to piece it all back together.

The only thing that remained constant in her life was that her thoughts kept drifting back to the insufferable Army Commander. The Night Court had the best winged soldiers and followed the orders of a vampire whose main purpose in life seemed to be agitating Nesta.

Cassian’s cocky smirk was ingrained in Nesta’s mind. His deep resounding laugh and glowing hazel eyes akin to flickering embers followed her each day in memory.

But it had been months since she had last seen or heard from Cassian. In fact Nesta had fled with the rise of the dawn not long after the war ended. She couldn’t stand by in a place where she had no belonging. Her sisters moved on to better places with people who would love and protect them far better than what their human lives were. Nesta’s only main concern in life was protecting Elain and now that her younger sister had Lucien it appeared that Nesta’s role was no longer needed. The only thing that had kept Nesta in the Night Court was the promise that she would make Hybern suffer for taking away everything that Nesta had ever known.

The heat of the sun distracted Nesta from her thoughts as she stuck close to the shadows. Vampires were able to walk during the day, but it was an extremely exhausting task that left them in a vulnerable state if they remained in the sunlight. Few vampires had been known to easily withstand the burning sun and they remained in the Summer Court where light basked their territory along beaches.

Better make it home fast. No sense of staying out in the open if someone may recognize me.

Nesta walked quickly hoping that no vampire or human would recognize the eldest sister of the Night Court’s High Lady. Nesta was not inclined to be dragged into another court as a pawn or leverage. She refused to be taken advantage of and or seen as a weakling. For months now she had survived on her own in this dull city. She made sure to only drink animal blood so the blood pantry for vampires would not turn her in. Nesta was unsure if Feyre or Elain had sent out a silent search party to find her, but it was better to be safe then take chances at being discovered.

Luckily food stores had plenty of raw meat that she could use. Animal blood was described as poor in taste compared to human blood. Most of the time blood was donated to vampires in return for a Court’s protection and use of power. But some vampires still resorted to the old ways of stalking prey and killing the human afterward.

It was repulsive. Nesta had only once drunk human blood when it was offered in a goblet during dinner at Rhysand’s House of Wind with the Inner Circle. It was only a few days after her transformation leaving her in a weakened state. Nesta had been incredibly thirsty and naïve to believe that the sweet smell was anything other than wine. After one heady gulp she had admitted that it was one of the most delicious drinks she had ever tasted. 

Then Cassian had smirked and told her that she was drinking fresh type B blood from a lovely female donor he personally enjoyed drinking from as well. Nesta immediately spat out the second mouthful she was about to consume. It was a messy situation as blood went across the table and flecks of it splattered on Cassian’s hand. With ease he raised his hand to his mouth keeping eyes on Nesta while licking the blood.

“Didn’t your mother tell you not to waste your food?” Cassian quirked a brow.

Nesta shoved away from the table with enough force to send her chair careening to the floor. “How dare you give me that- that-!” Nesta tried to voice her disgust as she wiped her mouth smearing the blood across hand and cheek. At that moment she looked feral with hatred filled eyes that shone silver.

“Perhaps her mother didn’t teach her table manners either,” Mor eyed Nesta with caution wondering if the Archeron would go on a rampage.

“Don’t talk about my mother,” Nesta snarled with sharp canines. Azriel moved closer to Mor while Cassian rose with placating hands.

“I’ll get you a new cup-” Cassian motioned his hands to bring a server closer to the table.

“No,” Nesta stepped away from the table. “I refuse to drink that again.”

“Then you’ll become sick,” Cassian set his hazel eyes on her. “Vampires can’t live without blood.”

“I don’t want it,” Nesta reiterated refusing to back down.

“It’s not a matter of want sweetheart.” Cassian whisked a new goblet from a platter. You need it if you ever plan on being strong enough to defeat Hybern.”

“And I said no.” Nesta’s hands crackled with small energy. Lightning rushed in her veins wanting to be released from the prison that was her emotional walls.

It took time and perhaps Elain’s pleading was part of it, but Nesta finally agreed to drink animal blood after days going without any sustenance. She though for sure Cassian was going to make her forcibly drink it if push came to shove considering by the end of the fourth day she could barely stand. She had become paler with each passing hour and looked more like a skeleton than a healthy vampire.

Nesta could still recall Cassian’s frown each day she refused the drinks he offered. He forbid her to train and they fought constantly until she gave in and accepted the animal blood. It was foul, but Nesta felt better with each gulp. And Cassian had stood watching in the doorway making sure she drank each drop before she tossed the cup at him telling him to go lurk somewhere else like the bat he was. He laughed and unfurled his large wings. “Maybe when you’re strong enough I’ll take you for a ride around Velaris.”

“In my nightmares perhaps,” Nesta sneered and turned away from him. She failed to notice Cassian’s relieved expression when he saw color rush to her cheeks. A sign that she was regaining strength and perhaps a tad of embarrassment at his teasing words.

A barking dog jolted Nesta back to the present.

Her eyes paused momentarily on an area that sold live animals. Most were pets such as puppies or kittens, but a small handful of reptiles waited in cages as well.

Nesta had never stopped in this section before, but today she felt a pull toward the creatures. She made her way past a few puppies when the stall owner approached.

“Oh hello miss! Here to purchase a household companion?”

“I’m just looking,” Nesta immediately replied. No sense in making small talk with a person she would never see again.

“There is a lovely cat that I am sure will offer you warmth at the foot of your bed. Or perhaps a dog to greet you when you arrive home?”

Nesta ignored the man and followed the tug that brought her to a smaller iron cage with a tattered blanket covering it. Her heart pounded in anticipation with the mystery of what waited under the cloth. The tug she had felt earlier was pulling harder.

What is this feeling? Why do I have such a compelling urge to…what am I supposed to do?

Her hand slowly reached out to pull back the blanket. The sight revealed almost made Nesta drop the fabric in shock. A black furry body lay still as death. Lazily its head turned toward Nesta. Little pointed ears flicked forward and bright golden eyes looked at her.

No. It’s watching me as if it can see through me. As if this creature knows what I’m thinking past my mental walls.

Its eyes seemed to appear brighter with each passing moment it stared at Nesta. Membranous wings shifted to reveal that this was no normal mammal and Nesta took a frightened step back.

It can’t be. What are the odds that one of those things would be here?

“Ah! I see you have a penchant for rare creatures,” the vendor had followed Nesta to the cage. “Illyrian bats are not known for leaving the northern mountains, but I received this boy a couple weeks ago.”

“Why is it here?” Nesta kept her steel gaze on the bat half expecting it burst out of the cage and carry her off to one of the Courts. Although only one Court could completely control an Illyrian bat, but Nesta doubted that Rhysand and the others would let one of their precious bats be caged like this. Surely it wasn’t a trained Night Court bat, but that still left the question of how it ended this far south of the mountains.

“Well I actually purchased him from a traveller who couldn’t care for him anymore,” the vendor explained. “I had hoped to train the beastie, but he doesn’t take to well to being handled and ordered around.”

“Illyrian bats are one of the most difficult mammals to train,” Nesta sighed. Cassian had mentioned this during their combat training in the mountains. “Sorry to tell you, but you wasted money on an animal that would never accept you as its master.”

“That was what I was afraid of,” the man huffed. “Well I have to get money out of the beast somehow. He growls at any person that gets close to him and he’s snapped those fangs at me a couple times.”

Nesta almost shivered at the thought of those sharp canines. Instead she shrugged. This wasn’t her problem and she sure as hell couldn’t spend money on a bat that obviously wasn’t to keen on going to a new home. Still she felt something flutter inside her that prevented her from leaving him.

“Oi! Look at that!” A booming male voice said and Nesta was pushed to the side by two men who approached the bat’s cage.

The bat hissed menacingly as it watched the men move Nesta away. Luckily Nesta had more balance than her previous human form so she was able to right herself before tumbling into a birdcage.

“I don’t believe it! That’s a bat from the Illyrian mountains!” The smaller of the two rude men said.

“Don’t get your hopes up,” Nesta said. Instincts pushing her to divert the men away from the bat. She was also half tempted to throw them outside in anger. “He’s not one to be tamed by humans.”

“Actually we were hoping to buy it for another reason,” the taller man said. He was the one who shoved Nesta and he bent down to better inspect the bat. With a feral snarl the bat lurched at the rusty steel bars. The wings flapped uselessly in the cramped space it was trapped in.

“The body looks a bit bigger than normal. Must have a lot of muscle on it,” the large man’s smile curled and showed yellowing teeth.   

“The wings look a bit smaller in comparison to the body mass,” the other man noted. The bat bared its sharp canines and hissed appearing offended by the comment.

Nesta knew from her time in the Night Court that wings of vampires and their Illyrian bats were extremely important. The thin skin was sensitive to the touch, but the size was also a symbol of other portions of anatomy. Male vampires always got into a spat if someone called their wings small. Apparently bruised egos were a weakness for insufferable males.

“How much for the bat?” The larger man asked the vendor. 

“Well it is a unique-” The vendor began is selling pitch.

“But it can’t be trained by anyone except a vampire from the Night Court,” the smaller man said. “Which makes it practically worthless.”

Nesta bristled at the comment. How dare this pathetic man insult that creature? Who was he to determine someone’s worth? 

“We’ll give you $40.”

“Absurd!” The vendor cried out. “I paid $450 for it. That bat is worth more than your offensive offer.”

“We don’t plan to keep it for long. Just until we can fire it up and cook it.”

“What did you say,” Nesta approached the men. Surely she heard them wrong. “You plan to eat him?” Sure she had consumed her fair share of meat, but eating an Illyrian bat was unheard of. And perhaps she felt more emotionally connected with the animal considering it came from the northern mountains where she learned to defend herself.

The taller man cocked his head as if he finally noticed Nesta standing nearby. “Of course we plan on eating it. I doubt anyone has tasted Illyrian bat meat before and I wouldn’t mind trying it. Meat is meat.”

“That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard,” Nesta scoffed. Sure she ate meat herself, but the idea of eating the bat had an unsettling weight in her stomach.

“Why don’t you mind your business little girl,” the smaller man said. “It’s not like you were planning to buy it. What would a little lamb like you do with an untamable bat?”

Nesta wouldn’t allow these men to take the bat. She would be damned if they walked out of here with that creature in their clutches.

“Actually,” Nesta said sweetly. “I’m in the market for an Illyrian bat so it’s my lucky day that this vendor happened to have one.” She didn’t know what she was going to do with the bat, but so long as it didn’t leave with these brutes then she would figure out the details later.

“Then how much are you willing to pay lamb?” The taller one stood to his full height and looked Nesta up and down as if she was something to be purchased. His leer didn’t deter the scathing glare she gave him in return. “I doubt you have much money on you.”

That was true. Nesta hadn’t thought she would be in this situation before she left her apartment and only had $100 after her previous purchases today. She would have to bluff her way through this and make a deal that would ensure the safety of the bat.

“I have enough,” Nesta said easily. “I’ll pay 80.”

“90.” The tall man said. His eyes set on her hers in a stare off that crackled with tension. Nesta made sure to reign in her magic of lightning. She couldn’t afford to let her power slip in the busy market lest she be discovered by any vampires lurking around.

“100,” Nesta kept straight faced hoping the men wouldn’t raise the stakes.

“130.” The tall man said and grinned when Nesta’s jaw ticked in frustration. “Of course if you can’t afford it with money I’m sure we can come to a compromise.” The man stepped closer to her and Nesta almost gagged at the horrid scent that wafted from his body.

“Compromise? I doubt I would be interested in anything you would offer.” Nesta said.

“Oh no. It would be what you offered lamb.” The man leered at her body making his intention clear. “I’m sure you could give me something in return for that scraggly flying rat in the cage. I think I would love to have a taste of you over the bat.”

A growl erupted viciously from inside the cage. Glowing eyes shot daggers of hatred toward the man that faced off against Nesta.

The man reached his hand to touch Nesta’s golden brown hair that was tied in a braid. She swiftly slapped his hand away. “If you touch me I assure you that the only thing you’ll be tasting is your balls when I rip them off and shove them down your throat.”

“A feisty little lamb,” the man and his friend laughed. “What’s it going to be then? Do you want the bat that badly to give me a taste of you instead?”

Nesta’s fists shook with restraint. She could kill these two men, but where would that leave her then? She would be on the run yet again. But she couldn’t leave the bat to its horrible fate either.

With a start Nesta realized the solution to her predicament rested on her wrist. Her mother’s bracelet was the only she item had left from her time as a human. She wore it the day Hybern’s forces kidnapped her and she had barely taken it off since. The bracelet had to be worth $500 with the precious gem inlaid into the shining metal. 

“I’ll give you this,” Nesta removed her bracelet. “It’s worth $500 with the ruby stone.”

The vendor approached Nesta and examined the jewelry for authenticity. “I imagine it is worth $700 now since rubies cost more since the Summer Court vampires have raised the taxes on their gems.”

“Then you will accept my bracelet as payment for the bat?” 

“Of course!” The vendor said. “That is if these men don’t have a counter offer.”

The tall man’s face turned beat red with anger. “That filthy animal isn’t worth our money,” he spat and shoved past the vendor who gripped the bracelet tightly. The smaller man followed his friend leaving the space quiet save for the animal noises that filled the atmosphere.

“I suppose that settles it,” Nesta said giving her bracelet one last parting glance before turning to the bat. The creature stood still as she neared the cage.

“Would you like some food for it?” The vendor asked. “I can give you my last two bags that I’ve been feeding it from.”

“Sure,” Nesta dismissed the man and bent down so she was on eye-level with the bat. Golden eyes looked up at her innocently and Nesta almost considered it cute. Almost.

[thisislenesha-blog]

3 Scenarios 1 story

“Grandpa stop, stop crying” I ran to towards my grandfather to give him a hug. I could see the hurt in his eyes finding out his 16 year old grand daughter was pregnant.

I had no choice but to tell him, afterall he would’ve found out anyways seeing me walk around the house with a big belly.

He stopped crying and looked up at me. “Your just like your worthless mother, just like her” Before I could open my mouth he got up and walked towards the stairs.

“You think you’re grown , having sex and getting pregnant, I’ll treat you like the grown ass woman you are”. I could hear loud tumbling coming from upstairs so I quickly ran upstairs to see my grandfather packing all my stuff in an empty black garbage bag. “GRANDPA STOP” I yelled trying to push him out of my room. “THIS IS THE LAST STRAW ALYSSA, IVE TRIED EVERYTHING WITH YOU PUTTING YOU IN AFTER SCHOOL CHURCH PROGRAMS, MOVING YOU OUT OF THAT GHETTO SCHOOL INTO A PRIVATE SCHOOL I HAD IT UP TO HERE WITH YOU.”

I didn’t know what do but cry, grandapa was right I was just like my worthless mother. Missing school, taking drugs and having unprotected sex I was just like her. My mother had me at the age of 17 , she was drugged raped and taken advantage of. My grand father always blamed her for what happened that night. My grandfather was a pastor at the time and was ashamed of my mother’s actions so he disowned her and told her he would take care of the baby she was having which was me. My mother suffered from depression which led on to her taking hard drugs like heroine and drinking her pain away. As my grandfather would tell me that was her “Feel better” medicine. She had gotten so addicted unfortunately she had suffered from a drug overdose and died. My grandfather did not attend the funeral but my grandmother did and she she brought me along I was 7 at the time , this was my first time seeing my mother since I was born.

As my grandfather was still packing my clothes I took the garbage bag away from him and started packing my clothes myself. I hated how my grandfather acted towards me and how he treated my mother if it wasn’t for him she probably would’ve still be alive till this day.

After packing all my clothes I threw the bag over the staircase and ran down the stairs.

“And where do you think your going to go?”. I looked at my from up top the stairs “Anywhere but here” I said throwing on my gray sweather and sliding on my slippers.

I picked up my garbage bag and slammed the door shut and starting running away from the house. “Fuck I left my phone in my room” I said out loud “let me see if I have any loose change on me to use the pay phone.” Luckily I had enough change to use the local pay phone.

I started dialing my boyfriend’s number.

“Hello?”

“Jay I need you to pick me up”

“What happened”

“My grandfather kicked me out the house because he found out I’m pregnant”

“I don’t know if I could pick you up still, my dukes tooks my keys away”

“Jay I need you I have no where to go”

“Alright alright let me see if could sneak the car keys real quick, where are you?”

“Im at McDonalds the one close to my house”

“Alright say no more”

I hunged up the phone and waited for Jay to pick me inside of McDonalds.

The time was 11:20 pm and I called Jay around 11:00 pm “What’s taking this nigga so long” I thought to my self.

I heard loud music coming from outside I already knew it was Jay so I went outside and waited for him to pull up.

He winded down his window and said “ So you not getting in, I mean I could leave you out here with the homeless” looking at me with those hazel eyes while biting his bottom lips. I got in the car and said nothing as he proceeds to drive back to his house.

The whole care ride was awkward and noisy because Jay was blasting his music so loud disturbing the peace in the neighbor hood. He pulled in his driveway.

I pulled the car door open about to step out until I felt Jay pulling on my sweater falling back on the seat.

“Your bless?”

“I guess”

“So what happened?”

“Well I told my grandfather I was pregnant and he kicked me out”

“Does he know it’s mine?”

“No I never told him who the father was”

My grandfather was never a fan of Jay he would always tell me “He’s troublesome” and “He’s just another average black kid who gives trouble and causes crime around the community” which was true. Jay was apart of a gang in the neighbourhood all they did was steal and deal drugs. Even though he was apart of a gang he was a sweetheart, he was a hood boy with a big heart.

“So you planning on having it?”

“What?”

“You heard what I said , are you planning on having this child?”

“ Is that even a fucking question Jay”

“Listen, more times mans aren’t ready to have a yute so you need to dash weh dat real quick”

“Jay are you actually telling my to have an abortion right now.”

“Like I said mans aren’t ready to have a yute right now.”

I was so angry I didn’t know what to do so I got out the car slammed the door and walked off away from his house.

“Yo Alyssa” I could hear Jay running to me.

“Jay your actually telling me to have an abortion right now like are you actually dumb ?”

“Look I’m only 16 and I’m on my grind right now I don’t have time to take care of a yute”

I turned around around at look at him with the most confused face ever.

“What grind? You don’t have a job you live off your parents”

“Look mans are on a likkle grind right now”

“Bye” I said walking away.

“Look I have to tell you something”

“What now? I said turning around to face him”

“Let’s just say your not the only girl that’s having my yute”

“What are you talking about right now Jay?”

“Listen Alyssa I fucked up”

“Jay what’s going on?”

“I go- I got Jessica pregnant to”

I looked at him him with shock, I couldn’t believe my best friend Jessica I just couldn’t believe it.

“Stop playing with me Jay”

“Call her and ask her yourself”

I was in the most shock I didn’t know what to do as if everything bad that happened all came back up my grandfather, my mother, all those memories rose up I couldn’t hold it in anymore.

“Why do you think she hasn’t been answering your calls or hasn’t been to school in weeks she’s having my yut-“ before he could finish his sentence I ran up towards him and punched him in his eye.

“ARE YOU DUMB ALYSSA WHATS WRONG WITH YOU”

“MY BEST FUCKING FRIEND JAY REALLY”

I never felt this way before I felt hurt by the one one person who I thought “loved me” and “Cared about me.”

“MORE TIMES YOU CAN HAVE THIS YUTE BUT JUST KNOW IM NOT TAKING CARE OF IT YOUR WILDING SHORDY”

Jay walks away towards his house and shuts his door.

I instantly fell to the floor crying my eyes out I was officially alone I had no one. My mother was gone, my grandfather kicked me out, and Jay had left me also.

As I was still on the floor I felt someone touch my shoulder.

I looked up seeing a familiar face.

“Let’s go home.”

[rhyswhitethorn]

Steel and Fire [3]

lmao I WAS SO TEMPTED TO POST THIS 5 DAYS AGO. thank God I didn’t or else I’d have to speed write the rest of the chapters (?) as usual, any ideas to this would be very much appreciated! and should i start a taglist for any of these chapters/upcoming stories?

AO3 version: Steel and Fire [3]

Chapter 1 // Chapter 2

Nesta was lying on her bed, reading, when a knock sounded on the door. 

She placed the book down after marking the page and walked towards the door. Unlocking it, she swung it open and her mate stood there. Cassian held up a half drank coconut shake in one hand, and a mango shake in the other.

“I didn’t know what you liked, so I got you two shakes that I like.”

Typical. 

Nesta held the door open for him and he walked in, smelling of the streets below. Did he walk here?

“In case you were wondering, sweetheart, I decided to take a stroll on the streets you usually take. Quite a scene, I would say. So unlike the mortal Nesta Archeron I had known earlier on.” She tried not to dwell on the thought that he was learning her routine. It was actually nice to know that. Nesta just nodded and grabbed the mango shake from his hand, which she had to admit, she absolutely adored. Nesta was already a regular for the vendor who sold this particular shake.

He smiled as she said thank you, and took a seat on one of the chairs at the small dining table. She took the one on his left. Genuine surprise coloured his face for a short second before he made it neutral again.

“I met Amren. More like caught her on the dining table. She mentioned you. .  barged into her.” Cassian looked at Nesta, waiting for her to continue. Did he know about her dilemma? It would make so much sense to him if she told him. About why she couldn’t accept the bond yet.

Nesta wouldn’t burden Cassian with the pain her heart had felt. Feyre and Rhysand were both broken, but they climbed out that abyss together. As far as she was concerned, Cassian didn’t have any emotional baggage with him. 

“I have unfinished business,” Nesta said. That was all she would allow him to know.

Cassian took her by surprise, however. “With that mortal.”

She blinked at Cassian, who looked worried. “Look, Nesta, I know you won’t accept the bond yet. I know why you won’t accept it. And I’ll damn well keep my promise about him, if that’s what you want. Hell, I’ll be glad to do it. But as your mate, I’m giving you the choice. We can go to the Mortal Lands together, and you can get closure, or, you know, skinning him alive would be fun,” he smirked at that. Trust Cassian to get a joke out of everything, even if it annoyed her at first. Now, that’s exactly what she needed. “That aside, you need to confront him. Your acceptance for the bond is not a priority now.”

This winged Fae was putting her needs first. The Cauldron must have been pranking her, because no way in her forced immortal life did she ever deserve this. She got up, prompting Cassian to get up as well.

“I’m sorry, I think I overstepped with what I said.” Cassian was rumbling now, his face red. The Illyrian Commander was embarrassed. “I think it’s better if I—”

He cut short as Nesta pulled him into a hug, taking care not to touch his wings. Her time at the camps has taught her to never touch an Illyrian’s wings without permission. He wrapped his arms around her, his wings stretching to cover the both of them. She breathed in his scent, the scent that reminded her of the times her father had come home from his business travels. She never realized it until now.

“Thank you,” she whispered, and Cassian’s only reply was to hold her tighter.

“If you want, we can go tomorrow. I’m not trying to rush the bond, but I don’t want you to suffer any longer.” She nodded. The bond was calling to her now, especially when she’s with Cassian. The longer she held out, the stronger its call. Nesta looked up to Cassian and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. He stiffened and smirked.

“What?”

“Can I have another one?”

Fucking prick. 

“Are you serious?” Nesta felt her temper rising, and it didn’t help that he was still smirking at her. 

Cassian just leaned down and kissed her nose softly, before letting her go. Her temper died down at the softness of his kiss, his lips and his face. A year ago, she would’ve slapped him.

Things were different now.

Nesta turned away and headed to the front door, hiding her blush. She opened it, motioning for Cassian to leave. She needed the time to compose herself for tomorrow. 

Cassian walked towards where she stood and winked at her. “See you, sweetheart,” he said, leaving. She half wondered if he’d fly back or take to the roads.

Closing the door, she walked to her bed, placing the mango shake on her bedside table and picking up where she left off. Cassian was a prick, but maybe having him as her mate wouldn’t be so bad. It’d definitely spice up her long life, and she wouldn’t have a dull day of burying herself in novels anymore. And if Feyre was right about the wingspan. .  then her nights wouldn’t be boring either.

She smiled at that.

*

Nesta woke slightly before dawn to get ready. Confronting Tomas Mandray meant that she would finally end whatever ties she had to her mortal life. 

With Cassian at her side. 

Cassian had always been there for her—when the King of Hybern, who had taken her innocence and mortality away, was about to tear her world apart. When she needed help getting into the bathtub at the Illyrian Camps, still struggling after being forced into the Cauldron. And now, with confronting the man she was supposed to marry. 

The Cauldron had truly planned all these. 

Nesta picked up a deep blue gown, much like Azriel's siphons, before she did a double take. She had always donned dresses and gowns, and it was one of her favourite gowns that was ripped under Tomas' hands when he had attempted to rape her. She had worn that gown and met Tomas in hopes that he would propose, even after Feyre had warned her not to. She thought that she could keep him in check, but clearly not. Nesta placed the gown back down, and picked up something else she had been accustomed to wear. 

She hoped the Illyrian leathers she began to strap up made a statement, not only to Tomas, but also to Cassian. 

*

Cassian was staring at Nesta at the doorway. 

Nesta was lounging around, waiting for him to pick her up when he knocked. The look on his face? 

Fucking priceless. 

She took the mango shake from his hand before asking, "What?"

He kept gaping at her, coconut shake forgotten in his other hand. She had to hold his arm before he snapped out of it, the easy smile coming back. "You look hot," Cassian said. 

"Is that all you could come up with? Five hundred fucking years of living and the only adjective that's swimming in your head is hot?" 

Cassian laughed before saying, "Sweetheart, I can tell you how I think you look with my tongue, if you'd prefer. Or I can fuck you well enough so you'd get my point." Nesta stumbled at that. She had fallen right into his bait. "Wearing that is going to make the mortals talk, you know. We're twinning now," he continued and added a wink. 

Nesta surveyed his outfit. Illyrian leathers as well.

"Let them talk," she crooned, closing the door behind her and walking down the street towards the townhouse. 

Cassian grinned. She could tell he liked that idea very much. "Feyre's going to winnow us to the Mortal Lands," he said, taking a step behind her. Thank the Cauldron. Nesta had learnt to winnow between short distances only, and there was no way she was taking flight across Prythian. Not with Cassian pressed against her. Nesta nodded, continuing the rest of her journey keeping quiet. Cassian had caught up to her and the citizens of Velaris kept looking at them. 

Scratch that, they were staring at them in awe. 

Cassian smiled at everyone once in a while, greeting some he personally knew. Nesta plastered a smile, but soon it became genuine. Anyone who walked by Cassian and Nesta waved or said hello. Nesta knew the city loved their High Lord and High Lady, but it never occurred to her their love extended to the Inner Circle. To the Illyrian Commander standing beside her. 

Her Illyrian leathers weren't the only statement. Walking beside him in the City of Starlight was a whole other statement on its own, both for Nesta and Cassian. And he was proud to wear this one. The war Cassian had fought in for this city, the stakes he would go against for his court, he truly deserved this.

She could see the townhouse now. There were less faeries in the residential area. Nesta walked silently, Cassian still at her side when he placed a hand on her lower back. She turned to look up at him. 

"Nesta, before we go, I want you to know that when we meet Tomas, I'll be by your side. If you need help, just say it. No questions asked. Alright?" Cassian said softly. She continued looking at him, his hazel eyes shining with understanding and determination. Deep down, Nesta knew that Cassian would do anything she asked for. If she decided not to go on with this confrontation moments before, he'd listen. He'd bring her back here. Home. 

Home? Was Velaris her new home? 

She never felt that way. Her old house in the Mortal Lands didn't feel that way either. 

Standing underneath Cassian, however. . she felt more at home than she ever did. She unconsciously placed a hand on his cheek, feeling the rough start of a stubble underneath. 

"Thank you," she whispered. He brought his hand up to hold the hand on his cheek, pulling it away slightly to kiss her palm. She shivered a little, feeling the bond shine faintly. She could tell he felt the same by the way he was staring at her, his lips still brushing her palm. Maybe she should accept the bond now. Confront Tomas as a mated couple. She could just turn back to buy him a kebab, or she could ask if there was a more Illyrian tradition he'd prefer to—

“Ready to leave?” Feyre called from outside the townhouse. Cassian whipped his head towards his High Lady, slowly dropping Nesta’s hand. Nesta gradually turned her head, unable to get her eyes off Cassian.

Rhysand walked behind Feyre and sighed. “Look what you've done, Feyre, darling. You've ruined their moment.” Feyre looked up sheepishly to Rhysand, muttering a sorry to the both of them. Cassian just smiled and sauntered towards them, unaware of the choice Nesta almost made. 

Rhysand, however, knew. He gave her an apologetic look before she heard his voice in her mind. Feyre has told me never to tell you things in your head, but Cass would have more pride in accepting the bond after your confrontation. Don't feel obligated to accept the bond now. Nesta’s only reply was a slight dip in her head. She and Rhys had a tough relationship at the beginning, but she soon grew to like the High Lord. Trust was what the foundations of his court was built on, and she had no reason not to believe him.

Feyre gave a knowing look to Nesta, which resulted in Cassian demanding a “What the hell are you two saying?”

“Do you really want to know, Cass? I could show you what Rhysand plans to do —,” Feyre started, only to have Cassian waving his arms in the air to not know, Rhysand chuckling behind. Nesta was grateful for that save.

She walked towards her youngest sister and looked at her. “I’m ready.”

Feyre nodded, kissing Rhysand on the cheek before holding Nesta and Cassian’s hand. “I’ll winnow both of you to Lucien and Jurian’s house. It’s near enough to Tomas,” she said, eliciting a grunt from Cassian. Approval in his language of grunts.

“Don’t kill him, Cass. Let Nesta do it,” Rhysand said, winking at Nesta. Shadows consumed them before she could answer.

*

The house Lucien and Jurian lived in was cosy.

Warm colours bedecked the house, curtains and rugs of varying oranges and browns painting the home. 

This was where the so-called “Band of Exiles” lived at. Nesta knew it was more of an official home, but the atmosphere in this house was lively. She let go of Feyre’s hand, who was unfazed with winnowing them this far, and turned to admire the house, finally setting her eyes on a waiting Lucien by the chimney.

“Hello, Feyre. Nesta. Cassian.” Lucien nodded at each name he listed out, striding over. Feyre merely looked at him before enveloping him in a hug.

“Lucien! Cauldron, I missed you. Why don’t you ever visit?”

Lucien just laughed while Cassian and Nesta awkwardly stood beside each other. “I have other matters to worry about, Feyre. I’ll visit soon, I promise,” he said, glancing towards Cassian towering behind his High Lady. “Um, I’ll let the both of you get on with the things you need to do. I’ll keep Feyre safe.”

Cassian grinned at that, holding Nesta’s shoulders to turn around, pushing her towards the door. Feyre and Lucien broke into laughter at the fact that Cassian had accomplished doing that to Nesta without her snapping at him. But with Cassian, Nesta didn’t seem to mind. She let him lead her out, opening the front door.

It was the middle of spring, and there were flowers blooming everywhere. She recognized most of the flowers that grew here, but with her Fae eyesight, the colours were more extravagant, making her appreciate them even more. Was this what Elain saw in flowers since the beginning? What beauty could she see now? Nesta breathed in, savouring the floral smell. Elain’s garden in Velaris was better, no doubt, but the flowers here reminded her of her mortal life. When all she knew was how to be human.

Twigs crunched under Cassian’s feet, pulling Nesta out of her thoughts. She realized he was waiting for her.

“This way,” Nesta said, turning west and trudging on. Cassian followed silently.

Throughout the walk, she thought about all those times she had walked to Tomas’ house, excited to meet him. She’d take an hour to get ready, putting effort into what she wore and how she did her hair. All that went to shit the moment he crossed the line.

Now it's her turn to give him shit. 

It was a fifteen minute walk to his house. Did she really take the time to come to him last time? It felt like forever, but each step she took towards his house only fueled her need to look him in the eye and square up to Tomas. 

Nesta reached a familiar brick home, spotting a woodpile on the lawn. She walked up the pathway to the front door and stopped, turning to Cassian. It was then she realized he did not bother glamouring his wings away. He grinned at her acknowledgement. 

She grinned back at him and knocked on the front door. 

Moments passed before a woman opened it. Tomas' mother. There were faint bruises on her face and arm, hastily covered up with powder. It may fool the mortal eye, but Nesta and Cassian could see it as clear as stars in the night sky. His mother looked at Nesta, recognizing her yet not in her otherworldly Fae beauty, fear striking in her eyes at Nesta's pointed ears and Cassian's wings. 

A small smile tugged at Nesta's mouth before she said, "I'd like to see Tomas, please." His mother nodded before closing the door. Through the brick walls, Nesta heard his mother say, Tomas, Nesta's here. Nothing else. Good. A great day to get someone shitting their pants. 

Nesta turned to Cassian and motioned him to stand beside the pillar, obscuring him from the view at the front door. Let Tomas think she came alone. 

Two minutes went by and the door opened. Out walked Tomas. 

"Nesta Archeron. What pleasure do I owe—" Tomas started, cutting short when he took note of her pointed ears. Her predatory stillness. The promise in her eyes. 

"It's true then," he whispered, running an eye over Nesta and noting the warrior clothes she had chosen to wear in place of her usual dresses.

Nesta didn't care what was true and what wasn't as she smiled at him. The feline smile she had seen Amren use, one that would get someone running in the opposite direction.

"Tomas Mandray," Nesta just said, side stepping and forcing Tomas to turn, right into Cassian's view. Tomas had paled at the sight of Nesta, but he blanched as he beheld Cassian's towering height and massive wings. Cassian took a step closer but Tomas held his ground, either from his ego or because he wasn't in the right mind to step back.

"What do you want?" Tomas spat out, his heart racing fast. 

Oh, she was going to enjoy this. 

"Remember that night you came after me in the barn? When you tore my favourite dress and tried to rape me?" 

Anger flashed in his face. "I didn't try to rape you. You wanted it as much as I did." 

Men and their ever changing stories.

"You know I didn't want it. I said no, yet you still came after me."

"What do you want?" he repeated. 

"I want you dead." His eyes were filled with terror now, but she had to give him credit for attempting to keep a neutral face. If it weren't for his eyes, his scent definitely gave it off. "But I'm not that kind of person, so an apology would do." Nesta had settled on that. No good would come if she were to kill him, and attempted rape had no closure. So yes, an apology. 

Tomas laughed darkly. “What makes you think you deserve that? You were meant to marry me. I was allowed to take whatever I wanted from you.”

Nesta had to stare at him coolly and take a few seconds before answering, only so she wouldn’t explode. She could feel the waves of rage coming off from Cassian, yet he remained still, unspeaking, out of the respect he had for Nesta’s wishes.

Only when she asked for help would he interfere.

“As far as I’m concerned, a woman is not yours if she has not been legally married to you. I was still under my father’s care, and I remember our laws as clearly as you do.”

Tomas smirked as he said, “I may not have gotten what I wanted from you, but I’m certain half of Prythian had.”

Before she could register the sentence, Tomas slapped her. Pain sparked through her cheek, shock keeping her in place. 

And that was when Cassian striked.

Tomas was pinned against the brick wall in seconds, both their faces red with rage. He clawed at Cassian's hand around his throat, but Cassian was far stronger than him. The Commander was snarling at his face as he gritted out, "Apologize."

Nesta sighed. "He can't apologize if you're blocking out his airway." 

Cassian realized the science behind that and loosened his grip ever so slightly. Tomas turned his head towards Nesta, still trying to claw his way out, and spat at her feet. 

No apology then, not when there’s no remorse. She had suspected as much and had kept a back up plan. Time to do this her way. With threats. Just like what she did to the King of Hybern. 

She walked to Cassian's side and pulled out an Illyrian dagger from its sheath on his thigh, angling it right between Tomas' legs. He began to struggle against Cassian's hold to no avail. 

"If I hear you attempt to rape some other poor girl, I'll cut your piss poor favourite part and feed it to the crows. If I hear you raped someone, I'll skin you alive with this very blade, and feed you to the many, horrifying creatures we have in Prythian. Understood?" Tomas only stared at her, so she pressed the blade harder against him. "Understood?" 

Tomas nodded, keeping his body rigid underneath the sharp dagger. She released the hold she had on him, prompting Cassian to do the same. 

Tomas held his throat, red from Cassian's iron grip. He quickly opened the door and ran in, but not without whispering, "Cunt," at Nesta. The door was shut quickly and she was sure Cassian would burn down the house with the entire Mandray family in it, seeing that he was about to grip the handle. She reached out and grabbed his arm. 

"Cassian. It's fine. It's settled." As good as it can get. Some people will never change, she's learnt, but she truly hoped her threats had scared Tomas enough so no one else would fall victim to his flirtatious smiles. Nesta walked down the patio, Cassian falling in step. She fingered the blade before declaring, "I'm keeping this." 

He stopped and watched her strap it to her thigh, just like he had done before. "Are you sure?" 

"Yes. Why wouldn't I be?" Cassian nodded and walked towards Lucien's house, Nesta following closely. 

 *

They had dinner at Lucien's, Jurian nowhere to be seen. 

He's at the continent, checking up on Vassa's curse, Lucien had claimed. 

After a good laugh about Nesta's threats, and many promises between Lucien and Feyre about visiting each other, Feyre winnowed the both of them and herself back to Velaris. Cassian had only bade them goodbye and flew off to the House of Wind, mumbling something about seeing Azriel regarding his reports. 

Nesta stood in the sitting room, dumb founded at Cassian's abrupt leaving. 

"What's that all about?" Feyre asked Nesta, and she shrugged. Nesta felt like the trip to Tomas had been eventful, and she felt more at peace than she ever did. She had enjoyed Cassian's overprotectiveness, but never had the chance to thank him. Not when dinner had circulated around Feyre and Lucien’s antics.

She smelled the faint scent of rain and citrusy salt before she saw Rhysand come through the doorway. 

"How was the trip, ladies?" Rhysand said, walking over to kiss Feyre on the top of her head. He surveyed her from the top to bottom, and then moved on to do the same to Nesta. 

His eyes stopped at the Illyrian dagger strapped to her thigh. 

"Did he give you that." 

Feyre turned to look at the blade, then back to her mate. "Why? What's wrong?" Rhysand stayed quiet, until Nesta quietly said, "I took it from him." 

"He let you do that?" She nodded and his breath hitched. 

Feyre's face whitened as Nesta knew Rhysand was explaining everything to her through the bond. "Well, spit it out," Nesta said, patience running thin. 

They glanced at each other before Rhysand said, "In Illyrian traditions. . mating bonds are accepted when the female takes an Illyrian weapon from a male." Nesta understood before he finished. "And he let you take his." 

Fuck. 

She had accepted the bond without knowing. 

“Didn’t Azriel lend his blade to Elain last year?” 

Rhysand knew what she meant. “There’s no bond between them and she gave it back.”

Nesta unsheathed the dagger and looked at it.  The rare steel, the craftsmanship and design, and most importantly, the intricate words of a forgotten language written into it. She wondered what it said. 

"And what is supposed to come next?" she dared ask. 

It was Feyre, this time, who answered. 

"The actual mating." 

Trailing her fingers along the sharp end, Nesta knew. She knew from the bottom of her heart, she wanted Cassian. The confrontation with Tomas only gave her more reason to want Cassian by her side. To face their fears together.

The faces of the High Lord and High Lady lit up when Nesta said, “Take me to the House of Wind. I want to see my mate.”