Day 6 of @nestaarcheronweek
Learn to keep a secret --> Nessian, post-ACOWAR
What if instead of Cassian yelling at Nesta and getting angry at her rejection, we see Cassian trying to reach out in a softer manner?
Cassian paused before Nesta's front door, building his nerve.
Nesta had withdrawn from everyone, even her younger sister. She had flat out told Cassian that she wanted nothing to do with him, not long after she had laid her body over his, choosing death with him. After his confession. It stung, Cassian had to admit, but nothing hurt him more than watching her destroy herself.
He had gone with her a couple of times to the taverns. He hadn't interacted with her directly, of course, but he had observed her. She seemed to be drawn to sensory stimulation, things that drew her out of the darkness that was inside her. Like the music, the drinks, the dancing. So hopefully...his plan would work. It had to, otherwise...he didn't let himself think further.
He was perfectly aware of the fact that his high lord despised Nesta. If she continued on her self-destructive path, Rhysand would do something drastic; Cassian might have to take them both out of Night for the time being, or even permanently. He didn't want to have to do that, but he had to protect her in whatever way he could.
He swallowed the lump in his throat, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door, waiting.
No response.
"Nesta." Still nothing. Was she even here? Was this the wrong house, or was she already at the taverns?
"Nes, please." Cassian couldn't help the desperation that slipped out on that last syllable. He understood; he really did. Recovery couldn't be rushed. But it was killing him inside to see her like this.
A blast of warm air hit him as the door opened abruptly. His mate looked beautiful as ever, even though it seemed as if she hadn't been eating properly, a plain white nightgown emphasizing her bony shoulders. A shard of ice stabbed his heart.
"What do you want." Her low, cool voice always did unspeakable things to him, but he tamped down on his mating instincts, trying to speak to her normally. "You look hungry. Want a bite to eat?"
"I told you I want nothing to do with you, Cassian," Nesta answered shortly. She was about to slam the door in his face when he put a hand out. "Nes, please. I'm begging you. If you come out today, I'll convince Feyre to give triple your usual amount of money."
Nesta's silvery blue eyes focused all their relentless attention on him. Cassian spread his arms, letting her see it all. He'd given her everything that day she'd beheaded the king of Hybern anyway.
"Fine," she snapped. "Give me a moment to get dressed."
Cassian heaved a sigh of relief, slumping into the snow in front of her house. Part 1 was successful. The hardest part was done.
She came out in a magenta empire gown with black embroidery at the collar resembling the shape of teardrops. Her hair was up in its usual braided crown, and Cassian's heart stuttered in his chest. Even emaciated, she was so heartbreakingly gorgeous, every bit the cunning courtier who was far too good for him.
"This had better be quick," she muttered. Cassian offered her no such assurances, fully aware of the surprise they had in store.
He took her to a place off the main road, with simply, hearty meals, yet very tasty ones. "You should have their Palak," Cassian murmured as they walked inside. "It's delicious."
They took a table near the back, Nesta still saying nothing. A small little critter who seemed to be a ghost except for the long spiky black tail he had came up to them, notebook and pen in hand.
"Order?" Cassian looked at Nesta. Her call. She scrolled the menu on the table before answering, "Two Palaks, please." Cassian's eyes widened in surprise that Nesta had actually listened to him.
"Don't you dare," Nesta seethed.
"I wasn't going to say anything!" Cassian protested.
Nesta said nothing, but Cassian spoke. About how he was retraining his wings after they were shredded, how the Illyrians fared, what her sisters, Amren, and Lucien were up to. He wasn't sure how much she listened to, but she didn't seem inclined to wipe him to dust with her silver flames, at least.
After she wiped her plate clean, she shoved it away from her, standing up. "Can I go home now?"
"No!" Cassian shouted. Nesta raised a brow at him as other people turned to stare at them. "No, I mean, I don't think anyone has ever given you a proper tour of Velaris. Would you like one?"
"I've already seen all there is to see," Nesta replied drily. Cassian shook his head vigorously. "You've only lived here a few months. I've lived here centuries. Come on." Nesta still looked skeptical, but she took Cassian's arm and let him lead her out.
When they were well away from the building, Nesta spoke. "You're a terrible liar, you know. I know you have something planned."
Cassian blushed. "My strength is on the battlefield, not the courtroom."
"Clearly." Well, she sounded amused, at least. Another big sigh of relief.
They walked along in silence for a few minutes before Cassian blurted out, "Do you prefer being indoors or outdoors?"
Nesta raised a brow. "I suppose it depends."
"What about today?" Cassian mentally cursed himself. Subtlety was certainly not his strong suit.
Nesta squinted at him before she smirked. "Today is a nice day. We should be outside."
Move everything outside, Cassian shouted to Feyre mind to mind. Right now.
On it, Feyre replied before shutting off the connection.
"I like outside," Cassian said stupidly to cover for his slow response. Nesta's smirk widened. "I'd imagine so, considering you're a warrior and all."
"Yeah." Cassian was so bad at keeping secrets. His mind was screaming fit to burst, begging him to reveal the big surprise. Nesta only looked around, seeming more at peace than she had in months.
"Let's sit here," Cassian said, pointing to an outdoor table. Nesta obeyed, and the two of them settled onto the bench.
"So," Nesta said, "are you finally going to tell me what you've planned?"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Feyre and Elain shrieked as they walked in, Feyre's arms laden with gifts while Elain held the prettiest chocolate cake Cassian had ever seen. Nesta didn't look remotely surprised, a small smile flitting across her face.
Feyre placed the bag on the table, pulling out all the gifts. "I baked this cake myself," Elain said, her face radiant as she placed it by Nesta's side. Feyre furrowed her brow in concentration, trying to sort out the gifts.
"Oh yeah, here! This is my gift: this lovely ring." Feyre slipped it on Nesta's hand. "It's not an ordinary gift; see the flame ornament? There's real magic in there. For a maximum of five uses, you can generate your own wings, so you don't have to rely on one of us to take you places!"
Nesta looked at Feyre in surprise. "That's...thoughtful of you."
"I also got you some nice jewelry, since I know you like sapphires so much." Feyre whipped out a stunning necklace with sparkling deep blue stones with sharp ends. Feyre winked. "It doubles as a knife." She turned one stone, and sure enough, a stunning knife appeared.
"Now my gift," Elain said enthusiastically. She pulled out a large patchwork, showing it to Nesta proudly.
"Er- what is it!"
"It's us!" Elain exclaimed. "This one," she pointed to a crimson lady sewn into the patchwork wearing a crown, "is you. She's chopping wood and wearing a crown, see? And this one..." she pointed to a blue one in the middle holding a bow, "is Feyre, because she was skilled with a bow and provided for us! And this one..." she pointed to a purple one holding a frying pan, "is me, because I did all the cooking!" She pointed to the center piece, featuring all three. "That's us sleeping on that small bed in the cottage." She smiled. "Anyway, I hope you like it. Now for Cassian's gifts."
Cassian stood up, clearing his throat nervously. "I...well....I got you some stuff." He pulled out the first gift; three books bound with ribbon. "I know you like romance novels, so, well...I asked around, and these are some of the most popular ones in Prythian, so I hope you like them." Then, he pulled out his second gift. He fiddled with the ball in his hands. "This is...a symphonia. It captures music in a ball so you can listen to it later. I...noticed you enjoy music."
Cassian turned the ball, activating it. One of the most popular songs at the tavern began to play. He sighed. "I know it isn't much, but-"
Nesta jumped into his arms.
"I love you all," she said in a muffled voice as she pulled away. She sniffed, wiping a tear out of the corner of her eye. "This is the best birthday ever." Feyre and Elain squealed, swinging their arms together in triumph, but Nesta only had eyes for him. "Dance with me," she whispered.
So Cassian offered a hand, and she took it; her slender, elegant hands were so small in his. She was an excellent dancer, and Cassian could by no means compete. But Nesta didn't seem to care, content to be there. She placed her head against his chest, looking for all the world completely joyful.
"You're such a silly boy," she murmured against him. Cassian stuttered. "What? I'll have you know- um, that is to say-"
"I figured out what this was about the moment we left that restaurant," Nesta interrupted, steering him into a spin. "And you're adorable, really, for arranging all this for me." She got on her tiptoes and whispered in his ear, "But you reallyyyy need to learn to keep a secret, Lord of Bloodshed."
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