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impossiblescissorspeachpaper · 1 year

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Come back Nesta, please

This is perhaps the silliest thing I’ve ever written. Honestly it’s ridiculous. But considering Nike has her own Cassian at home I’m sure she can relate to these antics. Maybe :)

Happy birthday @nikethestatue! It’s been so lovely getting to know you this year and honestly I cannot imagine a day going past without chatting with you. Not only are you strong and intelligent, but you are so generous and truly care about your friends. So, here’s a little drabble of ridiculousness just for you. Don’t ever leave your Cassian 🤭 lots of love to you today, and always 💕

Bat boys + background Nessian. 1.3k words. Fluff/idiocy.

The final bars of a moody Mariah Carey song blasted through the tiny apartment Azriel shared with his brothers. It was tough being a fresh university graduate and they all told themselves the living situation was temporary, but really, it was second nature. Azriel, Cassian and Rhys had all been living together since Rhys’ mother had fostered the other two boys when they were eleven and even shared a dorm during their college years.

It felt like home for Azriel, and he really didn’t mind it. That is, until last night. When Cassian had decided to incessantly play that fucking song on repeat. That whiny, depressing, shrill song. We Belong Together. Over and over and over.

Sure, Mariah could croon with the best of them, but his last nerve was fraying. Her voice was blasting though the speakers and echoing down the hall from Cassian’s room where he’d been holed up for about fourteen hours now and Azriel had developed a tick in his jaw.

Rhys, even more infuriatingly, seemed unperturbed.

Azriel tried to concentrate on the words he was typing on the resume he was updating to send to prospective jobs he intended to apply to. His jaw clenched as he deleted the last line he’d messed up, backspacing aggressively.

As the final notes of the tune faded off, he breathed a sigh of relief… before he heard that insufferable song start up. Again.

Slamming his laptop closed, Azriel only saw red as he muttered darkly, “I’m going to fucking kill him.”

Rhys’ head snapped up from his phone at the violent declaration, lazily sprawled in a brown leather armchair, one leg hitched up on the armrest. He sat up at attention when he spied the livid look on Azriel’s face.

“Wait. Az. Stop—”

Abruptly standing from the couch, Azriel shoved his laptop aside as he trudged down the hall, his footfalls stomping loudly, ensuring Cassian would be well aware of the onslaught that was heading his way.

Azriel didn’t even turn around as he growled back, “It’s been long enough! And if I have to hear that gods damned song one more fucking time—”

“He’s just upset, leave him be. You know what Cass is like,” Rhys reasoned, trailing after Az as he barrelled down the hall.

Azriel had reached Cassian’s room and, not bothering to knock, he burst through the door with such force Rhys was surprised it hadn’t been ripped clean off the hinges.

…I should have held on tight, I never should have let you go I didn’t know nothing I was stupid I was foolish, I was lying to myself…

The song pounded through the small space, like a wave engulfing them as Azriel opened the door. The melody ricocheted off the walls of the tiny bedroom, the curtains drawn tightly closed, Cassian seemingly intent on giving the room a cave like quality in his melancholy.

Peering around Azriel’s shoulder, Rhys spied the most pathetic sight he’d possibly ever seen: lying feebly in his bed like an 18th century maiden who had taken ill and required to either be shipped off to a distant aunts’ home by the sea or await her demise on her deathbed, was Cassian.

If Azriel hadn’t been so irritated, he would have laughed, then perhaps felt a little bad for the guy. But as it were, he was just annoyed.

“Cass!” Azriel shouted over the loud music. “Turn that shit down, or turn that shit off, but either way I do NOT want to hear it again!”

Cassian turned his hazel eyes onto his brothers, now both standing in the doorway; Azriel’s face twisted in a look of disgruntled rage, while Rhys’ mouth seemed to be wobbling, either trying not to burst out laughing or truly feeling sorry for his friend.

From his bed, he curled into a foetal position on top of his duvet, clutching his pillow with the most wretched, forlorn looking expression on his face. After a beat of silence between the brothers, Cassian just dramatically started singing along to the words, intent to ignore Azriel’s requests to turn it off.

“When you left I lost a part of me, it’s still so hard to believe, come back baby please, ‘cause we belong together.”

Azriel just exhaled through flared nostrils. “For fucks sake, Cass—”

“Who else am I gonna lean on when times get tough…”

Rhys, this time interjected. “She didn’t even—”

Cassian only got louder, singing over his brothers’ fruitless reasoning. “WHO’S GOING TO TALK TO ME ON THE PHONE ‘TIL THE SUN COMES UP?”

“Cass. She’s only—”

“WHO’S GON’ TAKE YOUR PLACE THERE AIN’T NOBODY BETTER OH BABY, BABY, WE BELONG TOGETHERRR!”

Azriel and Rhys could only stand there dumbfounded, each with various shades of disbelief and incredulity splashed across their faces.

Rhys leaned towards Azriel, his eyes flaring in alarm and flicking towards Cassian before landing back on Az. “You’d think after draining the life out of that song repeatedly for the last 14 hours he’d know the words,” Rhys muttered from the corner of his mouth, a smirk fighting its way across his lips.

Azriel pinched the bridge of his nose, breathing deeply, trying to fight the urge to straddle Cassian where he lay and suffocate him with his own pillow. Instead, he just stomped to Cassian’s desk and turned down the volume, Mariah reduced to background noise as his brain finally cleared of its rage induced fog.

“Cassian, get a fucking grip, man!”

“You don’t understand!” Cassian started heatedly, sitting up on his bed, his hair ruffled and matted behind him.

“It’s really not that bad, Cass,” Rhys placated, leaning against the door jamb, his arms crossed against his chest.

Cassian scoffed. “Easy for you to say. Feyre didn’t just up and leave you!”

“Oh my god,” Rhys sighed. “Nesta did not just up and leave you!”

“She did! She’s gone, she’s not here!”

“She is on student exchange for two weeks. TWO GOD DAMN WEEKS! You’re acting like she ran off with her yoga instructor,” Azriel exasperated, arms flailing around him as he tried to make his brother see reason and stop the insanity.

Cassian narrowed his eyes, before hurling his pillow at Azriel’s face.

“At least I express how I feel. Pined after Elain much, lately?”

Azriel caught the pillow and promptly launched it back at him.

“I don’t pine! And she has a boyfriend.”

“She dumped him months ago!”

Rhys interjected, sensing one of their infamous brawls brewing, and he didn’t feel like replacing a lamp or cleaning up pieces of broken desk tonight. “Cass, why don’t you just call Nesta? She wouldn’t be starting classes straight away.”

Cassian averted his gaze, a look of sheepishness fleeting across his rough-hewn face. “I tried. I don’t think she’s landed in Japan yet.”

Azriel snorted and Cassian cast narrowed hazel eyes in his direction, as if daring him to say something. Rhys swallowed his lips, smothering his own desire to make fun of his friend as he grabbed Azriel by the shoulder and led him out.

“Well, come out when you get hungry. We ordered pizza…”

Cassian just grunted in response as Rhys closed the door behind them.

They hadn’t reached halfway back down the hall when the music started blaring through the corridor again, Mariah serenading them all once more, to Azriel’s dismay.

“Nesta better not extend her exchange program. I’ll be throwing a sack over his head and abandoning him in a forest otherwise,” Azriel muttered.

Rhys just chuckled, clapping his brother on the shoulder before responding, “It would be no use anyway, he’d eventually find his way back home. He’s incredibly needy.”

*******

tagging: @offtorivendell @fawnandshadows @swankii-art-teacher @pagemasters @the-laughing-bubble @sakurakittypeach @tswaney17 @wingedblooms @thefangirlofhp @alwayssara @ultadverb

#t writes #a mariah carey inspired cheesy fic #do I have other MC inspired headcanons for Rhys and az?#why yes yes I do #acotar drabble #modern au #nessian #acotar #acotar fanfiction #cassian #azriel #rhysand #bat boys #my writing #cassian x azriel x rhys

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amidstthemists · 1 year

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Can anyone explain to me why LITERALLY EVERY TIME I READ A BOOK, my brain automatically casts Tom Ellis as the main male character? Listen, I was fine with my personal fan casting of him as Rhysand in ACOTAR but does he have to infect my brain so thoroughly that no other man is acceptable to fantasize about??? What is happening to me????

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faeriequeensuriel · 1 year

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A Court of Starborn Visions

SPOILERS FOR ALL ACOTAR AND CC BOOKS. (May also throw in some easter eggs from the TOG series.)

Elain has tried to suppress her visions, and it's mostly worked. Until she starts seeing the life of a red headed half fae woman whose story could mean salvation or destruction for both of their worlds. With the help of the Inner Circle, Elain connects her mind to the Veritas Orb while searching through the void of her powers to show them what she's seen.

ACOTAR characters watch the events of HOEAB and HOSAB through the Veritas Orb to prepare for what's to come.

So I'm still pretty new to writing fan fiction. I've never done a 'characters read/watch their books' before, but they are one of my favorite types of fics. I decided to switch it up a bit and have them watch a different of the series in the form of a vision from Elain. I know this is corny, but it makes me happy so.. Yeah.

Prologue: Elain Has a Vision

Elain had grown content with her life in the Night Court. Tending to her garden and baking breads and pastries weren’t entirely satisfying, but it kept her distracted. It kept the pain of the past few years at bay and for now, that was enough.

She hadn’t trained with her powers since the war, and for the most part, her visions had left her alone. Though a few did manage to sneak through every now and then. Small things like knowing it would rain tomorrow, or knowing what Feyre planned to gift her for the winter solstice.

So it took her entirely by surprise when she started catching glimpses of someone’s life who she did not know. Stranger still were the funny little gadgets that this girl would use to communicate with. And the buildings, they were so incredibly tall, practically touching the sky.

She wasn’t sure what to make of these visions. This girl seemed like she had a fun life, full of friends who cared for her. She seemed happy in a way that Elain wished she could be. These days, Elain felt rather lonely. She had her sisters and the wraith twins, but she was still missing something. She wanted to be in love again, and to be loved in return.

She’d thought she’d had that with Graysen once upon a time, but he’d rejected her for becoming fae, no matter that it was against her will. It was part of why she’d never given Lucien a proper chance. He was beautiful and clever, but she’d already had so much ripped away from her. If she gave into the mating bond, wouldn’t that be giving up her freedom to choose as well? She craved him. His scent, his touch, they were a comfort, but she couldn’t let herself get close to him in that way. It wasn’t like he would want her anyway, not after how she had treated him since the bond was revealed.

And then there was Azriel. He was always there when she needed him, and it had felt like he’d really seen her. She thought he may have felt the same, but after the last Winter Solstice when he had told her she was a mistake.. No matter how much he seemed to regret it and apologize, there was no taking it back.

Yes, she was indeed envious of the girl from her visions.

But then the visions started happening more and more frequently. And the more they happened, the more severe they turned until one day, Nuala and Cerridwen found her convulsing on the kitchen floor with cherry pie filling splattered across the walls and floor as if Elain had thrown it into the air as she went down.

She awoke several hours later in her room, with both of her sisters sitting at her bedside.

“Thank the Mother, you’re ok,” Feyre sighed.

Nesta just grabbed her hand and said “What the hell happened to you, Elain?”

That’s right. The vision. It had consumed her so completely that she’d entirely lost herself. She’d had no control, which terrified her. But this vision could not be explained with words alone. She’d have to show them.

“Feyre, I need you to gather Rhysand and the rest of the inner circle. I need you to know what I saw.” Feyre nodded and her face went slack as she communicated with the High Lord.

“Do you need anything else?”

Elain hesitated for a moment. “Yes. I need the Veritas Orb. And I need my mate.”

~ ♥ ~

Lucien was baffled when he received word from Feyre that Elain, Elain of all people, was requesting his presence at the House of Wind library. He didn’t think she had ever asked for him. He was a nuisance to her. A shackle, and a reminder of what was taken from her.

It frustrated him that she had wanted nothing to do with him, but he would always respect her wishes. She was his mate, and while she would never fully be his, he knew the moment she asked that he would be hers. He wanted her to adjust to being fae and to learn how to hone her powers. He wanted her to find joy and love again, even if it wouldn’t be with him.

When the others saw him walk through the library door, they quickly made their way out to leave him alone with Elain. That was a first. He had never actually been in a room alone with her.

“Hello, Lucien.” Her voice was soft and delicate, but it held more strength than the last time he had seen her, which was just a month or so after Nyx was born. It had been almost six months since that day. Gods, and her saying his name.. Had she ever said it?

“Elain. Feyre informed me that you would like to speak?” It would be best if he kept this formal, kept his heart out of it. He couldn’t stand the thought of scaring her off now that she had reached out.

“I guess I should get straight to the point.” Mother save him, he didn’t think he would like where this was going. “I had a vision. A series of them actually. And I need to show the court what I’ve seen. It isn’t as simple as letting Feyre or Rhysand into my mind. It’s.. A bit of a maze in there, full of mist and they could easily get lost.”

Lucien just nodded, encouraging her to go on, while trying to figure out how he played into this.

“We are going to use the Veritas Orb to show everyone what I saw, but it’s risky. The orb shows the truth, but it has never been needed to show the future. And because it concerns another world-”

“Wait, another world? Like how Amren came to be here?” The thought was enough to send shivers down his spine.

“Yes.. In a way. I do not believe that this is the same world from which she came, but it is a world that seems.. Complex. I will have to reach out with my powers not only to the Veritas Orb, but also this other world. I won’t be myself while I’m searching, and I may get lost myself.”

“Elain, this sounds incredibly dangerous.” No, he absolutely did not like the sound of this.

“It is.. But that’s where you come in. If you agree to help, of course. I won’t ask you for something that you don’t want to do. Especially for me, I know I haven’t been the kindest and you deserve better than that, but I just have so many feelings about everything that has happened in the last few years that I don’t know what to do about this.. thing between us.”

“Woah, hey, take a breath, love.” Lucien instinctively rested his hands on Elain’s shoulders in a soothing manner and she instantly relaxed. “First of all, this thing as you called it, is something we should sit down and talk about when there’s time and we aren’t worrying about sending your mind into the void. I can’t say that I understand exactly what you’ve been through, but I understand that it was traumatic and you deserve time to figure yourself out.”

Her breathing started coming easier so he continued, “I don’t know what the future might hold for either of us, Elain, but I won’t pressure you to accept this bond. Second of all, no matter what we mean to each other, your safety is my top priority. If I can do anything to make this process safer and easier for you, all you have to do is ask.”

She was looking up at him with those wide doe eyes, now lined with silver. “Do you really mean that? About just wanting me to be safe?”

He moved one hand to stroke her silky golden-brown hair. “Of course I do, love. Of course I do. Just tell me what you need from me. Anything.”

She stared at him as if she’d never seen him before. “I need an anchor. Somebody who can hold my hand and maybe speak to me if I seem like I’m drifting too far away. Someone who can keep me grounded in this world, while I try to view the other one.”

Lucien nodded his head. “I can do that.”

She nodded as well. “I supposed we should summon the others.”

He turned for the library door to call for the Inner Circle, but Elain grabbed his hand first. His heart pounded wildly as he slowly turned towards her.

“Yes, Elain?” Gods, her touch was heaven. Unexpectedly calloused from the years working in her garden, but still velvet soft.

“Perhaps, Lucien, when all of this is done..” She looked down, trying to hide a lovely blush. “Perhaps we could try to be friends. If that is something you would want?”

She met his gaze again, her eyes full of hope and something else. He melted under that stare.

“I would like that very much.”

#acotar #a court of thorns and roses #crescent city #hoeab #hosab #spoilers for all sjm books #elucien #feysand #quinlar #inner circle #cassian will be obsessed with guns #elain sees visions of bryce #elain shows her visions via the veritas orb #feyre wants a cell phone #lucien just wants to help his mate #this whole fic will be cheesy af #acotar characters watch cc like a movie #i'm doing this because it makes me happy so please be kind #if you don't like it please keep scrolling

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moonlightazriel · 1 year

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It’s been a hell of a ride hahaha

I’m glad that I decided to start writing my stories, writing became a very important thing to do and I love that I can be creative and that I was able to find so many people who enjoyed what I had in my mind.

I really love the ACOTAR community in here, the support I get and how amazing human beings everyone is, I’m glad that I was able to make friends, (yes, I’m talking to you two @acotarharlot @fieldofdaisiies ❤️❤️ ) and connect with people from around the world. Even if we never talked personally, I still consider you all my friends and that’s what matters hahahahha.

I hope y’all have a really good 2023, you deserve every little good thing it’s coming your way in this new year, you deserve to be happy and enjoy life. I hope you get that job promotion you wanted, hope you pass in that difficult subject, hope you even get the energy to get out of bed, all the things you do matter and you should celebrate your accomplishments, as small as they might be.

Be proud of who you are and be gentle to yourself and others, we’re all in this together and we wouldn't be anything alone. Hug your loved ones and have a great time tonight.

Happy new year everyone, thank you for being a part of my journey and be sure that in 2023 things will only get better.

Let’s all chase our dreams!!! 🥹🎆🎇🥰🥰🥰

#acotar #happy new year #I love being cheesy sometimes #sorry not sorry

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ennawrite · 1 month

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headcanon where Eris’s meanest hound takes a liking to Elain and both Vanserra brothers just stand there like 🧍🧍‍♂️ because they’ve both been bit by this demon dog but now it’s letting Elain tie a bow around its neck and follows her while she forages in the forest

#acotar #pro lucien vanserra #pro elain archeron #pro eris vanserra #acosf #acotar headcanons #pro elucien #cheesy elucien

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jeannineee · 9 months

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Oh my god imagine drunk batboys!!! I'm dying for a hc on it. Who's gonna be the most clingy? I need to know 🥺

Oh and could you write about Lucien and Eris as well please?

How the ACOTAR men act when drunk…

a/n: requests are open

warnings: alcohol use (obvi), and some suggestiveness

Rhysand:

His arrogance and flirtatiousness are exacerbated x1000

This male has no shame and will whisper the filthiest things in your ear

Or he’ll say them out loud, in front of everyone, without a care in the world

Decorum? Never heard of it.

Absolutely expects you to baby him through his hangover in the morning

Cassian:

I could see him forgetting that you’re his mate/partner

LMFAOOO like you could try to lean against him or kiss him, and he’ll casually pull away and you’re like ???Cassian???

And he explains, “Sorry, I’m spoken for.”

“Cassian, it’s me, y/n.” “Nice try, but like I said, I’m spoken for.”

And then when you get home, “I guess you can lay in my bed tonight, but no touching me. In fact, I’ll take the couch.”

Doesn’t remember a thing in the morning.

Azriel:

Clingy!!!!!!

Very touchy, lovey-dovey, and soft.

He’ll compliment you over and over, covering your face and neck with kisses. Whispering all the things he wants to do to you.

Definitely tries to get some at the end of the night.

Is quite pouty and upset when you reject him due to his drunkenness, but you make up for it in the morning!!

Lucien:

Giggly & clingy

Also flirts with you as though he’s still trying to bag you—except the flirting is super cheesy.

“Has anyone told you how pretty you look tonight?” Or “Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?” Type of shit

Keeps his arm around you the entire night, and definitely complains if you try to detach yourself from him.

Eris:

Doesn’t get drunk often, because he’s super talkative and clumsy when he does.

Literally clings to you like a koala for fear of stumbling over himself—even in his intoxication, Eris refuses to be embarrassed.

Is much more warm and friendly, oddly enough.

Veryyyy touchy, soft kisses along your jaw and neck, his hands trailing up and down your waist.

#acotar #a court of thorns and roses #acotar headcanon #acotar fanfiction #acomaf #female reader #azriel x reader #azriel acotar #Cassian acotar #acotar Cassian #Cassian x reader #rhysand x reader #rhysand #Eris x reader #Lucien x reader #Lucien Vanserra #Eris Vanserra

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kale-theteaqueen · 5 months

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The Humble Art of Gift Giving

SO Thrilled to participate in my first ACOTAR Secret Santa with @acotargiftexchange! I absolutely loved writing this piece for @danikamariewrites. Everyone check out her work if you haven't already, it's amazing! I hope you enjoy this piece of Nessian Christmas Fluff! Merry Christmas, TTQ <3

Summary: Nesta loves giving gifts. Takes pride in it, actually. Especially at Christmas. She's had her list of potential options for her family ready for months now, and all that she needs to do now is actually buy them. And therein lies the problem. What if they aren't good enough? What if they're cheesy or off the mark? Nesta's gifts are always perfect, and this year will be no exception. Cassian knows this, and loves her for it. But her biggest challenge this year isn't shopping for family. It's getting a gift for him. Especially when she makes it her personal mission to top the previous year's presence. Luckily, all it takes is a quick trip to the local Christmas Market to give her the inspiration she needs.

Read Below or on A03!

Feyre.

Elain.

Cassian.

Gwyn.

Emerie.

Azriel.

Rhysand.

Lucien.

Amren

Morrigan??

Nesta scowled at the Excel sheet in front of her, at the blank squares that needed filling. It was December 16th, and there were still too many open-ended questions. Feyre was getting new paints, ones she specifically asked for, and were linked accordingly in her designated row, highlighted in a soft green to indicate she’d purchased them. Elain was receiving a set of earrings and a necklace made of pressed flowers, also highlighted in green.

And Cassian, well…

There were many, many links in his row. Options upon options. But nothing felt good enough.

Nothing felt good enough for Gwyn either, nor Emerie or Azriel. Links to Etsy shops, indie bookstores, and, regrettably, even Amazon filled the sheet, but they were all white, the category marked ‘Purchased?” painfully blank. And she hadn’t even begun to consider what she should purchase her extended family of sorts.

They always did this holiday together, making a big bash out of it, and every year since Feyre and Rhysand got married, and especially since she and Cassian had gotten engaged, she was presented with the same dilemma.

What did she get them? Would they even bother to get her anything?

Apparently, they were, or at least that’s what Feyre had claimed, when she asked. Her sister jumped on any chance to have a big happy family, and though it took significant effort and trial and error, she more or less had it. Nesta just didn’t know quite where she fit in.

“Sweetheart, your food is going to get cold.”

Nesta raised her eyes from her laptop, frowning at her fiancé, who was smiling knowingly at her from the other end of the couch, a bowl of pasta in his hand. She should have been working on the next book in her series, the manuscript open in a separate tab. Her last book may have only been out for about a week, but even still, deadlines were deadlines. If only Nesta had actually written anything in the past two hours.

“I gave you twenty more minutes, as promised.”

With a sigh, Nesta sat up straight, closing her laptop and evaluating his latest creation in front of her. Pesto, with fresh pine nuts and fusilli pasta. Gods, she didn’t deserve him when he made dishes like this. Especially when he had to pry her away from her writing. Or at least, what was supposed to be writing.

“How’s the Christmas list coming?”

Ah, he knew her too well.

“I just don’t know what to do,” She said, taking her first bite and practically melting at the taste in her mouth.

Cassian hummed knowingly, more than aware of how meticulously she planned Christmas presents. She collected links for months, bookmarking random Instagram ads or TikTok promos. But when it came to actually purchasing them, to deciding on what was good enough, she often lamented for weeks.

“We’re going to the market tomorrow, right?” He asked. “I’m sure we’ll turn a few more of those lines green.”

“I suppose,” Nesta said quietly, lifting a hand to push her glasses farther up her nose. A new development, one she still wasn’t quite happy about. But spending time reading in the dark had its consequences, apparently.

“We won’t leave until we’ve got at least the rest of the family knocked off.”

“Maybe it’s stupid, and I should just get them all gift cards or something.”

“You hate giving people gift cards, Nes.”

Nesta sighed, leaning back against the cushions. “But if they don’t even like me, then why would they want a gift from me?”

Cassian stretched out his leg so his foot could nudge her calf affectionately. “They like you, sweetheart. All that tension has been resolved, yeah? Mor was just telling me that she was excited to see you and hear about your latest book.”

Nesta frowned, stirring her fork around her bowl of pasta. It was true, the animosity that defined a lot of her relationship with Feyre’s found family was largely gone after months of working out past traumas or grief. Now, a year and a half later, Nesta was three books into a successful series, and happily engaged to the man beside her, who continued to look at her with nothing short of affection in his eyes, despite her anxiety.

“You’re right,” She replied. “I just…”

“Want it to be good enough?” Cassian supplied, scooting closer.

She nodded as his arm slid around her shoulders, pulling her comfortably against his chest.

“Your gifts are always so thoughtful, you know,” He replied. “Mor wears that charm bracelet you got her, with all of our initials, almost every day. I think the only competition you have is yourself, baby.”

Nesta huffed out a soft laugh, nestling into his shoulder. “I just want everything to be right.”

Cassian tipped her head up, kissing her softly. “I know. Tomorrow, Nes. We’ll get it all wrapped up, tomorrow.”

---

The Christmas Market was crowded, families and individuals alike scouring the stalls for the perfect, unique gift for their loved ones. Nesta watched them from her spot near the entrance, a cup of hot chocolate in one hand and a map in the other. In her pocket, her phone sat ready with her meticulous list of gift recipients.

“Alright,” Cassian said, looking over the page listing all the vendors. “Should we start from the right and snake our way through?”

Nesta nodded, her eyes scanning intently over the seemingly endless number of shops. There were at least twenty candlemakers, local artists, even a bonsai tree shop. The wheels in her head began turning, and she began making mental notes of who would be most interested in which items.

But before she could delve too deeply into her analysis, Cassian slid his arm around her waist, squeezing just enough that she looked up at him.

“Try not to look so serious, sweetheart. We’re supposed to be merry.”

Nesta huffed, but took a step forward towards the shops, holding out a hand for him to take. “I am perfectly merry.”

Cassian laughed, a bright and melodic sound that often was the only thing to pull her out of dreary moods. “Of course. The most festive woman I know.”

Rolling her eyes, she couldn’t help the smile that tugged on her lips. Pulling him forward, she entered the first aisle, taking in the first few shops. On careful steps, she approached a woodworking tent, eyeing the various cutting boards, cheese platters, and handcrafted pens. They were all beautiful, but nothing caught her interest or fulfilled the basic requirement of what she considered to be a perfectly tailored gift.

That is, until her eyes caught on the end of the table, at the line of puzzle boxes. She smiled, running her fingers over a medium sized one, assessing the various cogs and gears within.

Amren did mention needing something new to fidget with.

Pulling out her phone, Nesta filled in the tiny woman’s row, and flagged down the shop owner.

With one gift down, her confidence boosted, and she strode down the path towards the next few stalls with a small smile, eyes scanning over the various handmade jewelry, knitwear, and blown glass. Cassian wasn’t too far behind, though his attention was typically scattered in these kinds of environments. More often than not, she’d turn and find him gone entirely, entranced by a tent in a different aisle.

He grinned at her when she caught his eye, holding up a knitted flower hat, small and definitely intended for a pet. Immediately, her mind drifted to Azriel’s beloved twin black cats. And, more acutely, how horrified they’d be at the prospect of being dressed. Rolling her eyes, she smiled amusedly at him and shook her head before continuing on her way, knowing full well her fiancé would try and convince his brother to put them on anyway.

As she looked through each row, the time seemed to fly by, with her list slowly but surely getting smaller and smaller. As she reached the center of the market, she finally looked down at her phone to take stock of what she’d thus far acquired:

A set of blown glass flowerpots for Elain.

A cocktail smoker set for Azriel, paired with a bottle of locally distilled whiskey.

An old map of the city for Rhysand.

A set of handmade wooden ballpoint pens for Lucien.

Which left Gwyn, Emerie, Morrigan, and, of course, Cassian.

She hadn’t found anything remotely good enough for him. Everything was either something she’d already done, or found too tacky, or cliché. It had to be personal, thoughtful. Something no one else would think of.

The closer she got to reaching the end of the market, the more anxious she became about the prospect.

Luckily, all it took was a brilliant antique book stand to occupy her thoughts.

It was by far her favorite tent so far, with shelves lined with antique copies of some of her favorites, of bags made from the bindings of repurposed books, prints and posters, and everything a bookworm could dream of. Smiling at the shop owner as she entered, Nesta made her way to the collection of old novels, perusing the selections.

There was nothing particularly rare or beautiful, but as Nesta scanned her eyes over the titles, there were at least several options to satisfy Gwyn, who loved collecting old and special edition copies of her favorites. But, to her surprise, it wasn’t her lovely friend she had in mind when she found the final book in the row, larger than the others. Taking care to pull it free gently, she observed the title.

Landscape Painting Through the Ages: A Definitive Guide

Flipping through, she smiled at the depictions of various flora and fauna, of the various instructions on perspective and shading. It was old, perhaps 40 or 50 years, but it was perfect for her youngest sister, who was always looking for new references to paint from.

Even better, as she turned around to approach the counter, she spotted a gorgeous Pride and Prejudice handbag made of a re-purposed binding. Gwyn would be head over heels. The shopkeeper smiled broadly at her as she approached, and said, with a thick accent,

“That one’s been sitting on the shelf for ages. I’m glad she’s found a home.”

Nesta smiled at the kind man.

“It will be well loved.”

Arms full, she stepped back out into the path, scanning for Cassian who was, unsurprisingly, nowhere to be found. She’d thought he’d have been easier to spot, with his height. But it seemed everyone had their own tall significant other to drag around.

Retracing her steps, she scanned through the rows, tent after tent. Rounding the corner, she contemplated texting him, telling him to meet her at the entrance to save her the anxiety, but then she caught sight of his curls, the red scarf around his neck, and her tension eased.

He stood at what was unmistakably a jewelry stand, and Nesta quirked a brow as she approached. The old woman behind the counter spoke animatedly to him, and in his hands was a tiny box, wrapped simply with a satin bow. Her interest piqued, she tried to assess what it was, listening for any clues. But just as she approached his side, he spun on his heel, grinning down at her, the box disappearing into his pocket.

“There she is,” He said. “How are we doing, sweetheart?”

Nesta looked up at him quizzically, and the amusement in his eyes told her he already knew what she wanted to know. But he didn’t budge, even after several seconds of staring him down. So, she relented,

“Fairly well. Just Emerie and Morrigan left.”

And him, of course, but that was for her knowledge only.

“See, I told you this market would be a good one.”

“What about you?” Nesta asked, shifting her arms as he reached to take some of her bags from her.

“A master of gift giving never tells his secrets, Nes.”

Nesta scoffed, even as she looped her arm through his and they meandered down to the remaining tents.

“How many of those ridiculous cat hats did you buy?”

“They had powdered wigs. Do you know how amazing Shadow and Smokey will look in those?”

Nesta shook her head, unable to hide her grin. “Azriel will kill you.”

Cassian shrugged, unbothered by the prospect. “I just want one picture of my nephews. Then they can rip them up for all I care.”

“I still don’t know what to get Morrigan. I have no idea what she likes other than wine.”

Cassian tilted his head in contemplation. “There’s that distillery that makes social justice themed alcohol, their booth is back towards the front. That would be right up her alley.”

Nesta’s brows rose, the idea scratching her itch for something unique yet appropriate for the still superficial friendship they had.

“That’s perfect,” She said quietly, pulling out her phone, anxious to fill in her spreadsheet. “Let me just-”

“Take your time, baby. We’ve got plenty of it.”

Nesta stared down at the screen, satisfied by the solid block green rows. Just two left now, which seemed so much more manageable than this morning when they started. A weight lifted off her shoulders, and she let out a long, satisfied breath.

“Just Emerie then.”

Cassian hummed in acknowledgement, offering his arm to her again.

They made it to the front of the market, and Nesta turned to assess the stands again, deciding on where to look again for her friend. Slowly, she wandered to one of the first jewelry booths, assessing the various bracelets. It was intricate metalwork on gorgeous cuffs. Cuffs that would make incredible friendship bracelets.

“Your ring is gorgeous.”

Nesta lifted her eyes, meeting the soft brown ones of the girl behind the counter. Looking back down at her hand, she assessed her engagement ring, the ruby set among tiny white diamonds. Cassian was by no means a poor man, but still, she’d protested that she didn’t need something so exquisite. He disagreed.

“Thank you,” she replied. “My fiancé has good taste, or so I think.”

“Excellent taste,” the girl replied. “The gold band will match those cuffs nicely.”

A smile tugged on her lips as she ran her fingers over the metal. “I think you’re right,” she said. “I’ll take three.”

The girl grinned at her, moving away to wrap them. All the while, Nesta continued to try and come up with various ideas for Cassian. But still, nothing seemed like enough. He had an engraved watch, one she’d gotten him for their first Christmas, and he had plenty of other sentimental gifts, ones she’d all but planned out years in advance.

And now, it seemed like nothing could top it. Except perhaps his wedding band, which they’d just selected only a few weeks ago.

“Wait, are you Nesta Archeron?”

Nesta returned her attention to the girl, who had her bag of goods in her hands. Her brows were in her hairline, her mouth dropped open.

“I… Yes, I am.” Nesta replied, still unaccustomed to being recognized in public.

“I thought you looked familiar. You’re my favorite author!” The girl gushed, her entire face brightening. “Would you… Would you sign my book? I got the last copy on release day. I absolutely adore the love interest. How he accepts Aurelia even with all her quirks and dark days? To die for! Did you base him off your fiancé?”

Nesta couldn’t hide her smile this time, knowing full well that most of his description did indeed from the man waiting just a few feet behind her. And with that thought came a new idea, one that seemed so simple, yet hadn’t before crossed her mind.

“Perhaps. And I’d love to,” She replied, reaching out to accept the copy and a pen. It was still so surreal, even after all this time, to see her own work in person.

Quickly, she signed her name, wishing the girl a happy holiday season, before shutting the book and handing it back.

“Thank you so much!” The girl said, looking so unequivocally happy it made Nesta’s throat tight. It was remarkable that someone was this happy about her writing.

“And…I’m really glad you found your person. I hope one day I find mine.”

“You will,” Nesta said, accepting her jewelry with a larger smile. “I know it.”

---

Over the course of the next week, Nesta’s nerves about what to buy eased.

Only to be immediately replaced by her nerves about if each recipient would like the gifts she got them.

It was December 23, less than a day remaining before the entire family would gather for Christmas Eve dinner. Nesta was always nervous to meet with them all at once, it was a feeling that would likely never quite go away. But now, at least, it was more anticipatory. Would Elain and Feyre like their gifts? Would Mor and Amren? Rhysand and Azriel?

As she looked down at the wrapping paper in her lap, the boxes strewn out in front of her in the living room, she ran through her gift checklist one more time. A warm glow was cast over the living room, the Christmas tree lights twinkling. Cassian had lit a fire a few minutes ago, and the heat of it soothed something deep in her soul.

It would be fine. These were good gifts. She’d wrap them, and everything would be perfect.

“Nes, sweetheart, I found the rest of the scotch tape.”

Nesta lifted her eyes, smiling gratefully at Cassian as he padded back into the living room, settling down on the floor, his back against the couch. Nesta shifted down to join him, reaching for Azriel’s gifts to place into a box. With meticulous precision, she taped it up, wrapping it in navy-blue paper with silver stripes.

“You’re so good at this,” Cassian murmured. “You should make it a paid service.”

Huffing a laugh, Nesta reached for his finger, using it to hold a satin ribbon in place as she tied it off.

“I don’t think my skill is quite that impressive. Gwyn’s, perhaps. Or Elain’s. They'd probably make thousands.”

Cassian hummed, leaning forward to press a kiss to her head.

“Feeling better now that you got Emerie a slot in that coveted yoga class she’s been trying so desperately to get into?”

“Much,” Nesta replied. “Though, you know how nervous I’ll be tomorrow, anyway.”

His laugh was soft, and he shifted, his arm sliding behind her, pulling her close once she set Azriel’s wrapped package aside.

“Nervous about whether they will like your gifts or nervous about having attention on you while you open yours?”

Nesta swatted him lightheartedly, hating and loving how well he knew her.

“They’re good gifts, right?”

“Amazing gifts, sweetheart. You put Santa Claus out of business every year, and we all know it.”

“I do, don’t I?”

There was one thing, at least, she wasn’t nervous about anymore. And it was his own gift, which she’d finished only a few days ago. The idea had struck that moment at the jewelry stand, and every day since she’d worked to put it together.

He pressed a kiss to her temple, a proper smile on his face. “Does that make me Mrs. Claus?”

Nesta lifted her head, assessing with a raised brow. “I’m not sure. You can’t exactly bake cookies very well.”

Cassian reared back in mock offense. “That was one time, Nes. I could make a successful batch of cookies right this minute if you wished.”

Nesta shook her head, shifting to settle more comfortably against his chest. “I think I prefer you staying right here.”

His chest vibrated in contentment, almost a purr. His arm was a comforting weight around her, and not for the first time did she marvel at how her life had turned out. How she was spending her evenings with this man, in their house. It was all pretty perfect, if you had to ask her. And Nesta had been raised never to believe in perfect things.

“But yes, you know I love attention.” Nesta said with a sigh. “It’s always fine, I know. I’m not sure why I always get nervous.”

“You want everything to be perfect, my love. And it always is.”

Nesta hummed, though couldn’t say she was convinced. Still, she adored him for how soothed he could make her with just a few words.

“You know, I was thinking,” He added after a moment. “I know you don’t like all the attention on you when you get gifts. So, what if we start our own tradition of exchanging the night before? Just us?”

Nesta’s lips parted, and she sat up, assessing him. Her gift to him was wrapped delicately, sitting under the tree next to the one he’d placed for her, just hours ago.

“You want to?” She asked, something within her very much approving of the idea.

“Well, you’ve been very secretive about my gift. Maybe I can’t wait anymore.”

Nesta couldn’t help the smile that tugged on her lips.

“Alright.”

Before he could smile back at her, she was moving, pushing out of his arms, and crawling the few feet over to the base of the tree. Reaching, she grabbed her own package, turning back to face him.

“You sure? You like being the center of attention when there are gifts involved.”

Cassian smirked. “Because I always get the best ones from my lovely fiancé. I can brag about it all night tomorrow.”

Her cheeks heated, despite herself, but she smiled back, shifting back over to him. Holding out the package, she said,

“Well then, be my guest.”

“You’re excited,” Cassian replied, intrigue in his voice. Lifting the gift, he shook it lightly by his ear. “Should I be worried?”

“Just open it, you brute.”

His smirk softened into a gentle smile. With deft fingers, he untied the ribbon around the box and undid the paper along the taped points, not tearing. He truly knew her too well. She sat back on her haunches, watching closely, wondering only at the last minute if it was too stupid, too cheesy.

Cassian’s brows rose as he unveiled his gift, the title of her latest book staring up at him.

“This is… your book.”

Nesta bit her cheek, controlling her nerves. “Open it.”

His interest was clear in the focus that settled over his face, and he opened the cover. His eyes scanned over the note she’d penned there, an extra dedication to him and him only. Carefully, his fingers brushed over the various tabs throughout the pages.

“What is this?” He asked softly, opening up to the first one.

“We weren’t together when my first book came out,” Nesta explained. “And we were just getting started when the second came out. In this one, the main character, Aurelia, she-”

“Leaves the first love interest for the one she ends up with, I know,” He said softly, flipping to the next tab.

Nesta nodded, folding her hands in her lap. He had read the entire thing before publication, after all.

“This is…Sweetheart.”

Nesta shifted closer, evaluating which line he was looking at.

“Aurelia scowled as Ramin brushed a bead of sweat off his brow, the jagged mountain path looking nothing short of ominous. “I thought you said you liked the outdoors,” He said. “This is the outdoors.”

“I like sitting outdoors. Not hiking for thirteen miles.”

“We have to get up this hill, sweetheart. We need to get a better sense of our position.”

There, in the margins, was her script, slightly messy yet coherent to those who knew her best.

“October 4th, 2019. We went camping as a family, to Rhysand’s cabin. We got lost trying to find the campground’s maintenance buildings. We hiked six miles, because you wanted to get to higher ground, to ‘evaluate our position.’”

Each tab had a memory associated. Something Cassian did or said that Nesta had taken and put into this character, the manifestation of what love meant to her. From their petty arguments to the ways in which he understood her unlike anyone else. To how she knew it was him, from the moment they met, and no one else.

“Nesta, this is incredible.”

“I know it’s not much,” She said. “But I couldn’t figure out what to get you that you didn’t already have.”

“Sweetheart, it’s everything.”

Cassian looked up at her with genuine tears in his eyes, an expression that was almost reverence on his face. It filled Nesta with intense warmth, with love.

“You like it?” She asked, her voice a soft whisper.

He moved, quickly, closing the book with care and setting it aside, before he was crowding into her space, pressing kisses all over her face until he caught her lips, where he stayed for one, two, three, four more, until she was practically breathless.

Nesta’s hands rested against his own, which cupped her face, and laughed, just a little.

“I love it, Nesta,” He replied. “I love it.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes, sweetheart. I will treasure this always.”

She pressed her forehead against his, relishing the affection she felt from him.

“I wanted the world to have a piece of how wonderful you are,” She murmured. “But the specific reasons as to why can be just for us.”

“What did I tell you,” He replied, dipping her head to press another kiss to her lips. “The best gift giver.”

Pulling back, he stroked his thumb over her cheek affectionately before moving towards the tree.

“I’m afraid mine may look quite small in comparison.”

Nesta shook her head, watching as he pulled the tiny box from its place atop the tree skirt. The man could bring her a rock, and she'd likely cherish it until she died.

“You know I don’t need anything special.”

“So you tell me every time I get you a gift, baby.”

He approached her again, settling down beside her and placing the box in her hands. It was the one she’d seen briefly at the Market, the one he’d hidden from her.

“I know you got me something that’s not sentimental, and I got you a gift like that too, for tomorrow night. But these, I think, can stay between us.”

Nesta couldn’t shake the smile from her face as she nodded her agreement. For several seconds, she stared down at the box, the gold foil of it glinting in the light. Cassian nudged her with his nose, pressing a kiss to her temple.

“Open it, Nes.”

“Be patient.”

But even as she said the words, she was pulling the ribbon free and lifting the cover off. Her eyes roved over the necklace that sat nestled on a pillow of velvet, and she went still, her throat tightening.

“Cass…”

It was a simple pendant, one that held two stones – their birthstones, to be exact, bound together by metal that had been shaped to look like a single golden thread. Lifting it out of the box, she assessed it closer, lips parted in shock.

“Turn it over.”

She obeyed him, surprised at the small engraving that had somehow fit on the back. Their initials were there, with a year. Next year, the one they were getting married in.

“It’s beautiful,” She said quietly, running her finger over the gems. "Where did you-?"

“I had it custom made from the woman you saw me speaking to. I was picking it up when you so sneakily almost caught me.”

Huffing a laugh, she smiled down at the piece. Simple, yet elegant. Exactly her taste.

“Put it on me?” She asked.

“Of course, sweetheart.”

His hands were soft. They always were, when he touched her. In one gentle movement, he swept her hair over her shoulder, and in the next, he brought the necklace around her throat, the pendant resting perfectly between her collarbones. He clasped it easily, letting his hands slide over her shoulders, his head dipping to kiss her neck.

“I knew it would look beautiful on you,” He murmured. “But I still wasn’t prepared. You’re so stunning, Nes.”

Nesta leaned back into his arms, which wrapped tightly around her, the warm spices and cedar she associated with his scent enveloping her senses. Tilting her head up, she caught his jaw in a kiss, grinning as he dipped his chin to meet her lips properly.

“Merry Christmas,” She whispered, lacing their fingers together where they rested on her stomach. "I love you."

Cassian all but melted at the words, squeezing her tight and settling back against the couch, just holding her.

“Merry Christmas, sweetheart. I love you too.”

---

The next evening, when Nesta and Cassian arrived at Feyre and Rhysand’s house to celebrate, arms full of gifts, her family’s eyes caught immediately on the gold pendant around her neck. Mor and Feyre pestered Cassian for hours, wanting to know where, exactly, it had come from. Azriel had kissed her on the cheek, complimenting her politely as he always did, warm and protective of her as he was. Elain gushed, and Amren smiled approvingly, always appreciative of fine taste. Even Rhysand complimented it, clapping Cassian on the shoulder.

It was a soothing experience, a welcoming one. It filled her with the confidence she didn’t know she needed, to say without hesitation that she belonged here.

And as the family settled around the tree, anxious to pass out gifts, any lingering anxieties faded away to nothing. Nesta couldn’t deny it to herself any longer, nor to those around her. In that moment, she felt entirely complete, entirely content. Entirely sure that this was the life she was meant to live, here with these people.

Just as Cassian had promised, everything was entirely perfect.

--- End ---

#nessian #acotar fanfiction #acotar #nesta archeron #cassian #archive of our own #acotargiftexchange2023 #acotarsecretsanta2023 #nesta x cassian #Modern AU #Writer!Nesta

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the-shadowsingers-whore · 6 months

Text

~the inner circle and last minute dates~

pairing: acotar inner circle x gn reader

genre: fluff, headcanon

length: 482

disclaimer: this in no way represents any of sarah j. maas' work or ideas, it is for purely fictional/personal entertainment purposes

rhysand

as high lord he's so busy all the time so he is constantly losing track of time because he’s so busy. as a result, most of your dates end up being last minute. because of this he's really good at spur of the moment dates. he keeps a running list of ideas, so he can make sure the dates are always fun and different.

feyre

she’s definitely taking you to a painting/art class. if she can’t get in anywhere in the rainbow last minute, she will set up a personal class with just the two of you in her art studio. and she always makes sure there is snacks, wine, soft music, etc. it may be last minute, but she's still going to squeeze in as many magical touches as possible.

cassian

whether he had to plan last minute or just can’t think of an idea for a date, one of his go to dates is cooking with you at home. he loves cooking and ever since you tried to make him dinner that one time (which ended in total disaster), he’s made it his personal mission to teach you, so a cooking date is the perfect excuse. he even had super cheesy couples aprons made so you can match while you make dinner.

azriel

he loves being outside, so when he needs to plan a last minute date, he's usually resorting to a picnic. but, since he's secretly a romantic at heart, it isn’t going to be just a run of the mill, boring picnic. he’s got a fancy blanket, comfy pillows, an aesthetic spread of food, delicious dessert, champagne in actual glasses, the cutest basket, the whole shebang. and he always finds secluded locations with the most amazing views so you can enjoy your picnic with just the two of you.

mor

in classic mor fashion, she's going to take you to rita's where you'll have greasy food and great drinks. you'll either hang out or dance for a while before she drags you over to the rainbow. then the two of you will look at the names of all the shows the various artists are putting on that night and pick one to watch based on the title alone.

amren

most of your dates, both planned and last minute, with amren are going to be eating out at a restaurant. but, don't worry because she knows you love trying new places, so the restaurants are always different. in all your time together, she has never taken you to the same place twice. plus she's been around forever so she knows every single good restaurant that exists in velaris which means it's guaranteed that the food will always be excellent. she even knows of places that have been shut down for years where she has gotten you exclusive meals because she knows the owner from back in the day.

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starsreminisce · 4 months

Note

SJM writes the type of romance where the love and trust slowly creeps up on the characters w/o them realizing it. The unexpected type of love that takes the characters by a (very pleasant) surprise, not the “in your face” type of love.

Maybe these types of romance are getting less popular, perhaps it’s now considered too boring, but I still very much appreciate them. It’s definitely a more “slow and sweet” type of romance rather being considered a “hot romance.” The lust comes gradually b/w the two characters from their deep feelings for one another (lmao cheesy but yeah)

It’s what we got with feysand, and what I believe we’ll be getting for gwynriel and elucien.

I agree. SJM clearly loves the fated mates trope, even including it in CC, and she seems to make it her mission to reinvent the genre. Most fated mates tropes act like a done deal, but she takes the time to show the reasons why they're mates.

The lust came later for many of the mated males. But you're right that the idea of real-life love and relationships usually involves sex early on or sex comes in before falling in love. It's a weird thing to validate Elriel when Lucien had those instincts very early on (touch her, taste her, smell her) and pushed it aside because it literally was not the time.

I finally figured out what separates the Eluciens/Gwynriels from the Elriels, and it's because Eluciens/Gwynriels see the potential based on their personalities, knowing that the journey is the actual story, while Elriels look at what was said and done and build it up from there.

One of the reasons why I don't ship Elriel is because their personalities clash, and because of how SJM designed the ACOTAR mating bond. Elain loves going out and socializing, so who is the best match for someone like this? Azriel or Lucien? Azriel comes home completely covered in someone else's blood from torturing someone; who is most likely to actually not cringe away from him? Elain or Gwyn?

We have a line that shows Azriel's shadows don't like being in the sun. How is that going to work when Elain draws the curtains to let in as much sun as possible wherever she is? And then tell me that it's a coincidence that her mate just so happens to be the heir to the Day Court, retconned from ACOTAR.

No matter what Elain or Lucien does, whether they decide to try or decide to separate, they will always be connected to each other. Lucien has shown just how much more he knows Elain vs. Azriel. Even the idea of an ill-matched mating bond is questionable—is it the mating bond, or is it the male they are mated to?

#elucien #pro elucien #elain x lucien #antie/riel #antielriel #gwynriel #pro gwynriel

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lucienarcheron · 11 months

Text

Bouquet Full of Love [ Elucien ]

Prompt: Elain visits Lucien at work, new bouquet in hand. This is a follow-up to my first ACOTAR fic, Bouquet Full of Loathing | Originally posted on 01.04.2018. Genre: Fluff/Humor Rating: SFW Recommended Music: oldies music playlist on Spotify because I said so.

Elain hummed quietly to herself as she placed the finishing touches on her newest bouquet. It was a beautiful one. A special one. To give to someone special.

She bit her lip with a smile as she stepped back a moment later and admired it again. It was a beautiful mix of red roses, red and white carnations, red tulips, and primrose.

It would match his hair perfectly.

Giggling a little to herself, Elain quickly wrapped it up carefully then cleaned her workspace and bundled up. The weather had gotten significantly colder and though her walk wouldn’t be too far, Elain didn’t want to reach there half frozen.

“I’ll be back in about an hour or so!” she hollered to her assistant manager. “I’m not too far, so text me if anything!”

She and Lucien were supposed to have lunch together at a restaurant nearby today but he was stuck in the office and couldn’t take the time to leave so instead, she would be taking the lunch to him.

Lucien.

Her boyfriend.

Elain remembered when she had first met him as he had barged in demanding ‘fuck you’ flowers that so happened to be delivered to Nesta. To this day, Elain was thankful Nesta had forgotten to ask what the flowers meant.

Since then, the two had been dating for three months and it still felt unreal to her. Whatever Elain had felt with Graysen before this, was nothing compared to how Lucien made her feel. He was kind, sweet, so understanding, and made her laugh until she was crying. He made her feel alive and loved and half the time Elain felt like she was soaring in the skies with him. Lucien courted her like a proper lady and she relished every moment of it.

The two were so cheesy it made everyone around them want to vomit. According to Feyre that is, and most definitely according to Nesta who gagged on principal in their presence.

Elain giggled again as she balanced the bouquet in one hand and made her way to pick up their to-go meal and then very nearly skipped the rest of the way to Inkwell Corp., the literary agency where both Lucien and Nesta worked.

Nesta.

Gods, she hated Lucien now even more than she had prior to them dating. Granted, Lucien also pushed Nesta’s buttons every chance he got but it definitely didn’t help that the hate between them had begun long ago.

But they tried to get along. Tried for Elain’s sake.

Elain stepped through the doors of the company and made her way to the front desk, a wide smile on her face.

“Hey Vassa.” she spoke. “I’m going to pop in and see Lucien for a bit.”

“Hello Elain!” Vassa replied with a chuckle. “Bringing him some of those beautiful flowers of yours?”

“Well, the flowers are a part of it. But I’m the main event.” Elain replied with a grin and Vassa laughed.

“Alright, head up on. I’m assuming Nesta shouldn’t know just yet?”

“Please and thank you.” Elain replied with a chuckle and Vassa gave her a wink as Elain headed off to the elevator, up to the second floor, office 170C, and found Lucien’s door slightly ajar. She watched him for a moment as he leaned back into his chair, a manuscript in one hand and the other hand tapping mindlessly on the desk.

Elain cleared her throat then knocked. “Special delivery for a Mr. Lucien Vanserra. Your beautiful girlfriend has arrived.”

Lucien looked up and his face broke out into a wide smile. “Elain!” He tossed the manuscript down and shot out of his seat, crossing the room faster than she could comprehend and pulled her in, caging her against the closed and now locked door.

She laughed as he cupped her face and kissed her enthusiastically. “This better be because you’re excited to see me and not just for the food.”

“I’m looking at a full-course meal right now.” he replied with a grin and Elain giggled, lightly shoving him back.

“You’re too much, you know that?” she said, shaking her head and heading to his desk, placing their food down, and then turning to him with the flowers. “I made you a bouquet. Beautiful and full of feelings.”

“It is beautiful, as is the lovely lady who put it together.” he said with a wink and a peck on her cheek. “Hopefully the feelings aren’t of loathing though.” he teased, taking them from her and placing them on the corner of his desk, the spot he always reserved for her flowers, next to his favorite framed photo of them. He admired the flowers with a soft smile trying to think of a time when flowers didn’t play such a significant part in his life.

“Definitely not. It’s full of another feeling that starts with the letter L.” she said with a smile, a flush blooming on her cheeks and Lucien turned to her with a sly smile.

“Oh, Elain. Is this what a bouquet full of lust looks like?” he said and she scoffed. “What am I going to do about your lustful ways, dove? If you want to ravish me, you don’t need flowers to tell me, I’m ready whenever you are.”

She choked back a laugh before shoving him again and Lucien started laughing. “That’s rich coming from you considering your lustful ways are barely contained.” she replied, her cheeks still heated. His lustful ways had found their way into her bed last night and then the night before that and the night before that for the past month.

The grin on his face suggested his train of thought had followed hers.

“I can’t help it. You’re so damn beautiful.” he mumbled, pulling her more comfortably in his arms now that flowers and food weren’t in the way and kissed her temple.

“So who will protect me from your lustful ways then?” Elain asked with a grin, looking up at him and Lucien chuckled, his lips finding their way to her neck, leaving soft kisses.

“Based on all the noises you make when my lustful ways make an appearance, you don’t seem to mind.”

Elain held back a moan and shuddered when he lightly bit down on the sweet spot of her neck and she immediately pushed away from him with a warning look that had him grinning widely.

“Don’t. This is a professional setting.”

“So? I’ve had a lot of time to think about all the professional things we could do in my office, Elain.”

She loved when he said her name like that. Like he couldn’t get enough.

Elain tried to hold back a smile but failed, blushing furiously and giggling as he pulled her into his arms again, pushing her against his desk. “Lucien...we should sit down and eat before the food gets cold.”

“I’m hungry for something else.”

“Lucien.” she warned but his hands had slid down and under her mini dress, his fingers gliding over her thighs and squeezing. He normally didn’t mind tights but at this specific moment, he really hated them. “You’re — someone will hear —.”

“I love you.” Lucien mumbled, pecking her lips gently. “So much.”

She smiled, her arms coming around his waist, pulling him closer. “I love you too.” she mumbled against his lips. “And just for the record, that was the L word I was going for.”

Lucien chuckled. “What do the flowers mean?”

“Well...red roses symbolize passionate devotion between two lovers.” she began with a coy smile and he smirked.

“Oh yeah?”

“Mm, red carnations symbolizes deep love, while the white ones represent undying devotion.” she continued.

“Aw dove, you’re so devoted to me.”

“Shut up or I have another bouquet that starts with the letter L I can whip right up.” she said, poking his chest and he laughed.

“Okay, okay. What about the tulips?”

“Red tulips usually represent undying love, that your love has no limits.”

“You are clearly very obsessed with me.”

She swatted him gently while he grinned before finishing her explanation. “And primrose usually stands for the innocence of young love. Though the innocence part is clearly lost on you.”

Lucien snorted and planted another soft kiss on her lips then leaned back. “Don’t try to deny your lustful ways, miss. I know you want me.”

“Mm, that’s right I do. But right now, I would like to eat much more.” she said with a laugh and Lucien squinted playfully.

“I can give you something much more filling.”

“Will you stop?”

“Never.”

He leaned down to kiss her once more but sharp pounding on the door made them both freeze.

“Open the door, you filthy cockroach. I need to see how far you’ve gotten along on the manuscript.” Nesta’s voice called out and Lucien let his head fall back with a groan as Elain started giggling.

“She ruins everything.” he muttered.

“Be nice.”

“She’s never nice to me!” he replied and attempted a pout that had Elain rolling her eyes. She leaned up and kissed him once more but gently pushed him back.

“You’re both horrible to each other. No pouting changes that.”

“I can hear you mumbling to yourself in there! Open the damn door, you weasel.”

Elain stifled a laugh as she moved around Lucien but he gently grabbed her arm and gestured with his chin towards the desk.

“This would be the perfect moment to fulfill my office sex fantasy.” he whispered.

“With Nesta outside the door?” she whispered back with an amused look.

“That’s exactly why it’s perfect.”

“Lucien!” Elain chided with a laugh. “She’ll kill you. And you’ll get fired. In that order.”

“Worth it.” he replied with a wiggle of his eyebrows and she giggled again.

“Vanserra, if you don’t open this damn door.” Nesta’s muffled voice called out again.

“I’m coming!” he hollered annoyed and Elain snorted.

“You wish you were.”

He squinted at her again then flicked her nose. “You would be too if you’d let us get down to business on my desk.”

Elain rolled her eyes as she rubbed her nose and then smiled coyly. Lucien raised a brow at her expression but she only grinned widely. Her hands shot up to his hair and she immediately started gently messing it up before moving to his shirt and rumpling it slightly then unbuckling his belt. Lucien blinked, momentarily dumbstruck as Elain moved to her own hair, shaking it out to give it a messier look and pulled out a lipstick from her purse, reapplying it, then promptly pulling Lucien down to place kiss marks all over his lips, jawline, and neck.

She pulled back with a look of triumph on her face. “Now, you can go open the door.”

He blinked again then shot her a wicked smile. “...And she thinks I’m the one who negatively influences you.”

“What she doesn’t know, won’t hurt her.”

Lucien snorted. “Yeah, but it’s going to hurt me.”

When Lucien finally opened the door, Nesta had stood fuming, ready to launch into a verbal attack that would have likely torn him to shreds but stopped dead when she saw his face. She gaped at him in shock for a few seconds as she took in his lipstick-marked face and half opened shirt and unbuckled belt, before her eyes flickered to a smiling Elain, causally fixing her dress with a very visible hickey on her neck.

“Nesta! We were just about to have lunch. Come join us.”

Nesta looked at her sister up and down, mortified. “Elain!” she stuttered. “How could you — this asshole — you — I think not.” she finally choked out, her eyes flickering back to Lucien attempting to fix himself.

“What’s wrong?” Elain asked, blinking innocently.

“In his office?” Nesta snapped.

“Maybe. Problem?”

“How could you?!” Nesta snarled. “You know this is one of my worst nightmares!”

“At least you didn’t catch us fucking in your living room!” Elain snapped and Nesta’s cheeks flushed.

“...That was an accident.”

“You two were naked! How do you accidentally get naked and fuck?”

A pause then Nesta quietly said, “You weren’t supposed to be home.”

“I wasn’t supposed to be home at my apartment?” Elain huffed. “You guys left evidence everywhere! After I yell at you to make yourselves decent I catch you again in the bathroom!”

“It’s quicker to shower together.”

“And the kitchen? You know the kitchen is a sacred space, Nesta! I bake there!”

Lucien’s eyes darted back and forth between the sisters, confused but very, very amused.

“This is not happening.” Nesta said shaking her head and holding out her palm as if blocking this whole incident from her mind. ”No. I — you — no.”

“The carpet matches the drapes, Nesta.” Elain smirked as Nesta visually gagged.

“My carpets?” Lucien blinked.

“Shut up!” Nesta hissed at him and he backed away from her with a glare.

“Don’t tell him to shut up or I swear I will share all the details of our sex life with you.”

“Stop.” Nesta demanded, glaring at her younger sister. “I would rather die.”

“Dicked down, Nesta.” Elain said slowly. “I get dicked down by Lucien a wholeeee lot.”

“No. No. Not in my work space.”

“Right on his desk, Nesta!”

“Enough! I’m sorry god damn it, Elain.”

Elain’s lip twitched as her sister promptly turned on her heels and stormed out of the office muttering darkly to herself and Lucien slowly shut the door behind her.

It took a moment for the situation to fully sink in and when the two looked at each other, they burst out laughing.

When they finally sat down to eat after making themselves decent, Lucien spoke. “Care to enlighten me on why you chose to traumatize her today?” he asked with a soft laugh. “Had I known you were planning to, I could’ve pitched in.”

Elain shrugged then grinned at him.

“I caught her and Cassian having sex all over my apartment while I was at work the other day.” Elain replied and Lucien’s eyes widened. “Apparently their apartment was too far away and they didn’t think I would mind.”

Lucien burst out laughing when she rolled her eyes then the laugh died in his throat as his expression turned into mild disgust. “We have sex all over your apartment.”

“Don’t worry. I made her and Cassian scrub it spotless as punishment. I even supervised.” she said with another grin and he laughed again. “I saw way more of Cassian than I ever needed to see that day so this isn’t anything compared to that. At least you’re decent.”

“Not morally, no.”

“Clothes, Lucien. You’re actually wearing them.”

Lucien smirked. “I can quickly rectify that.”

Elain threw a napkin at him and laughed. “Not here!”

“Oh, so you can talk the talk but can’t walk the walk, huh?” he asked, grinning.

“I never said never, did I?” she replied with an innocent smile. “Maybe I just need a little persuasion.”

“I can definitely help with that.” Lucien replied with a smirk then blinked. “I have an idea.”

Elain quirked a brow. “I’m listening.”

“Hear me out,” he began, putting a hand up. “They violated your apartment, right?”

“Right.” she said slowly, twirling her spoon.

“Well. It only seems fair that we go and have sex all over their apartment. You know...return the favor.”

Elain paused and met his eyes as he gave her an innocent smile.

“Return the favor, you say?” she asked and Lucien’s smile quickly went from innocent to wicked as she grinned at him.

“We can even take your bouquet full of love and sprinkle the petals every place we ruin. Give them a trail to follow.”

“Now that sounds like a very promising idea.”

#elucien #elucien fanfic #elain archeron #lucien vanserra #acotar fanfiction #gfics #fic: bouquet full of love #enjoy :)#bouquet full of feelings series

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