#modern!roommate batboys series

[lalacliffthorne]

modern!batboys as (your) roommates - headcanons.

because let's be honest, we have all thought about that at some point.🦇

(this is the introduction of my new drabble universe!!! I can´t tell you how fucking excited I am.)

it would be wrong to say that your life was boring before you met the three idiots you now call your roommates

sure, it wasn't as exciting

but you had your tiny little apartment, went out with friends once in a while and mostly enjoyed having your own space and routines

but then

shit hits the fan

and by shit I mean your landlord

because of a loophole in the rental agreement, he's able to kick you out of your apartment with only a months notice

in other words

you're fucked

or, as your best friend Feyre, who you met the first week of orientation and became inseperable with, says -

"That bastard." Feyre's eyes are stormy.

"What the hell am I gonna to do?" You bury your face in your hands, your voice muffled when you mumble: "How am I supposed to find a new apartment in a few weeks? For this one, I looked over a year, and it's a glorified shoebox!" Your voice rises as you feel a wave of dread crash over you and your heart rising into your throat.

"Hey, it's okay. If worst comes to worst, you can crash at my place,", Feyre raises her brows, "even though we'd have to share my bed, but - I won't just let you sleep on a park bench if that's what you're worried about. Unless you find another glorified shoebox that's technically out of your budget, it's you and me, crashing on my bed, climbing over your stuff to get to the bathroom, finding out what married life would feel like."

even though you love her to death, that really does not sound like an option you want to explore

so you try everything

scouring every paper for apartment advertisments, posting on your uni's socials, going to all the viewings you can find -

nothing

but just when you're ready to just give up

a miracle happens

the miracle is 5'5, has impeccable style and hair, a love for deep red lipstick and drops by for lunch

Mor has been your friend for two years now, since you almost spilled your coffee over her laptop at the library

(she's still not letting you live that down)

she also likes to get you out of your comfort zone

"Are you serious?" Mor stares at you wide-eyed.

"Yep." You tiredly stir your coffee. "I've been turned away for twenty apartments in the past few days alone. I'm aready seeing myself bunking with Feyre. She offered, but her bed barely fits into her apartment as it is."

Mor breathes a giggle before hastily clearing her throat. "Sorry."

You grin weakly before rubbing your face. "I don't know what I'm gonna do. I know it could be even worse, but -"

"It already feels pretty shitty,", Mor ends. You sigh in confirmation and are about to change the topic, because you haven't seen the blonde in weeks and feel bad about ruining your lunch. But before you can open your mouth, Mor suddenly squints in thought. Then she looks at you.

"How much do you value your privacy?

Given the fact you'll be basically homeless on the street in about a week if you don't find a new place - not much.

Mor begins to grin, and there's a bright twinkle in her eyes.

"Well, then I might just have the solution."

the next day, Mor drags you downtown

she takes you to an old but sophisticated building you wouldn't even dream about living in

a single month's rent there would probably empty your whole bank account

but Mor just winks and pulls you up the stairs

on the third floor, a guy leans in an open door

and that

is how you meet Rhys.

Mor's cousin is annoyingly beautiful

tall, with perfectly tousled dark hair, a perfect grin that causes his cheeks to crease and, from the looks of it, the also perfect physique

he's also annoyingly charming

(if you'd met him somewhere without Mor, you would have probably gaped for a moment before catching onto the mischievous twinkle in his nearly violet eyes and promptly avoided him, because someone that pretty had to have some fault)

as it turns out, Rhys' fault is offering practical strangers to live with him without even batting an eye

"What?"

You blink at Mor from where you just sank onto the very comfortable couch, because she can't possibly -

"Okay, before you freak out, just listen, okay?" Mor is grinning giddily. "The guys have a free room they don't really use anyway and you really need a new place - so you could just move in here!" She beams. "The place is definitely big enough, and you'd fit in perfectly, I promise! They're just as chaotic as you, but also very responsible -"

"Mostly." Rhys' eyes are twinkling. He's looking completely and slightly concerningly unbothered by the prospect of you, a factual stranger, moving in with him and his friends.

"- they don't have any bad habits, they're fairly neat -"

"Mostly."

Mor widens her eyes at you. "It's perfect!"

You blink at her.

"I've already talked to my roommates." Rhys' deep voice is almost soothing - mostly because he sounds a lot calmer than Mor, steady and reassuring.

"If you want, this can be temporary, until you find a place just for yourself, but this way you don't have to stress about needing to find a place in a certain time, plus,", he cracks a grin, "I don't like the idea of you having to crash on somebody's couch in the foreseeable future, that's just bullshit if we got a free room here no one uses anway. And if this works,", one corner of his lips quirks even more until his grin is a lot closer to the wicked twinkle in his eyes, "none of us would mind another roommate."

"You don't have to decide right now." Mor smiles brightly. "But I think it would be great, and you'd make a bargain with the rent, because Rhys loves to play sugar daddy -", her cousin flips her off, "and I think this would be a really good idea." She grins, suddenly a little sheepish.

if you weren't so desperate, you would whip out about a dozen arguments about why this probably isn't a good idea

like the fact that rooming with three dudes sounds like a lot of testosteron, or that you don't even know them, and that they don't even know you -

but from the way Rhys lounges in his chair, smirking easily while Mor beams at you, he doesn't seem to see too much of a problem in that

also you are very, very desperate

but there´s still that one thing -

"About those roommates -"

When you hear the door, you raise your head, your heart doing a slightly concerning flip in your chest.

It's a day later, and you just finished a tour of the apartment Rhys has given you. Even though it's huge and very grand with it's high ceilings decorated with stucco and the original hardwood floors, it feels warm and cozy. The room you'd be sleeping in is as big as your whole current apartment, light with two big window and a view of the trees on the street outside.

It kind of makes you wonder where the catch is.

Maybe it's about to walk through the door.

You hear a deep voice and heavy footsteps, then a dude appears in the door to the kitchen.

Your heart does a somersault, and you feel your lips part a bit. Because frankly, it's a miracle he makes it through the door without hitting his head.

The guy's huge. His shoulders and chest strain against his t-shirt; he looks like one of those dudes who basically have muscle in their DNA, all corded muscle under ridiculously huge shoulders and a solid middle, muscular long legs under black jeans -

And you're staring.

Big time.

The dude's looking over his shoulder, which means he thankfully doesn't notice you oggling him. The half of his hair that isn't pulled back in a bun brushes against his neck when he grins, his cheeks creasing. He's really good looking, in a rugged kinda way, with his roughly curved jaw and the scar on the side of his face, and when he looks back ahead, his eyes twinkle warmly.

Then, behind him, another guy appears in the doorway, and your breath catches.

Because if Rhys is annoyingly beautiful, the guy in the door is drop-dead gorgeous.

Just like the other two, he's tall and all lean muscle. His shoulders shift under his black t-shirt as he leans against the doorframe, his hands sliding into the pockets of his black jeans. His eyes look like amber in sunlight, his dark hair is tousled, a strand curving over his forehead. His face is all angles and soft lips, dark brows that look like he likes to crunch them in a scowl, but right now, he looks fairly relaxed, though his gaze is watchful.

And on yours.

Feeling warmth wash into your cheeks, you hastily look away while crap, crap, crap echoes through your head, because of course he caught you staring.

On to a really great start here.

Your gaze grazes his hands and the bit of uneven skin that merges into veiny, tan forearms before your eyes trail over the tattoos peaking out from his sleeves.

There's the sound of someone clearing their throat, and you feel the heat in your cheeks deepen when your eyes dart up and meet Rhys', a twinkle in his iris when he sends you a lazy grin.

"Boys, this is Y/N." He raises a brow. "Our new roommate."

and that is how you meet Cassian and Azriel

it almost makes you reconsider

because you're really not sure you're gonna survive rooming with three guys that pretty

but after thinking it over for a few days, you realize that you really don't have a choice

and so a week later, Rhys and Cassian come over to your apartment to help you move the first half of your stuff

neither blink an eye at the fact it's about the size of a broom closet in comparison to their home

Rhys does however scowl when he sees the condition of the bathroom

you're ready to sink into the floor when you hastily explain pretty much all the apartments in the building look like that

(a lil dingy and moldy)

but when he turns, Rhys just glowers and grumbles under his breath about how he'd like to rip your landlord a new one

it's the first time you realize that under all the aloofness and swagger and cheeky grins, Rhys cares

it's proven again when you move into your new room a week later and there's a new mattress on the also new bed bed

you haven't bought either of them, but when you try to protest, Rhys just huffs about your back probably being fucked up because of your old one and about how he'll add it to your rent

he never does

you get used to rooming with three guys surprisingly quickly

sure, it is pretty much a total 180 -

going from living alone in a tiny apartment

to sharing a huge flat with three dudes who make the place vibrate with laughter and bicker like they have been married for thirty years

but even tho you never thought you'd be the type to actually enjoy having roommates

you find that with them - you don't really mind

of course it is nice to have the place to yourself sometimes

and after about two weeks, you're comfortable enough to blast your music and dance through the kitchen when you're alone

(yes, at some point, they catch you - it takes you about a minute to realize there are three guys standing in the doorway, watching you dance with a broom. you get a mild heart attack and Cassian and Rhys start cackling while Azriel smirks)

but even if usually there's always someone around -

you find that all three of them are very good at both respecting your boundaries and leaving you be when you need to curl up in your room

but also seem to know when you need someone to drag your ass out into the world

and something about knowing at least one of them will probably be there when you get home makes you feel very warm and fuzzy

and even tho you weren't completely sure about this situation in the beginning

you get roped into living with the three guys instead of just rooming with them

it really starts with Cassian

probably gets used to you living there the quickest

after barely a week, he's treating you like you've lived with them since the beginning

like just sticking his head into your room and roping you into helping him with dinner

it surprises you a little that they all have dinner together

(from what you've heard from friends who have roommates, they usually all do their own thing most of the time)

but it makes you realise that these guys are more family than just roommates

Cassian is surprisingly easy to talk to

he's quick with the quips and the banter

also very flirtatious

constantly makes you laugh, his deep, boisterous chuckles infectous

also super affectionate

you're convinced that the man is actually just a huge teddybear

after just a few weeks, you're used to hugs that lift you off your feet, cheek kisses as greetings and being casually lifted out of the way like you don't weigh anything

not that you're the only one who gets that treatment

no, there are hugs in greeting that make Rhys groan dramatically like his air supply is cut off

pats on the shoulder and smacking forehead kisses that make Azriel crinkle his nose

Cassian quickly becomes the one you go to when you need advice.

he always listens attentively

doesn't sugarcoat things

stays objective while never making you feel bad or less about anything

and it quickly becomes pretty clear he'd put everything aside if any of you ever need help

gives you rides in his beat up truck to uni

always picks you up when studying at the library gets late bc he doesn't like the idea of you out alone after dark

with Cass, even mundane things like grocery shopping become fun

he's just casually funny and teases the shit out of you at every opportunity

has no understanding of the concept of personal space

and with most people, that would kinda put you off a little in the beginning

but Cassian just has something about him

something so inheritly good and warm and sunny

that he never once makes you feel uncomfortable

if anything, with him around, you feel a lot more at ease

and not just bc it's always nice to have a guy in your back that towers over you like a lighthouse

though the whole massive, tatted dude with the dark eyes thing kinda goes out of the window as soon as he grins at you

dimples and all

but don't be fooled

when the grin's gone and he's glaring, you know why people make way for him immediately

works at a gym to earn some money at the side

once, he takes you with him just for fun

then one time becomes another and before you know it, you tag along twice a week

it would be wrong to say it's not doing something to you when he crouches in front of you, his deep voice rumbling as he mumbles encouragements

"Alright, come on, sweetheart, gimme one more."

Trying not to make a very embarassing groaning sound, you crunch your face in concentration and slowly lower yourself into a squat, your muscles trembling slightly.

"There you go, that's it." You can feel Cassian in your back, spotting you, his deep voice rumbling through you, and it's just almost distracing enough for you to -

"No, no, come on, you can do it." Cassian's deep chuckle sets you at ease, and he lightly pats the side of your thigh. "You got this, c'mon."

With a soft groan, you push yourself up again, and you can hear the triumph and wide grin in Cassian's voice when he goes: "Yeeessss, good job, baby. C'mon, you can do one more."

Blowing out a heavy breath and glaring at nothing in particular, you ready yourself.

when one day, he makes you lose focus, you're gonna throw something at him

you're pretty sure he does it on purpose just to see how red you can get

but Cass is really good at pushing you without overdoing it, always teasing and encouraging

and if you manage to do something, in the gym or otherwise, he grins so widely you're almost sure he's more proud of you than you are yourself

Rhys is a flirt.

and after you get over the first initial blush that just won't leave you alone for the first few weeks

it actually becomes entertaining

now bantering back and forth is basically all you do

it gets so bad, Azriel constantly rolls his eyes at the two you

but just like you suspected, behind all the flirtiness and mischievous grins

Rhys cares

a lot

whenever you´re upset, he looks like he's contemplating ripping apart whatever or whoever made you upset

and whenever someone has a go at Cass or Azriel, Rhys picks them apart with lethal precision and a wicked smile

if Cassian is most affectionate, Rhys is close second

he's slightly more casual about it

pinching your nose, flicking your ear softly, offering his cheek for a kiss in greeting

always down for amazing hugs tho

whenever you get on your period, Rhys turns full mother hen

it's actually quite entertaining to see a 6-foot-something dude grumble because you don't want to take painkillers

"I just don't like to take them until it's really necessary, okay?" You glower at Rhys, curling up on the couch and trying to suppress a wince.

Rhys incredulously narrows his eyes.

"You're bleeding from your uterus and look like you want to curl into the couch. I'd say it is pretty necessary."

behind all the snark and arrogance, Rhys cares

also seems to have a rather unhealthy tendency to put everyone else first

you catch on pretty easily that even though his father is absolutely loaded, Rhys doesn't particularly cares about his money

in fact

he doesn't hesitate to spend whatever money his father pumps into his bank accounts for a second

when you ask Mor about it, she just smiles lopsidedly.

"I think it's his kind of protest?" She squints into the sun shining onto the balcony of the flat, the big glass of iced tea in her hand glittering in the light. "You know, spending all that money, preferably on his friends? Mostly because I don't think his father really likes them."

You wince.

"He knows he can't win against his father." Mor crunches her brows in thought. "I think he came to terms with having to take over the business one day, and he cares about the people who have their jobs there, so he won't let them down. It's just hard sometimes, if your whole life is already planned for you." She shrugs gently. "Doing this, living with Cassian and Azriel and now you, spending his fathers money on it and actually having a good time than just being bitter and stuck up - it's his way of not surrendering completely."

you have never met Rhys' father, but even tho he's powerful af

you really feel a strong desire to kick him in the balls

Rhys has a knack of knowing exactly when you need to talk and when you need to be distracted

it's not unusual that after a bad day, he just joins you on the couch, plopping down and pulling your feet onto his lap

it either leads to you venting and him listening

usually giving very appropriate responses of either huffs, scowls or downright glowering

or, if you don't want to talk

he either lets you use him as a human pillow, grumbling over your choice of movie while scratching your head

or he takes you out

to the cinema, a museum, the theater

you're pretty sure you've grown a lot more cultured in a few months than the whole of your life before that

it never gets boring tho

the whole thing kinda annoys the crap out of you in the beginning bc he never lets you pay for anything

but you get better at finding ways to pay him back in other ways

like taking over making dinner on days when he's exhausted

coaxing rants out of him when his father gets to him

dragging him out on nightly walks through the city when he can't sleep

and after a while

you understand that it's just one of Rhys' love languages

and it is fun to spend his father's money ;)

especially when it means museum saturdays with the two of you just sitting and staring at paintings

or going to the cinema and pigging out on popcorn and greasy stuff while whisper hissing facts at each other

even takes you to stuff like wine tastings

Rhys is a foodie

likes super fancy pickles, trying food you can't even pronounce and splurging on dinner

and if he decides the two of you need to get out of the apartment

one way or another

it usually ends in a restaurant

always orders like half the menu

also cooks the best out of all of you

like I'm talking freaking perfection

whips up the fanciest, most delicious far-too-many-courses meal for holidays

and goes all in even if he just makes dinner

you often get lured into the kitchen by the delicious smells

usually ends up with you on the couch at the table while Rhys moves around the kitchen

talking about everything and nothing

(also not above slapping anyone's hand away if they try to sneak a taste)

Azriel is quiet

not shy; you catch onto that pretty quickly

he's too quick and easy on any dry remark in response to his friends' boisterous teasing for that

and his gaze too firm and piercing

rarely shies away when you catch his gaze

in the beginning

that intimidated the shit out of you

the way he appears without a sound, towering over you, all dark and quiet and brooding

it's like he perfected the art of going unnoticed

tho you're not quite sure how

bc how could anyone not notice him?

after a while tho

you realise that even tho Azriel is dark and glowering and brooding

there's something gentle about him

it surfaces in the smallest things

like how his lips curve the softest bit when you grin up at him

how light and careful his touch is

how he is always respectful, putting himself between you and the street, holding doors open without ever seeming to think twice about it

and how everything about him seems to darken when he witnesses anyone being treated poorly

but even if anger rages within him like a rising tide, quiet and dangerous

you still always feel safe with him

maybe it's bc, even in those moments, you just know it will never be directed at you

and that even tho there's always that darkness within him, it's never something that feels unsettling or dangerous

and instead soft and welcoming

like something about him and that steady, dark gaze just calms you

maybe because he's so quiet, Azriel seems to see and hear everything

in record time, he begins to catch onto every little detail about you

mundane things

like how you like your favorite drink or what your favorite ice cream is

the only reason you know he notices is because he begins to hand you cups in the morning that are exactly right and the freezer starts to always hold a big container of your favorite ice cream

but also seems to know exactly what your tell is when you're nervous

uncomfortable

or tired

what makes you upset

happy

nervous

what causes you to giggle uncontrollably

and so on

it should probably unsettle you, how easily he sees through you

but it doesn't

sure, it's a bit weird at first

but you quickly realise it's strangely comforting - that someone pays enough attention to know even the smallest thing about you

is your favorite person to be around when you just need a break

it's like something about him is grounding, steady to you

like being around him makes your thoughts calm down

makes it easier for you to sort the chaos your mind sometimes becomes

beneath all of the quiet watchfulness lies a wicked, dry sense of humor

his mumbled remarks make you snort laughter or beam widely up at him

always makes his lips curve

reads a ton

when you first see his room, you almost gape

because the guy has books

they fill the shelves

balance in towers on the floor

sit on the window sill and next to his bed

most of the books in the shelves in the living room are his as well

has a great dislike for movie adaptions

sits there with that scowl of his, glaring at you until it's over when you make him watch one

says it destroys the pictures in his head

(to be fair

you don't think he's entirely wrong about that)

always has a camera in reach

got a few, all older ones; no fancy digital ones, but all on film

just like he seems to catch onto everything

so does his camera

it's like the manifestation of his quiet perception of things

to fix things onto film

captures everything

most of the time, you don't even notice

only sometimes you raise your head to find the camera in his hands, a slight curve to his lips

develops all pictures himself, in a dark room on campus students can book

spends hours in there, just working in silence

there's usually a lot of bugging involved before he shows the developed pictures to anyone

usually ends in all of you leaning over them eagerly, trying to figure out when he took them

Rhys standing in the kitchen, grinning over his shoulder like Cassian just made a bad joke

you and Feyre, laughing so hard you lean into each other

Mor, lying upside down on the couch while focusing on the cards in her hand while you're next to her, mid-motion, a focused expression on your face

Cassian napping on the couch, twisted in a very uncomfortable position to fit all six feet something of him onto the cushions

there seems to be an endless number, and they're all carefully stored away in his shelves

some, he refuses to show to anyone

it takes you so little time to feel at home in the huge flat, the prospect of looking for an apartment for yourself is off the table before you can actually start

and it doesn't take long until you're part of the routines like you'd been there since the beginning

Saturday and Sunday evenings are for movie nights

sometimes, Mor joins you

you sit with Azriel on the couch, sharing a big bowl of popcorn while staring at Rhys and Cassian argue about which Star Wars movie to start with

in the summer, you take trips to the lake for swims

have game nights

and evenings sitting on the balcony, squinting into the setting sun

barbecues

afternoons in the park, one joining in after the other

in winter, you go to the ice rink

bake together

and spend whole weekends on the couch, watching movies

you go to the gym with Cassian or accompany him on his runs

(well, he's running - you're on your bicycle, because there's no way you can keep up with that dude´s long legs)

get dragged out onto hikes by Rhys

in the evenings, you usually all end up in the kitchen for dinner, banter thrown over the dinner table

Azriel and you mostly take care of the grocery shopping together

it usually entails you trying to reach something on a high shelf and Azriel huffing, moving to grab it without even having to stretch

sometimes Cassian joins in, and you both make it your mission to annoy Azriel until he laughs

both Az and Rhys regularly give you rides on their motorcycles

while Cassian likes to stick to his old, beat up truck, Rhys has a car as well, but alternates between it and the motorcycle

more often than not, he uses it as opportunity to flirt

small cleaning duties in the apartment are rotated between the four of you

but big-once-a-month-deep-cleans are something you make a day of

blasting music, you divide the flat and get to work

(bathroom duty is rotated)

in the (very rare) case of an argument, it usually ends in one of you being mediator

which means after a cooling off period

the arguing parties are locked in the pantry until they've talked things out

works surprisingly well

sometimes, the boys bring someone home

it usually comes with a text

or the very oldschool sock on the door

tho you ban that one after Cassian forgets it

and you walk into the flat unsuspectingly only to be flashed

Cassian apologizes profoundly

after he's done laughing

there are also a few awkward encounters in the hall in the morning that leave you contemplating not running around in just big t-shirts

Feyre still gives you rides to campus and back

but sometimes, it's Azriel waiting in the parking lot instead, leaned against his motorcycle, two helmets next to him

it does not help with the way your heart seems to speed up whenever you find his amber eyes on you.

but you're very adamant on pushing that away

it's probably not that serious anyway.

so

it would be wrong to say your life was boring before you met the three idiots you now call your roomates

but it sure as hell is a lot better now that you have

even if they do drive you a little nuts sometimes

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels

#azriel #rhys #rhysand #cassian #acotar x reader #acotar #acowar #acomaf #az x reader #az imagine #az/reader #azriel imagine #azriel x female!reader #azriel x reader #acotar headcanon #rhysand imagine #rhys imagine #cassian imagine #modern!roommate batboys series #modern au #lalacliffthorne

[daycourtofficial]

[theostrophywife]

Between you with the Kiss with a Fist series and @lalacliffthorne 's modern!batboys roommates series, I just...sit here and wait for you guys to post lol

omg aw this is such a sweet compliment 🥹

also I feel ya babes I love the modern!batboys roomies series. the new girl vibes are immaculate.

[lalacliffthorne]

mornings are for laying in bed, talking in hushed voices and tracing Azriel´s tattoos.

(hhrrrrggghhh... *buried in pillows in single* this writer is touchstarved. proceed with caution.)

The morning sun filtered through the curtains as I soundlessly slipped into Azriel´s room, crunching my nose in concentration as I slowly closed the door as quietly as possible.

It was Sunday morning, early Sunday morning; the flat was completely quiet just like the street outside, and the only reason I had woken up and slipped out of Azriel's arms was that I had desperately needed the bathroom.

Wincing when the door handle squeaked the tiniest bit, I looked over my shoulder, and my heart did a backflip.

The morning light illuminated Azriel's bare back, sculpted muscles relaxed under his even skin. He was stretched out on his stomach, the blankets pooling around his waist and his shoulders rising with his even breaths as his hand curled into the pillow where there was an empty, me-shaped spot in the sheets. His dark hair was a mess, and even from where I was standing, his head turned the other way, I could see the tousled strands curving over his forehead and his peacefully calm face, brows smooth and lips parted.

Trying to breathe against the sudden violent flutter in my chest that I really should get checked, I quietly turned around and tapped over to the window, the wooden floors cool under my bare feet when I peaked through the curtains. The sun was just peaking over the houses on the other side of the street, the city still quiet, the sky bright blue.

Turning to quickly slide back under the warm covers and curl into Azriel's chest, my gaze landed on his desk, and my heart dipped and fluttered.

Quietly stepping closer, I reached out, and my fingers brushed over the pictures strewn over the wooden top. They must've been newly developed, because they were still unsorted. Gently pushing them apart, I felt something rise warmly in my chest and how a smile slowly spread over my face as my gaze moved over the pictures. A few first warm rays of sun tickled the side of my face, and I brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, staring at a picture Azriel had taken in a mirror, with me standing in front of him and his arms wrapped around my shoulders, half obscuring my face as I tipped back my head to look up at him. I could just see the upwards tilt of his lips peaking out from under the camera.

There was a soft click behind me, and I jumped a little, my head dipping and missing a beat when I quickly looked over my shoulder, and Azriel pressed the shutter release button again. Then he raised his head, his eyes glowing amber in the sunlight as one corner of his lips curved upwards slowly.

The flutter in my chest grew into something that stole my breath, warmth rising into my cheeks, and I lost the fight against the ridiculously wide smile pushing onto my lips.

Turning around, the bed creaked softly when I clambered up onto the mattress. Azriel rolled onto his back, his bright eyes following me, and I plopped down, my shins bracketing his lean sides when I settled on his hips and sent him a slow, cheeky grin.

My big sweatshirt slipped up my thighs as I reached out and carefully pulled the camera from Azriel's fingers, considering it curiously. His hands sank down, slowly beginning to brush up and down my thighs. His rough, warm skin left a trail of tingles in its wake before his hands settled just below my hips.

Squeezing one eye shut, I looked through the viewfinder, and my heart staggered and tumbled.

Lowering the camera a little, I squinted at Az, feeling my nose crinkle in a sheepish, cheeky smile as I said softly: "Can I -"

Azriel's eyes flickered over my face for moment before he blinked and nodded lightly, and it almost looked a little like his throat worked to suppress a small swallow.

My lips curved into a wide smile, and I raised the camera again, looking through the viewfinder. A few first rays of sunlight were falling through the curtains and made Azriel's iris look like molten gold as he watched me, dark hair tousled and messy, broad chest bare and hands on my thighs, warm and scarred and fingers slow tracing shapes on my skin, and my heart rose in a thrum as I pressed the shutter release button.

Raising my head again, I caught the bright light in Azriel's eyes as his gaze flickered over my face. Then he blinked; his hands slid up my sides, and he tugged me down.

Quickly craddling his camera against my chest, I inhaled softly when his warm breath brushed my lips. Then Azriel's nose gently traced over mine, and he lifted his chin to kiss me, slow and warm and causing my heart to shudder.

A soft sound escaped me, and I could feel Azriel beginning to smile slowly against my lips. Then one of his hands slipped to the small of my back while the other closed over mine, and he gently tugged the camera from my grip. His grip tightened, and he pulled me down flush onto his chest and rolled us over.

My breath hitched and heart rose when his warm, solid body pressed mine into the mattress.

Without breaking the kiss, Azriel reached out, a small clonk indicating him setting the camera back onto the bedside table, and breathing out, my heart rising, I slipped my fingers into his hair and kissed back.

A soft sound broke from my throat, and my back arched up into his chest when Azriel's arm slipped around my waist to pull me closer. Slinging my legs around his sides, I buried my fingers in his hair, and something turned over in my belly when Azriel exhaled softly and deepened the kiss.

The sun started to peak through the curtains, Azriel's hips lodged between my legs locked around him as he kissed me, and I kissed back, until my lips were tingling and the world was spinning.

When Azriel finally slowly broke away, his nose softly nudging against mine, a small, involuntary sound of protest left me, and Azriel chuckled against my lips, the sound, deep and soft, sending tingles through my whole body when he mumbled, voice hoarse and raspy with sleep: "Morning."

Exhaling as something rose and began to flutter in my chest, I felt a smile spread slowly over my face when Azriel brushed his nose gently over mine, then I pulled my head back just a little to open my eyes.

My breath hitched, and my gaze flickered over Azriel's face just a few inches away, drinking in the sharp line of his cheekbones and jaw, the golden spots in his amber eyes and the way a few strand of his tousled hair fell into his forehead. I could feel the warmth radiating from him, the weight of his tall body on mine grounding instead of suffocating. The muscles in his shoulders shifted a little as his grip around my waist tightened and his eyes stared back, calm and steady and with the trace of a twinkle growing in his iris that made something pound against my ribs.

"Hi,", I whispered back with a slow, wide smile, and a soft crease appeared in Azriel's cheek. His eyes, warm and still a little full with sleep, slowly dragged over my face, then he dipped down a little, his arm wrapping closer around my waist as he rolled back onto his side, pulling me with him.

Wrapping my arms around his neck with a content sigh, I buried my nose in Azriel's neck and felt his hand slide to the back of my knee, dragging my leg over his side until the length of my body was pressed flush against his, and my heart dipped and rose. Then his fingers slipped under my sweatshirt, up and up until his arm was wrapped around me, and Azriel dropped his head to bury his face in the crook of my neck, nuzzling his nose against my skin.

"You smell good,", he mumbled, the low, hoarse rumble of his voice reverberating through me and causing my my breath to hitch.

"What?" I felt my smile lips curve into a soft grin as my fingers carded through his hair.

"You smell good." I could hear the trace of a smile in Azriel's quiet, raspy voice, his shoulders rising as he breathed in slowly and his grip tightened around me, and something warm swelled in my chest, beginning to flutter when he mumbled: "Really good." His rough fingers began to trace slow patterns onto my shoulder blades. "Even my bed smells like you."

My heart suddenly raced, and I squinted, barely biting back a giggle. "Sorry?"

Azriel's lips curved against my neck, then he raised his head to lean his forehead against mine, his nose softly nudging against mine when he mumbled, his deep, slow voice vibrating through me: "Wasn't complaining."

My heart fluttered and soared, and Azriel's chest rumbled as his arms slipped tighter around me, then he dipped his head, and something in my chest simply tipped over when he kissed me, warm and firm and causing the world to tilt. I exhaled softly and a little shakily, and Azriel's lips curved up against mine, causing me to bury my fingers in his hair.

"Shut up,", I grumbled softly against his lips, causing a chuckle to vibrate through Azriel's chest.

Sliding my hand over his warm chest, I pulled back slowly, brushing my nose over Azriel's and causing a small sound to build in his chest. My eyes got caught on the ink on his shoulder, and feeling something begin to rise in my chest, I pushed myself forward.

Azriel complied, rolling onto his back as he stared up at me, a gentle curious crease between his brows, and I settled on his hips, a strand of hair falling into my face as I stared at the tattoos on his shoulders and carefully brushed my fingertips over one of them.

Azriel's breath seemed to grow uneven as my fingers started to carefully follow the lines swirling over his warm, smooth skin, gently tracing the shapes. I could feel the muscles shift under my fingers when my hand slowly moved over his chest with featherlight touches, his eyes piercing my face, his fingers digging lightly into my knees. Then I leaned down, my heart beating steadily against my ribs, and a small, deep sound left Azriel when I pressed my lips gently against his collarbone.

My fingers stilled as I started to follow the lines and curves of the intricate shapes, my nose brushing over Azriel's skin, and my heart rose every time I lingered to slowly press my lips against the ink. Something thrummed against my ribs when one of Azriel's hands slipped into my hair and a soft, shuddering breath left him that made me smile slowly against his warm skin. He smelled woodsy and earthy like his cologne and something beneath, warm and dark and good, that was just him.

My fingers traced over his ribs as I brushed my nose over his shoulder and softly kissed his collarbone, my nose tracing over the shifting muscles in his neck before I gently pressed my lips against his warm skin, and Azriel gave a soft, shaking sound. His hand slipped further into my hair, pulling my head up, and my heart dipped when he caught my lips in a deep kiss.

My fingers curled into his sides as a soft sound escaped me. Then I kissed back, and Azriel pulled me closer towards him, his breath heavy against my skin when he deepened the kiss, almost a little feverishly.

Digging my fingers into his bare skin, I sucked in a soft breath when Azriel slowly broke the kiss, my heart thrumming as the world spun. His thumb brushed over the side of my neck as Azriel swallowed lightly, and a gentle hum vibrated through his chest, the deep sound a little hoarse when he softly nudged his nose against mine.

Opening my eyes with a flutter, my heart rose into my throat when my eyes met golden ones, bright in the morning sun, golden specks melting together as they dragged over my face. Then Azriel blinked, and a soft surprised sound left me when he rolled onto his side and slid me off his torso onto the mattress; his arm snuck around my waist, and in one smooth move, he dragged me over the sheets into his chest.

My breath hitched, and something rose in my chest when I felt his tall body curve around mine, fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle, his solid chest pressing into my back as Azriel buried his nose in the crook of my neck.

A breathy giggle bubbled in my chest as my heart dipped, and I felt Azriel's lips curve upwards a little. Then he tugged me closer, thighs sliding into between my calves and arm tightening around me like I wasn't already tightly pressed into his body. Reaching out, I crunched my nose in concentration as I tried to get a hold of the blanket, tugging at it and pulling it over us.

A wave of Azriel's scent washed over me (everything smelling like me my ass), and snuggling into the heavy sheets, I slipped my fingers through Azriel's resting right over my chest. His hand shifted, his fingers linking gently with mine, then his thumb started to slowly brush back and forth over my skin.

Something thrummed warm and steadily against my chest as I stared at the sliver of sunlight falling onto the sheets, my eyelids beginning to feel heavy again, Azriel's scent rising into my nose with every breath. I felt his body pressed against mine, warm and solid, the weight of his arm draped over me and the way his thumb slowly brushed over mine as he buried his nose at my neck, and something began to flutter gently against my ribs as I breathed out softly and allowed my eyes to drift shut.

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @secret-ly-here @knmendiola @luvmoo @azriels-mate123 @bookishbroadwaybish @maybe-a-winchester @stayinglow-exploringworlds

#modern!roommate batboys series #azriel #az #azriel drabble #drabble #azriel x reader #azriel fluff #azriel imagine #azriel/reader #azriel x female!reader #acotar x reader #acowar #az imagine #acotar #az x reader #az/reader #acomaf #lalacliffthorne

[lalacliffthorne]

in case of a nightmare, the right roommates are always to the rescue.

(next part in the modern!roommate!batboys-universe series. this is really just a lil piece of wholesomeness.)

With a jump, I woke, my eyes flying open as I darted up and my heart skipped painfully.

My gaze darted over the dark room as for a second, my dream seemed to merge with reality and a prickling sensation of fear made me shiver. Then I hastily turned on the lamp next to my bed and wiped my hair out of my face as I forced myself to take a deep breath.

God, I hated nightmares.

Even in the light, my room was far too quiet, and trying to ignore the sudden shuddering tingle on my spine stemming from a dream I didn't remember anything of but the panicked feeling, I slipped out from under the sheets.

Picking up the hoodie that was draped over the back of my chair, I tugged it over my head, the material pooling around me as I tapped over to the door, carefully opening it.

The flat was dark and completely quiet. It made my skin crawl, and hastily, I slipped past Rhys' bedroom towards the kitchen, turning on the lights as quickly as I could.

Turning on the kettle, the soft hissing driving away the far too deep silence, I pulled a mug from the cabinet, trying not to make too much noise. My heart was still staggering a little, adrenaline still rushing through my body, and I tried to remember what it was I had been dreaming about, even though that was probably not the best id-

A confused voice mumbling my name made me jump, almost dropping the mug as I whirled around, and Rhys squinted into the light, brows furrowed.

"Fuck." I pressed a hand onto my chest, my heart skipping painfully as I widened my eyes and whisper-shouted: "You scared the shit out of me!"

Rhys cracked a grin, scratching his bare chest as he crunched his nose against the light and started to trudge towards me, his deep voice hoarse with sleep when he mumbled: "Why the fuck are you up and in the kitchen at two in the morning?"

Feeling a little heat form in my cheeks, I turned back towards the cabinets to take out the tea. "Woke up."

Breathing out, Rhys leaned against the counter next to me and reached out to pluck a strand of hair falling into my face. "And?"

The heat in my cheeks deepend, and I puffed out my cheeks and raised my head to glare weakly at him as I grumbled: "I had a nightmare." Pouting a little at the sudden twitch in his lips, I dropped my gaze back towards the tea and added in a grouchy mumble: "Had to - get up."

From the corner of my eye, I saw Rhys' gaze move over my face and the way his lips curved deepen just a little. "Won't be able to sleep again?"

"No,", I grumbled. "I hate having a vivid imagination."

Rhys breathed a chuckle, then he pushed off the counter, gently bumping his biceps into my shoulder. "Can you make one for me too?"

I furrowed my brows and looked up at him, and even tired, Rhys' eyes managed to twinkle mischievously when he raised a brow. "Well, I won't leave you alone after having a nightmare."

I opened my mouth incredulously to protest; because just because I wasn't very likely to get a lot more sleep tonight didn't mean he had to lose sleep, but before any noise could leave me, another deep voice sounded from the door, so slow and low and like a soft brush of cool air, it sent shivers down my spine.

"What the fuck are you two doing up?"

My head flew around, and Azriel scrunched his brows against the light, his usual slight scowl softened a little by the way his honey eyes warmed in the light as he stepped into the kitchen. Something tipped over in my chest, because just like Rhys, he wasn't wearing a t-shirt, and muscles worked under his sunkissed skin as he ran a hand through his tousled dark hair, the tattoos on his shoulders and chest shifting with the movement.

"Nightmare." Rhys' deep voice made me hastily tear away my eyes from Azriel, something tumbling and tripping in my chest as I turned back around and Rhys easily leaned back against the counter, dipping his head towards me like it explained everything. And apparently it did, because when I looked up again, some of the tension seemed to melt out of Azriel's frame, and he straightened a little, the crease between his brows smoothing just a bit as his gaze flickered over my face.

"It's not that bad." I quickly turned my gaze away and grumbled: "Honestly."

From the corner of my eye, I saw Rhys and Azriel exchange a look, like they were communicating silently. They did that often, and like every time, they seemed to come to a silent understanding, because Rhys pushed off the counter and moved past Azriel who stepped forward until he was next to me, opening the cabinet to pull out two more cups. He didn't even have to reach up, which was annoyingly unfair.

"What -" I quickly looked up at him, something tipping over in my chest when I saw the soft curve to Azriel's lips when he threw me a look.

"Save it." His low voice was almost a little amused when he pulled the jar with tea from my hand, and I opened my mouth, because they couldn't really plan on -

"I said save it." There was the trace of a grin vibrating through Azriel´s voice now as he dipped his head a little towards me, shaking it as he put the tea back into the cabinet. A strand of hair curved over his forehead, messy and tousled like the rest, his back muscles shifting under his bare skin as he took the steaming kettle and poured water into the mugs. Staring up at him with my brows drawn together and probably close to a defiant pout, something swerved a little in my chest when Az threw me a look, and one corner of his lips curved upwards softly.

Handing me a mug, he took the other two and gently pushed me towards the hall. The lamps had been switched on in the living room, dipping it into a warm golden light, there were blankets on the two couches that had not been there before, and as I stilled in the door, Rhys came out of my room, my pillow under his arm and my duvet thrown over his shoulder. Sending me an easy smirk, he squeezed past me, Azriel following after him.

Behind me, a door opened with a small creak, and when I quickly looked over my shoulder, Cassian appeared in the doorway to his room, squinting into the light, his hair a birdsnest as he grumbled: "'m I missing something?"

"Nightmare,", it echoed in two deep voices from behind me, and Cassian rubbed his eyes, tapping over with crunched brows and mumbling: "Sorry, sweets." Leaning down, he left a slightly uncoordinated kiss on my cheek that made me crinkle my nose dramatically. Then he trudged past me without even asking or protesting, joining the other two in the living room and plopping onto one of the couches, pulling the blanket away from Rhys.

Staring at the three of them from my place in the door, I felt something warm spread through my chest as my lips slowly curved upwards until I was beaming softly.

Weirdos.

Beginning to walk over towards the couches, I dodged a flying pillow that Rhys had aimed at Cassian, blowing steam away from my tea as I sank onto the cushions of the other couch, putting my mug down to wrap myself up in my blanket. Stuffing a pillow into my back and snuggling up, I raised my head when the couch dipped, and something skipped gently against my ribs when Azriel stretched out his long legs.

When the sun rose over the horizon, my eyes felt heavy. My head was leaning against the backrest of the couch where I was cozily curled up under my heavy blanket. On the other couch, Rhys and Cassian where fast asleep after the latter had dozed off first.

We had talked for hours, none of them ever once complaining, just settling onto the couches, wrapped in their blankets. Even if I had wanted to make them go back to bed, they'd have just blantly refused. Azriel had made tea at least three more times, and Cassian had demanded food at around four, which had led to Rhys pulling some croissants from the freezer. I had dug out the board games I had found the last time we had deep cleaned the apartment, and beaten Cassian in trivia four times, which had made him grumble for about half an hour.

Now, Rhys was stretched out on the cushions, feet on the coffee table, clad in the ridiculous purple, fluffy socks Feyre had gotten me last Christmas because he had pouted about cold feet, his head dipped back as he breathed evenly. On the other end of the couch, Cassian had turned onto his side, legs tucked in, blanket wrapped around him like a cocoon. He looked so dangerously close to sliding off the cushions, it made me barely suppress a sleepy giggle.

Something shifting down at my feet made me turn my gaze away from the two on the other couch, and something thrummed steadily against my ribs when my eyes met amber ones.

Azriel sat stretched out in the other corner, arms crossed over his chest and covered in his blanket, the hood of the sweatshirt he'd thrown over pulled over his head. In the soft morning light, I thought I saw the shadow of a few freckles on his nose as one corner of his lips quirked a little. He didn't look like he'd been awake since three am, eyes steady, only maybe a little softer than usual.

He shifted again, and his foot lightly nudged against my shin as he dipped his head to the side a bit.

"Breakfast?"

His quiet, low voice made something hop gently in my chest, and breathing out sleepily and rubbing my sleeve over my eyes, I nodded, trying to suppress a yawn.

A crease appeared in Azriel's cheek. Then he slowly sat up, sliding out from under his blanket as he pushed himself to his feet and stretched. His hoodie rode up a bit over his low sitting pyjama pants, and I quickly averted my eyes, feeling a soft warmth tinge my cheeks.

I shifted, beginning to move, but Azriel made a soft sound, beginning to move quietly towards the door. "Stay here, I´ll call you." Moving past the couch, he huffed in light amusement at his two friends, and I slowly sank back into the cushions, the warmth of my blanket making the protest die on my tongue.

Leaning my temple against the backrest of the couch, I felt my eyes begin to drop, my body sinking into the cushions.

Just five minutes.

Before my eyes slid shut, I thought I saw Azriel look back at the door, the crease in his cheek deepening in a soft, crooked smile.

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @knmendiola @luvmoo @azriels-mate123 @bookishbroadwaybish

#drabble #modern!roommate batboys series #azriel #az #rhys #rhysand #cassian #acotar x reader #acotar #acowar #acomaf #acotar drabble #azriel imagine #azriel x female!reader #az/reader #az x reader #az imagine #azriel x reader #rhys imagine #rhysand imagine #cassian imagine #modern au #lalacliffthorne

[lalacliffthorne]

when Azriel has a bad day and the library floor suddenly looks very comfy.

(urgh, the cuteness. these modern!batboy drabbles are really only purely self-indulgent at this point.)

Frowning at the pages of the book in my hand, I looked down at the notes on my laptop that was sitting on the floor next to me.

Well, this didn't sound right.

There was a soft chuckle, and when I raised my head, Rhys sent me a light grin.

"You good?"

I grimaced softly and looked down onto my notes. "Ask me again later."

Snorting lightly under his breath, Rhys turned back towards his laptop.

The library was quiet as usual, the golden autumn sun flooding through the windows above. I had stumbled upon the quiet corner in the archeology section about a year ago. Hidden between shelves, it was a place no one rarely ever came. It's where Rhys had found me about two hours ago, sitting crosslegged on the ground and chewing on a pen as I stared at my laptop, books open next to me. Now, he was leaning against the shelves opposite of me, his long legs stretched out in front of him as he typed away on his laptop, the quiet rapid noises of his fingers hitting the keys the only sounds floating around us beside soft whispers coming from the work places on the other side of the aisles.

Shifting a little as I turned a page, I saw a tall, dark figure turn the corner from the corner of my eye, their footsteps nearly silent on the carpeted floors as they approached. Rhys stretched his shoulders and looked up from his laptop, and I furrowed my brows, slowly placing my finger on a sentence to mark my spot.

I was just about to raise my head when a backpack was dropped to the ground right next to me, followed by a wave of a familiar scent washing over me that smelled of pine and cedar, both comforting and addicting, and my heart missed a beat.

I looked up, and with a soft groan, Azriel plopped onto the ground, stretching out on the carpeted floor and dropping his head onto my thigh before closing his eyes.

My heart skipped and stilled as I stared down at his face.

Suddenly, my breath was hitching a little as I felt the warmth of him seep through the material of my pants, and my lips parted softly as something began to flutter quickly against my ribs.

Azriel's dark hair was tousled like he'd ran his hands through it, his brows crunched together even with his eyes closed, a hard set to his jaw.

Rhys huffed a chuckle, and I blinked, somehow managing to quickly rip my gaze away from Azriel's face.

"What's with you?" Closing his laptop a little, Rhys leaned back against the side of the shelves, considering Azriel with a barely there smirk that made his eyes twinkle strangely.

Az gave a soft grunt, but his scowl smoothed over a little, the hint of a soft crease forming in his cheek.

Gently nudging his head by moving my leg a little, I felt my lips curve into a soft, crooked smile.

"You okay?"

Azriel breathed out, his shoulders pressing against my thigh when he shifted a little to get more comfortable. Then he arched a brow without opening his eyes, and his deep voice caused something in my chest to tip over when he mumbled: "Shit day."

Something shifted a little in my chest, and I felt my lips twitch softly as I squinted down at him.

"You sure the library is the place to change that?"

Azriel cracked open an eye to send me a glare, but there was the softest trace of a twinkle in his amber iris when he mumbled, his low voice slow and quiet: "Maybe it is for me, smart-ass."

"Maybe it's the library, maybe it's something else..." Rhys trailed off, a shit-eating smirk tugging at his lips, and Azriel turned his head to the side to stare at him, this time a lot less gentle. The look in his eyes would have probably sent quite a few people staggering, but Rhys' smirk just widened. He sent Azriel a light wink, then he threw a look at his watch and sighed.

"I'm gonna go, I need to get some stuff for dinner." Closing his laptop, he slid it into his backpack, getting to his feet and dusting off his jeans as he raised his brows. "I'm making pasta, so you two better be on time for dinner."

Azriel grunted lightly, I saluted sarcastically, and Rhys huffed, nudging my foot gently before making his way past us, kicking Azriel's boot a little less soft. Without opening his eyes, Az flipped him off, and Rhys snickered softly, then he raised a hand in goodbye and disappeared around the corner.

"Shithead,", Azriel mumbled under his breath, and I giggled, shifting to lean back a little more comfortably.

For a second, I hesitated, then I looked down at him.

"Sure you okay?"

Azriel breathed out slowly at my soft question, but one corner of his lips curved just gently enough for me to see it.

"Already better."

My eyes flickered over his face for another second, the sharp line of his jaw that seemed to have lost some of its tightness, the scatter of barely there freckles on the bridge of his nose and the small crunch of his brows. Then I blinked and turned back towards my book.

Furrowing my brows at the page, I nearly grumbled under my breath.

There was a soft, amused huff.

"Sure you're okay?"

Azriel's deep voice made my heart skip softly; and my gaze flickered back down towards him, but his eyes were still closed, even though the crease in his cheek had deepend a little.

Grumbling, I turned my eyes back towards my book.

"My notes aren't right. Which doesn't make any sense, because this is literally the only part I'm sure I understood."

A soft sound left Azriel that almost sounded like a snorted chuckle. Then he shifted a little in the spot, relaxing more against the side of my thigh as he mumbled: "Explain it to me, maybe then it'll make sense."

I blinked, something hopping a little in my chest when I looked down at him.

"Are you sure? I mean, it's not exactly your area of expertise."

Azriel huffed. "Ouch."

My heart dipped a little, and I was about to open my mouth hastily when I caught the way his lips curved upwards at the side.

Something skipped high against my ribs, and I quickly smacked his forehead with my book. Azriel crunched his nose and mumbled "Ow.", but the crease didn't leave his cheek.

"Shithead,", I grumbled, and a quiet chuckle left Azriel, so deep and warm, my breath hitched a little.

"I meant if you'd have to explain it, maybe you'll see where you got it twisted." Azriel's lips curved when he cracked open an eye to look up at me, and there was a twinkle in his amber iris, golden spots dancing, making something swerve under my ribs.

Slowly, my lips rose on their own accord until I had to fight a stupidly bright smile as I raised my brows.

"Fine, but if I'll bore you to death, it's on you."

Azriel closed his eyes again with an amused huff, and breathing out, I leaned back against the wall. Something rose under my ribs, and I threw him a look.

"Thanks,", I mumbled softly.

The crease in Azriel's cheek deepend.

"You're welcome." His quiet, amused voice sent a gentle tingle down my spine, and inhaling soundlessly, I turned back towards my book.

An afterthought hit me, and I blinked, raising my head. "Crap, Rhys was supposed to be my ride."

"Good thing then I got another helmet,", Azriel mumbled, and my heart skipped quick.

"Please don't tell me you're running around with double protective gear again -" I felt my lips rise into a wide beaming grin, and Az scowled lightly and reached up, my breath hitching when his warm fingers wrapped around my wrist, his scarred skin rough against mine when he gently tugged my hand with the book up from my lap.

"Just start, smart-ass."

Giggling softly under my breath, I turned my eyes towards the pages. Breathing out and feeling something flutter against my ribs, warm and quick, I started talking softly. Azriel's hand slowly slipped from my wrist, and I thought I felt him exhale, the crease between his brows softening slowly as little by little, some of the tension bled from his frame.

Stepping out into the slightly crisp air, I breathed in deeply, holding my face into the low sun.

"Any wishes for your birthday?"

Scrunching my brows, I blinked before looking over my shoulder in confusion, and my heart skipped a little.

Azriel squinted into the low sun, the light causing his eyes to glow like amber as the cool breeze brushed through his tousled hair and the doors to the library closed behind him.

"Why?" I tipped my head back to look up at him.

One corner of his lips curved into a smirk, and Azriel let the armored jacket slide off his arm, his eyes twinkling a little as he draped it over my shoulders. "Cause it's time you get one of these that fits."

My breath hitched, and the curve of Azriel's lips deepend as his eyes dragged over my face. Then he stepped past me, slinging his backpack over his shoulder as he began to easily make his way towards the parking lot. The smell of his cologne slowly rose into my nose, and my heart skipped against my ribs.

"Cass says it looks cute!", I called after him, squinting into the sun, and Azriel turned around, walking backwards leisurely as he stared at me. The sun made his eyes glow like gold as slowly, a crease appeared in his cheek. Then he called back, his deep voice vibrating through me: "You don't need the jacket for that."

Something dipped in my chest, swerving and screeching to an abrupt halt, and I felt my lips part.

Azriel's eyes moved over mine, then he huffed softly, his cheek creasing a little more, and he turned back around.

My heart rose in a flutter, and feeling a ridiculously wide smile suddenly threatening to break over my face, I started to follow after him, Azriel's too big jacket heavy on my shoulders as I squinted into the warm, golden sun, feeling something thrum firm and steady against my ribs.

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @knmendiola @luvmoo @azriels-mate123 @bookishbroadwaybish @maybe-a-winchester @stayinglow-exploringworlds

#drabble #modern!roommate batboys series #acotar drabble #acotar x reader #azriel drabble #azriel x reader #azriel imagine #azriel #azriel/reader #azriel x female!reader #az x reader #az/reader #az imagine #acotar #acomaf #acowar #rhysand #cassian #rhys #rhys drabble #rhysand drabble #cassian drabble #rhysand imagine #rhys imagine #cassian imagine #modern au #lalacliffthorne

[lalacliffthorne]

failed dates suck. unless you have three roommates who squash every bit of sadness (and potentially the shitty date).

(is this the next/first official part of the whole modern!roommates!batboys-series already? it looks like it... also this turned out a lil more emotional than I had planned lol)

Letting the front door shut quietly behind me, I sank back against it, closing my eyes for a second and breathing out. There was a soft twinge in my chest, and I was ready to just sneak past the living room and -

There was a deep call of my name, and with a wince and a soundless curse, I slowly pushed off the door and trudged towards the living room. Stopping in the door, I felt my heart skip a little harshly when I found all three of my roommates lounging in front of the TV.

Damn it.

"Hey." Cassian looked over the backrest of the couch, and his brows rose. "Wow."

Despite the twinge in my chest, I felt my lips curve upwards.

"Look at you." Rhys leaned back, sending me a wicked grin. "You look gorgeous."

I huffed, grumbling a soft "Don't sound so surprised." as I slid my bag off my shoulder to drop it to the floor.

"You're back already?"

Azriel's deep voice caused something to swerve just a little in my chest, and when I raised my eyes, they met his. He was lounging in one of the armchairs, a crease between his brows as his gaze slowly moved over my face.

"Yeah, shouldn't you be at dinner somewhere?" Cassian smirked and sent me a wink. "Unless you skipped a few steps and went right to do the deed, which honestly, no judgement -"

I kicked off my sneakers and felt my lips curve softly, breathing out.

"He didn't show."

The grins slid off Cassian's and Rhys' faces as I trudged towards them, my silky dress sliding over my skin.

"What?" Cassian's voice suddenly sounded dangerously low.

I just shrugged and sent him a soft grin, stepping over Rhys' legs and plopping down onto the cushions. For a second, my gaze met Azriel's, and the small twinge in my chest did a little dip at the way his face suddenly seemed to have frozen over.

"What do you mean, he didn't show up?" Rhys slid his arm off the back of the couch, his violet eyes piercing as he stared at me.

Exhaling softly, I pulled the pillow away from his side and hugged it to my chest, propping my chin onto it as I looked over at him, feeling one corner of my lips rise gently.

"Exactly what it suggests. We were supposed to meet at the restaurant. I was early, went in, got the table. He didn't show." I furrowed my brows, huffing gently. "Didn't even text with a shitty excuse." Raising my gaze, something skipped softly against my ribs.

Azriel was watching me, all six foot something of him gone from lounging lazily to alarmingly still. His eyes were dark like a quickly rising tide, quiet and dangerous.

"That motherf-" Cassian broke off, and when I blinked and tore my eyes away from Azriel's, he was staring at me, looking torn between sympathy and something that was raging like fire in his warm eyes. Rhys' gaze on the other hand was steely, no trace of the wicked smile that usually preceeded precise words able to cut down even a grown man with a few sentences. Instead, he looked like for once, he'd go straight for broken bones.

Feeling something warm spread gently in my chest, I shrugged a little.

"It's okay." Wrapping my arms tighter around the pillow, my lips curving softly, I furrowed my brows lightly. "Didn't even really surprise me."

Cassian's eyes narrowed suspiciously, his deep voice rumbling through me. "Why?"

I just shrugged lightly, sending him a lopsided smile.

"Experience." Breathing out, I shook my head, feeling my brows crunch a little. "I'm really just mad at myself for wasting my own time like that." I propped my chin onto the pillow. "I don't know, I guess I just - didn't really expect anything from it in the first place, but it still gets me. And I didn't even really like the guy that way, I just -" I hesitated for a second. Silence answered, but I could feel three pair of eyes on me, warm and steady, causing me to keep going.

"I just went because -" Feeling a knot form in my throat, I faltered for a second before mumbling: "Can't find anything when I'm not looking." Swallowing against the sudden weight on my chest, I blinked before raising my head and grinning lopsidedly. "Maybe all these failed attempts are a sign. Maybe something's wrong with me, or I'm just not - meant to -" The words died in my throat, and suddenly, I felt my eyes burn a little.

There was the sound of steady footsteps, then someone crouched down in front of me, and when I raised my head, my throat closed slowly.

Azriel's eyes pierced mine, golden and firm. Then he reached out, and my bottom lip began to wobble a little when he carefully wiped away a tear I hadn't realised was rolling over my skin.

"Sweetheart?" Rhys' voice was quiet but steady, and when I looked over at him, vision swimming a little, he raised an eyebrow gently, his eyes twinkling softly. "You are."

I sucked in a softly trembling breath, more tears beginning to run over my cheek, and Rhys' lips curved as he reached out to wipe them away with the sleeves of his sweatshirt. A wet giggle broke from my throat, and I sniffled, hastily wiping the back of my hand over my nose.

"I know it's stupid,", I whispered.

Cassian huffed. "Bullshit." His warm hand rubbed over my back, and when I looked over at him, he glared playfully, a small crease forming in his cheek. "And if you ever say the way you feel about something is stupid again, we're gonna have a serious problem."

Another tearful giggle left me, and with a soft smirk, Cassian pulled me into his chest, wrapping me up in his arms and propping his chin onto my head.

"Nothing's wrong with you,", he mumbled softly, his deep voice rumbling through his chest. "You're exactly right the way you are."

My breath hitched and trembled as tears rolled over my cheeks, and I squeezed my eyes shut quickly, something warm blooming under my ribs, swelling so powerfully, it almost ached.

Slowly, very slowly, my shuddering breaths ebbed off. Cass was rocking me a little until I giggled softly, sniffling as I mumbled hoarsely: "I soaked your shirt."

I felt Cassian grin into my hair. "Well -"

Rhys snorted the same moment I groaned softly and hit Cassian's side weakly, causing his chest to shake with deep laughter.

Grumbling under my breath, I slowly peeled myself out of his arms and pulled up my shoulders, wiping my hand over my cheek and sniffling again.

"I'm gonna get some ice cream,", I mumbled, my voice still a little thick. Rising heavily, I slipped past Azriel, feeling something warm in my chest when Rhys nudged my leg gently. Kicking back softly and feeling a quiet, sniffled giggle leave me, I started to trudge towards the hall.

In the kitchen, I tried to wipe the residue of mascara off my skin before tugging a container of ice cream out of the fridge and spoons out of one of the kitchen drawers. Pulling myself onto the counter, I exhaled slowly, my breath still a little shaky as I pulled the lid off the tub and buried a spoon in the ice cream.

The cold sweetness slowly melted on my tongue as I dangled my legs, looking down at the dress I was wearing and scowling a little.

What a waste of an outfit.

Sticking another spoonfull of ice cream into my mouth, I raised my head when the floorboards in the hall creaked, and something hopped gently against my ribs when Azriel appeared in the door. The warm, dimmed light in the kitchen made his eyes look like melted caramel, a strand of hair dropping into his forehead as he halted for a moment, gaze moving over me perched on the counter, the slits in my dress baring my legs and causing me to shiver a little as I dangled them.

"Want some?" I held up the container. I didn't blame him for staring. I probably looked a right mess. Hair tangled, dried tearstains on my cheeks, probably still mascara smudges everywhere and eyes red.

Azriel blinked before raising his gaze, and something seemed to soften in his eyes.

Walking forward steadily until he was standing between my knees, Az pulled the ice cream container from my hand, setting it down onto the counter next to me and raised the piece of clothing in his right hand.

"Arms." His deep, low voice sent a shiver down my spine I blamed on the cold counter under my thighs, the usual crease between his brows smoothing over a little as he looked at me calmly.

Holding my hands towards him, I felt my lips curve into a soft, crooked smile when Azriel started pulling the arms of the black hoodie over my fingers.

"You know, I might be a little emotionally messy right now, but I do know how to put on a hoodie."

Azriel threw me a glare that made me giggle softly, and one corner of his lips quirked.

Pushing the soft material up my arms, he pulled it over my head, and something tipped over in my chest when a wave of a familiar scent washed over me, cedar and pine cologne mixed with something warm and clean.

The hood got caught on my head as the fabric pooled over my body, and the shadow of a crease formed in Azriel's cheek when he reached out, gently pushing it off my head. His fingers brushed against my cheek when he carefully tucked a strand of hair that was stubbornly sticking over my forehead behind my ear, and my breath hitched a little. Then Azriel took a step back and gently nudged his head towards the hall, the crease in his cheek deepening just a little.

"C'mon. Those knuckleheads can't decide on what to watch."

Breathing out, I slid off the counter, picking up the spoons and the ice cream before moving to push past Azriel, but he reached out, his fingers wrapping gently around my wrist.

My heart skipped a little and my gaze darted up, and Azriel's eyes moved over my face, deep and warm in the light. Then he blinked and mumbled, his deep voice low and dark: "Only an absolute asshole is stupid enough to stand you up." His fingers gently tightened their grip around my wrist as he dipped his head to stare at me firmly. "No one like that gets to dictate how you feel about yourself."

Something tipped over in my chest, rising, and I swallowed harshly as I stared up at him.

Azriel's thumb brushed slowly over my skin, then he carefully let my hand slip out of his and straightened. His gaze dragged over my face, then he blinked, and suddenly, one corner of his lips curved.

"Also Rhys just got Mor to tell him who that guy was." There was a glint in his eyes that was nothing short of lazily wicked, and my heart skipped high as my own grew wide.

"Crap." I just caught the light smirk forming on his face, then I darted past him. "Rhys?!"

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels

#acotar drabble #acotar x reader #acotar #acomaf #acowar #az x reader #azriel x female!reader #az imagine #az/reader #azriel imagine #azriel x reader #rhys #azriel #az #rhysand #cassian #rhys x reader #rhys imagine #drabble #cassian x reader #cassian imagine #modern au #modern!roommate batboys series #lalacliffthorne

[lalacliffthorne]

when Az has a nightmare, because even in this alternative universe, he has just as many scars. but also someone to kiss them better.

(this broke my heart a little and healed it at the same time. urgh. I´ll go cry in my lil corner now.)

Carefully closing the door to the bathroom as quietly as possible, I started to pad through the dark hall towards Azriel's room, pulling the sleeves of his sweatshirt over my hands and shivering at the coolness of the wooden floorboards under my feet.

The moon and the streetlights outside threw a soft light into the hall from the living room and the kitchen as I snuck past Cassian's room, barely holding back a giggle when I heard a soft snore from the other side of the door. Rhys had left the kitchen window open, and the smell of rain and cool night air filled my lungs.

Slipping through Azriel's half-closed door, I heard the blankets rustle and winced, because damnit; apparently, I hadn't been as careful as I had thought I'd been when I had snuck out from under his arm.

Cursing inwardly, I softly closed the door, then I turned around.

Something in my chest lost it's footing when Azriel threw his head around and gave a soft sound that made something cold wash over my spine.

Shit.

From my spot at the door, I could see his face, illuminated by the light falling through the curtains, his jaw shifting and tensing, brows drawn together and eyes squeezed shut. There was sweat forming on his forehead, his hair sticking to his skin as his shoulder muscles shifted and flexed and his fingers curled into the blanket, gripping it so hard, my heart turned over and toppled.

Shit, shit, shit.

Azriel had told me about the nightmares that used to be frequent and became rare after years and years of working through the reason they haunted him. It had been the same night he had told me about the burns scarring his hands, leaned back against the headboard, eyes tired but steady as I had sat across from him, something shattering silently in my chest as I had stared at him and felt a weight on my chest that had made my sight blur.

"Az?"

My voice was soft and a little weak as I stared at his trembling form, curving my hands into fists to keep them from shaking as a pit opened in my chest.

Carefully, I took a step forward, only to jump when Azriel jolted abruptly. His eyes flew open, and he scrambled up, fingers digging into the blanket as he threw his head around.

"Hey." My breath got caught in my throat at the sight of his eyes, wide blown and frantic as they darted through the room until they landed on me.

A shudder went through him, his shoulders slowly sagging, and Azriel squeezed his eyes shut, dropping back against the headboard as he dragged his trembling hands into his hair, tugging harshly as his breath staggered.

“Az?” My heart turned over, and quickly, I moved over the cold floorboards, carefully climbing onto the mattress. My heart clenched tightly when Azriel glanced at me through the gap between his flexing forearms, the muscles in his jaw shifting as his hands slipped out of his hair, one of them dropping to grip at his chest.

“Can't. Breathe,”, he pressed, deep voice husky and muscles in his jaw working as his eyes squeezed shut again for a second, and his breathing got quicker, clipped and shuddering.

Something like an iron fist closed around my heart, my fingers trembling when for a second, my head simply felt empty, gaping as panic rose in my chest. Then I blinked, my breath hitching and voice small when I whispered: “Tell me what you need me to do.”

Azriel blinked quickly, his fingers digging into his chest as something like panic flashed through his eyes as they darted through the room, his breath now heaving, and something skipped high against my ribs.

Without thinking, I leaned forward, grabbing his hand and pulling it away from his chest.

“Azriel, look at me.” My voice was soft but somehow, I managed to keep it from trembling as my fingers slipped through his and squeezed tightly as I tugged his hand towards me. “I need you to breathe, baby, okay; focus.” My grip tightened, maybe to keep myself from shaking. “Az. Look at me.”

Az squeezed his eyes shut as I pressed his palm onto my chest, and I leaned forward, staring at him desperately. “Azriel, look. At. Me.”

Azriel's eyes snapped open and found mine, and I tried to keep my heart from staggering when I saw the way his pupils were dilated, almost swallowing the amber of his eyes.

Somehow, I willed my breath to stay steady as I whispered a little shakily: “C'mon, baby, breathe.”

Azriel exhaled shudderingly. There was a harsh sting in my chest as I felt his fingers curl into my sweatshirt, and I squeezed his hand, drawing slow and long breaths as I fought the way my throat closed up, felt something surging in my chest as Azriel's eyes pierced into mine, still slightly frantic but slowly, very slowly, loosing the panic deep within as he started to breathe, harshly but steadier with every minute.

I didn't know how long I crouched on the mattress in front of him. The flat was silent, only sometimes broken by the muffled sound of a car passing on the quiet street outside. At some point, I slipped into a seated position, my knee pressing against Azriel's side as little by little, his breathing calmed. His body slowly sank back against the headboard, the rise and fall of his bare chest evening out little by little, still sometimes broken by deep shuddering inhales that slowly ebbed off into small hitches. His shoulders slowly lost their tension until they slumped, and his head tipped back against the wall as he stared at me, his tired eyes piercing into mine like he was holding onto it.

Finally, when his breathing was quiet and steady again, Azriel blinked. His hand twitched under mine, and quickly, I loosened my grip, but Azriel's fingers threaded closer through mine, and something tipped over in my chest when he mumbled, deep voice impossible rough: "'m sorry."

I stared at him, feeling my throat tighten as a gentle weight settled on my chest, and quickly, I shook my head, whispering: "It's okay."

Azriel's golden eyes pierced mine. Then he leaned forward, and my breath hitched when he wrapped an arm around my waist and dragged me into his lap.

My arms slipped around his shoulders like muscle memory, and Azriel pulled me closer, his hands sliding under my sweatshirt as he wrapped his arms around me, closer, tighter; until it felt like he was trying to wrap himself around me. Drawing his knees up to press me more into his body, he curled his fingers into my sides, and something pulled tight in my chest when he buried his face in the crook of my neck and breathed in, soft and with the barest tremble.

Quickly sliding my arms tighter around his shoulders, I dropped my head to press my nose against his warm skin and squeezed my eyes shut tightly.

I didn't know how long we stayed like that. Azriel's grip was unwavering, but his body slowly melted into mine as he buried himself further in my neck.

When he finally pulled his head back a little, the cold sweat on his skin had dried, his grip had lost some of its tightness and the ache in my chest had shrunk into a small emptiness.

Straightening a bit, just far enough that I could look at him, I felt Azriel's arms slide down until they rested on my waist as he dropped his head back a little, leaning it against the wall as he stared at me. He looked tired and exhausted and a little lost, and I felt my heart clench.

Reaching up without even really thinking about it, I brushed the still slightly damp strands of hair away that curled over his forehead, and something rose in my chest when Azriel's eyes fluttered a little, his head tipping into my touch.

My heart lurched, and breathing in softly, I leaned in, gently pressing my forehead against Azriel's. My eyes fluttered shut, and something closed around my chest when I felt Azriel brush his nose slowly over mine before tilting his head to repeat the motion. His hand came up to brush some hair out of my face, carefully tucking it behind my ear as his other arm gently pulled me closer until our chests were pressed together again. Gently pressing his palm against the side of my jaw, Azriel breathed out, his thumb slowly stroking over my cheek, and without really thinking, I turned my head and pressed my lips against his palm.

Azriel stilled.

Slowly, softly, I pressed another kiss onto his warm, scarred skin. My nose brushed over his fingers when they curled against my cheek and I pressed my lips against his knuckles, ghosting them over his skin as I peppered soft kisses over his hand. Then I raised my head, and my heart tipped over and tumbled.

Azriel was staring at me, his throat working as he swallowed harshly. His iris was swimming with something I couldn't discern, rising quietly as the gold in his eyes melted into a soft shimmer and his gaze dragged over my face. Then he slid his hand into my hair, and my heart rose in my chest when he pulled me forward and firmly pressed his forehead against mine, closing his eyes. The soft ache in my chest grew when I felt the slight unsteadiness of his breath hitting my skin and saw the crunch of his brows.

"They're never gonna hurt you again."

My voice was barely above a whisper, and soft, and unsteady, but it made Azriel go still.

"Promise,", I mumbled, sniffling softly and crunching my nose a little. "Cass won't let them, and Rhys won't let them." I swallowed, and something tightened in my chest. "And I won't let them."

Breathing out, I pulled my head back a little and opened my eyes to stare at him, my voice raspy when I whispered: "No one's ever gonna hurt you like that again." My lips quivered a little when I sent him a small, crooked smile and mumbled thickly: "Don't care who I have to fight. I'll fight those dreams if I have to." I felt my lips curve as I added a soft: "Promise." My eyes tracked over his face, and my voice became even more quiet when I added in a whisper: "You'll never have to do this alone again."

Azriel stared at me. Throat working like he was holding back the urge to swallow, brows drawn together, shimmering eyes darting over my face. Then he blinked; his hands slipped up to cradle my jaw, and leaning forward, he kissed me, deep and warm, feverish and desperate.

My heart rose in my chest as the ache in my chest thrummed, and I dug my fingers into his sides and kissed back just as desperately.

When he slowly pulled back, Azriel breathed out, and his nose nudged against mine. His fingers gently brushed away hair that had gotten caught on my lips, and I could feel his thumb tracing the line of my cheekbone when he dropped his forehead against mine. Then he mumbled, his deep voice quiet and soft and so, so hoarse: "Thank you."

I nodded quickly, feeling my throat close up, and Azriel's jaw shifted, brows crunching as he swallowed, his thumb slowly brushing over my cheek.

My eyes slowly began to feel heavy, and a yawn built in my throat. Pulling back my head a little, I found Azriel's eyes on my face, deep and dark and tired, freckles dusting his nose and a strand of dark hair curving over his forehead.

"Pinky promise,", I whispered, and Azriel's lips curved. Then he mumbled back, soft and deep and hoarse: "Pinky promise."

I stared at him, counted the golden flecks in his eyes as they dragged over mine, exhausted but almost hungrily, like he was trying to commit it to memory.

Azriel blinked, then he moved, and I slowly slid off his lap and curled up under the blankets. I could feel the mattress dip under his weight, then his warm body pressed against mine, and his arm wound around my waist as mine slid over his shoulder. Tugging me closer, Azriel tangled our legs together until there wasn't a place I wasn't pressed tightly against him, couldn't feel the warmth radiating from him as he dropped his forehead against mine and closed his eyes. Then he crunched his brows a little.

"Is Cass snoring?"

I started to giggle, and Azriel huffed softly, but I could feel his lips curve.

"You're gonna get any sleep?", I whispered, feeling something dip a little in my chest, and Azriel breathed out, his hand sliding under my sweatshirt and pressing against my skin.

"Yes." His voice was soft, but steady, and sent a soft tingle down my spine when he added hoarsely: "You're here."

My heart rose, rose until I couldn't breathe, and I wrapped my leg over his waist and tugged him forward until his tall, solid body was draped over mine, warm and there and burying me under his weight as he nuzzled his face into the crook of my neck.

"Pinky promise,", I whispered into his hair, and Azriel's lips curved against my skin.

"Pinky promise,", he mumbled softly.

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @secret-ly-here @knmendiola @luvmoo @azriels-mate123 @bookishbroadwaybish @maybe-a-winchester @stayinglow-exploringworlds @harrystylesfan2686

#modern!roommate batboys series #azriel #az #azriel drabble #az drabble #azriel x reader #azriel imagine #azriel x female!reader #az x reader #az/reader #az imagine #acotar x reader #acowar #acotar #acomaf #acotar drabble #drabble #lalacliffthorne

[lalacliffthorne]

christmas with the modern!batboys!roommates - as headcanons 💕

because there's way too much I wanna talk about to just put it into a meek lil drabble!!! and I actually can't wait for christmas now. 🎄

merry christmas ya filthy animals 🎀

it's about halfway through November when you decide on spending your Christmas at the flat

reason is the fact that all of your three roommates will, for once, also be staying for the holidays

usually, Rhys is forced into an awkward, stilted celebration with his father that mostly consists of very tense dinners, coffees and him trying to flee to his room for as much time as possible

Azriel always visits his mother, and Cassian usually either stays at the flat or visits the orphanage he spent half of his childhood in to help with the kids

but this year, Rhys' father isn't even in the country because of some business deal

Rhys jumps at the opportunity to avoid one awful holiday and decides to not go with him and instead spend christmas at the flat

Azriel's mother is seeing someone new who invited her to spend the holidays in the mountains

Az really doesn't want to be third-wheeling, so he, too, decides to stay home

(you're a bit surprised he's so unbothered about his mother dating someone new

he is quite protective of her

but then again, Az is quicker than even Mor at stalking someone on the internet

and out of all of you, has probably the best intuition when it comes to people

which means the new guy seems to have passed all the first hurdles)

Cassian doesn't let it show too much bc he doesn't want them to feel bad about how things usual go

but you can tell he's beyond happy to have them there

Mor's also staying in town and will be over for Christmas Eve

you usually always go home for the holidays

but sometimes, it´s time for new traditions, right?

"Hey, can I talk to you for a second?"

Your voice rises over the sound of the movie, and with a curious look, Rhys turns it on mute before looking your way, Cassian, lounging in one of the armchairs, doing the same when you worm yourself out of Azriel's arms where you have been curled up for the past half an hour, barely paying any attention to the TV.

You can feel Azriel's eyes on the side of your face when you grin sheepishly.

"I - I think I'm gonna stay here as well for Christmas."

Cass crunches his brows in surprise. "What about your family, don't you go home usually?"

"Yeah." Rhys grins. "Won't you be missed?"

You huff at him.

"They might come here for a few days during the holidays, but -" You shrug and grin at them. "I don't know, I feel like I want to stay here this year." You frown in thought. "Would be weird to just leave you all here."

Cassian starts grinning toothily, and just that would have convinced you that this is definitely the right decision. But then you turn your head and find Azriel staring at you, the golden spots in his eyes seeming to twinkle in the warm light, and your heart does a flip.

Yep. Definitely worth it.

and with that and the knowledge that all of you will be spending Christmas at the flat together - you decide on going all in.

everything starts with the flat.

it's your home, your place to be after all

and it deserves to be spruced up and decked to completion

which is why it becomes first thing on your big Christmas list

because the boys usually don't spend the holidays at the flat, there aren't really any decorations in storage down in the basement

so the next Saturday, you and Rhys hit the high street and every place in town needed for the perfectly decorated flat

you get fir garlands and fairylights, together with an unholy amount of candles

in a concept store next to the café where you take a much needed break around lunchtime, you find funky glass baubles

(you make sure you take the black camera and one of the motorcycles)

in another store, you find big stars made out of thick paper for the windows, even light up ones, along with stockings and some candleholders for the big dining table in the living room

(because of course there will be a ridiculous amount of food, if the way Rhys has been buried in cookbooks for the past few days is any indication)

you even get a new set of dishware

on the market, you score some big wreaths

Rhys buys mistletoe; so much, you're wondering whether he wants to plaster the whole house

you get ribbons and wrapping paper, festive cookie cutters, trinkets and more candles -

then, the next morning, Rhys turns up the Christmas music, and you get to decorating

because Cassian is tallest, he is tasked with anything that involves hanging things up the second he steps through the front door

fastening garlands and fairylights to the doorways, putting up the light up stars you got for the windows and the one for your room that fits its colorscheme

and hanging up the mistletoe

you place garlands over the mantle of the fireplace, together with fairy lights and candles

the window sills get the same treatment, while outside, Rhys fights with a long string of tangled lights to wrap around the balustrade of the balcony and the bushes

for safety reasons, the stockings are hanging underneath one of the windows and not above the fireplace

(you don't want any accidents involving burning stockings)

you found some pillow cases and a cozy blanket for the couches that fit the theme, and the coffee table is decorated with more candles and a wreath with bows you tied meticulously

you even set up the big dining table in the living room, with more garlands and candles and some of the baubles, and the new dishware

(you rarely use that table because you always eat in the kitchen anyway, so it can stay like that until the holidays)

the bookcases get covered in fairylights and little trinkets, the mirror gets a stole of fir

you're hanging up the biggest of the wreaths with a big red bow at the front door of the flat when Azriel comes home

the corner of his mouth kicks up when he sees you, some glitter on your face, a black bow in your hair and beaming at him

and his eyes actually twinkle a little when he sees the decorated flat

Cassian is positively buzzing with happiness when he hangs up the final wreath in the kitchen window

Rhys has hung some fir branches over the table, with some baubles and ornaments dangling from them and candles sitting on the wooden tabletop

every room smells like pine and firewood and it makes your heart skip with happiness

Rhys smirks and drops his arm onto your shoulder

"not bad, darling. not bad at all."

and with that, the festive time between decorating and the actual holidays begin

and you plan to enjoy every second

one of the first days of December, all of you embark on the most important mission of all:

finding the perfect tree

there's a pop up outdoor place selling trees a little walk away from the flat

Rhys, extravagant as usual, wants to take the huge fir tree right at the entrance

you manage to convince him that even though your apartment does have very nice high ceilings, a tree the width of both Cassian and Azriel combined would be just a little over the top

Cassian votes for a slightly crooked specimen that's about two feet taller than him

("it's got character.")

in the end, Azriel is the one who finds the perfect one

"What about that one?"

Turning at the sound of Azriel's deep, calm voice, you slip past a bickering Rhys and Cassian, and Az looks down at you when you shiver happily and slide your cold hand into his pocket, curling yourself into his side.

It's gotten really freaking cold.

Squinting, you look up at the tree you're standing in front of. It's probably a foot taller than Cass, it's branches thick and close together and it's top just the tiniest bit crooked.

"Huh." You feel a smile slowly spreading over your face, turning your head without looking away from the tree. "Hey, dumb and dumber."

Azriel snorts softly.

"Who's who?" Cassian appears next to you, crunching his nose to suppress a sneeze as he offers you his elbow to hide your freezing hand in.

"If you gotta ask,", Rhys mumbles from Azriel's other side before dodging Cassian trying to kick his shin, his nearly violet eyes twinkling when he smirks.

Not you, you mouth up at Cass and earn yourself a wide grin and a wink.

"What about that one?" Azriel threads his fingers through yours in his pocket, nodding towards the tree in front of you.

Both Cassian and Rhys cock their heads to the side in unison.

"Hm." Rhys doesn't sound opposed like with every other tree that has crossed your way so far.

"It's big, but not too big, it's got character -" You shrug and look back and forth between them. "I think it's perfect."

"Let's check." Cassian lets go of you, and you're about to look up at him with a confused frown when strong arms wrap around your waist and lift you off your feet.

You squeak and sway and feel a deep chuckle against your back. You look up to find yourself face to face with the tree top, then you get slid back to your feet.

"Yup." Cassian straightens and pats your head. "Perfect height."

You scowl up at him.

"I mean, it's not as perfect as the first one -" Rhys gets cut off by three groans and snickers.

"But it's pretty close, so -"

"Thank God,", Azriel mumbles into your hair, and you giggle.

you go home with the tree and a white amaryllis that'll hopefully be in bloom by Christmas and that you want to use as centerpiece for the dining table

Cassian carries the tree like it's not a foot taller than him and probably just as heavy

that weekend, you put it up

Rhys and you bicker about the best way to detangle the ball of fairylights

by the time you're finished and turn towards the tree, Azriel holds up one end of the neatly laid out fairylights with a deadpan look

it takes some more bickering about the perfect way of wrapping the lights around the tree until the huge fir tree is twinkling from every angle

and then little by little, you distribute all the the baubles and ornaments evenly

Cassian is responsible for the top branches and you, begrudgingly, for all the ones at the bottom

the whole slightly chaotic endeavour is accompanied by the sound of Christmas music, hot chocolate and the crackling fireplace

when you're almost finished, Cassian lifts you up, completely ignoring your soft squeak, and Rhys hands you the tree topper

the golden star goes right on the top, and then you're done

that evening, you all just sit and stare at the tree

it's magnificent and slightly chaotic

really mirrors living in the flat, you think

and with the tree up, all the festive activities can truly begin

you bake gingerbread cookies, happy to huddle up in the warm kitchen as it progressively gets colder outside

you go gift shopping with Feyre and Mor, who get along like a house on fire

when Feyre drops you off at home after and helps you carry your bags upstairs, Rhys opens the door

you're pretty sure the blush in Feyre's cheeks does not stem from the cold

even as she huffs at Rhys' blatant flirting

you get dragged out for another round of gift shopping with Cassian a few days after

it ends with the two of you buying a dutch oven for Rhys and almost forgetting it on the Christmas market when you stop for mulled wine and food on the way home

since Feyre is going home for the holidays, you have a little celebration the second weekend of December

you kick the boys out of the flat for the evening

the two of you make a whole small roast, dancing around the kitchen to Christmas music and have dinner in the living room

the tree is lit, and the first presents have found their way under it, all wrapped up more or less craftfully

you watch classic christmas movies and eat on the couch

when the boys get back later that night, the both of you are so full and happy, Feyre actually beams at Rhys in passing

you think he might faint

after saying goodbye to Feyre at the door, you turn, and he still stands in the hall, looking a little dazed

when he glares at you like a silent "not a word", you grin and tackle him in a hug

bc

he's adorable

the day after (probably in an act of revenge on Rhys' side), the both of you engage in a gingerbread house building competition in your kitchen

there's Christmas music, hot chocolate and containers and bowls with icing and dozens and dozens of different decorations spread all over the counter while you set up camp at the kitchen table

when Cass and Azriel come back from the gym and their own Christmas shopping in the late afternoon, the kitchen is absolute chaos

and Rhys and you have switched from hot chocolate to mulled wine and are slightly tipsy

both Cass and Azriel lean into the doorframe, staring at Rhys and you as you giggle and bicker, trying to kick at each other under the table

you're a little dishevelled, wearing a pair of wide pyjama pants, fuzzy socks and a loose t-shirt, your hair a mess and specks of icing all over your nose

Rhys looks equally unkempt for once, slightly flushed and violet eyes twinkling as he grins, icing on his dark t-shirt

when evening rolls around, you're completely exhausted

but both of your houses are standing

they are a bit wonky

but very pretty

complete with white icing, windows made from melted candy, roof tiles and cotton candy for smoke rising from the chimneys

Mor, who drops by that evening, acts as impartial judge and rules a tie

neither you nor Rhys really are too bothered by it

you're mostly proud they've not collapsed into heaps yet

Rhys smushes your face between his sticky hands and leaves a smacking kiss on your forehead that ends the competition before calling dibs on the first shower

and Azriel decides, when you crawl onto the couch where he's already sprawled out on the cushions and bury yourself in his chest, your body aching and feeling sticky

that even though he doesn't really care for sweets

you smelling like gingerbread and icing could make him come around to it

he doesn't say it, but when he wraps his arms around you and drags you up his body, curling around you to bury his face in your t-shirt and humming, you decide that this is definitely becoming a tradition

(even tho the next few days, Rhys and you get nauseous at just the sight of anything sweet)

the closer you get to Christmas, the more giddy you get

Azriel takes every chance he gets to crowd you under one of the many twigs of mistletoe Rhys has snuck into every possible spot in the flat and kiss you until your heart nearly gives out and your knees are jello and you can feel his lips curve against yours

to be fair, the other two don't really hold back either

Cassian has the time of his life leaving smacking kisses on the cheeks and foreheads of whoever ends up under a sprig of mistletoe next to him

it's cause to different stages of crunched noses and huffs

from amused (Rhys) to fits of giggling (you and Mor) to grumbling (Azriel)

and Rhys likes to dramatically pretend he's about to smooch the shit out of you, sweeping you up and dipping you back and everything, causing you to break into fits of snickers and Azriel to roll his eyes

you're pretty sure to see his lips twitch tho

you go to the Christmas market a few more times

with Rhys, because he wants to sample every food that's sold there and you would never pass up a chance to eat and gossip

then with all the boys and Mor, on an icy cold evening, to look at the decorations all over the shops and drink mulled cider

it's so cold you're permantely glued to Azriel's side, your fingers laced with his in his pocket, your arm wrapped around his elbow

he lets you slide into his coat as far as possible when you're waiting for the hot beverages, his chin resting on your head when you bury your face in his chest, his lips pressing against your forehead when you peak up at him, nose pink from the cold

the way he's staring down at you makes your heart hop and swerve, and Azriel's lips twitch

then, a few days before Christmas, Mor turns up and takes you ice skating

it ends in giggles, the two of you holding onto each other and singing aloud to the Christmas music from the speakers

you get waffles and hot chocolate after and Mor drags you with her into several clothing stores because she still doesn't have an outfit for the celebrations

it's when you decide she's gonna sleep over on Christmas Eve

because the thought of her going home in the evening and then coming back on Christmas Morning is just ridiculous

and when you promise she can sleep in your bed, all by herself, Mor beams

"okay!"

(you'd be sleeping in Azriel's room anyway)

the boys don't mind

quite the opposite

Rhys actually huffs bc he didn't think of it earlier

you have Christmas movie nights, with snacks and gingerbread and hot chocolate, the tree glittering and the smell of pine making your heart skip happily

gingerbread decorating competitions

and evenings where the fire is crackling and you are curled up against Azriel on the couch, reading with his arm wrapped around your shoulder and lips absentmindedly pressing against your temple

and then the afternoon before Christmas Eve, you take advantage of having the flat all to yourself and lock yourself in your room to wrap all your presents

in the end, you're sitting on the floor, surrounded by paperscraps and bows, with sticky tape on your forehead and a small heap of presents in front of you

wrapped to the best of your abilities and carefully labelled

they go onto the growing pile of presents under the tree, and you award yourself with a bubble bath

(wrapping gifts is hard, okay?)

you got the Dutch Oven you bought for Rhys with Cassian, along with a pair of purple fuzzy socks (mostly so he stops stealing yours) and fancy pickles

the guy has weird interests

Cassian's boxing gloves have seen better days, so you and Mor got him a new pair, with his name embroidered in deep red stitching at the wrist

you also bought him a set of hair care, after he once accidentally used yours and was in awe about how soft it made his hair for a solid three days

for Mor, you found a small shop on etsy that makes custom jewellery with recycled materials

you got her a necklace with a little charm with a little deep red stone and a matching bracelet, both dainty and slim

as well as a kit for a fancy bubble bath

as for Feyre, she already got her present a few days before and now lugs it home with her

you and Mor bought her a set of fancy oil paints

you also got her two mugs

one says coffee

the other paint water

you hope it means she stops accidentally poisoning herself

as for Azriel

his gift makes your heart hop with nerves

on Christmas Eve, Mor comes over, and Rhys whips up a three course dinner

you eat in the kitchen, Mor and you occupying the couch and giggling into your wine glasses

then you move to the living room and watch Home Alone

at 11, you all suddenly feel the need to move

so you bundle up with coats and scarves and hats before piling out of the flat

outside, it's so cold, your breath rises in thick white clouds

you take a long walk around the neighbourhood, looking at the lights and decorations everywhere

some people have wrapped their outside trees and bushes in fairylights

some have hung stars that light up porches, balconies and windows

you're actually not the only ones on a walk

there are still quite a few people out, probably with the same idea as you

you walk next to Mor, your arms linked together and awing softly at the glimpses you catch at decorated living rooms and twinkling trees

Rhys and Azriel are behind you, talking quietly between themselves

and Cassian is walking a little bit ahead of you, sniffling against the cold air, ridiculously broad in his thick jacket, a hat pulled over his head and seemingly lost in thought

after a while, you let Mor fall back to the other two and catch up with him

shivering happily, you wrap your arm around his and bump your shoulder softly into his side

"you okay?"

your voice is soft, and when you look up at him, your heart does a little warm pulse

because Cassian, big, vibrant, boisterous Cassian is completely quiet and calm

he looks at the houses with the lights and the twinkling trees in the living rooms, and one corner of his lips tips up gently

"yeah."

as you're staring up at him, something's suddenly swelling in your chest, making it hard to breathe

bc for one second, the only thing you see is a very little Cassian, alone in an orphanage on Christmas

you really try not to allow the sudden pressure behind your eyes to surface

but then Cassian looks down at you and gently bumps his elbow into your side, grinning softly

"got my family."

and that pressure spills over and with it the tears as your chin wobbles and your chest aches

"duh", you press out, voice weak and trembling, and Cassian smiles, bigger and crooked

you realise what that look on his face is when he tucks you into his side and lets you bury your face in his jacket until the tears have died

complete peace.

"Hey."

The quiet, deep voice travels through you, and you shift, grumbling quietly.

There's a soft breathed smile, then warm, rough fingers brush over your cheek, and lips press against your forehead. You can feel them move when the familiar deep voice, soft and rough with sleep, vibrates through you and causes shivers to run over your spine.

"C'mon baby, wake up."

Your heart does a little skip, and the warm haze of sleep slowly slips away. You exhale slowly, then you force open your heavy eyes, and something in your chest rises in a soft flutter.

Azriel's face is only an inch away, all sharp cheekbones and soft lips and tired eyes, and something in your chest dips over at the sight of his warm amber iris dragging over your face.

"Hi,", you mumble, voice thick and raspy with sleep, and the corner of Azriel's lips tips upwards, causing your heart to rise.

With a quiet sound, you shift closer, your arms sliding over his bare shoulders as his dip and wrap around your waist, pulling you into his body until one of your legs drapes over his hip and you're completely pressed together. There's something shifting at the back of your head, keeping you from just burying your face in the warm crook of his neck and going back to sleep -

Your heart misses a beat, your eyes dart up as suddenly, a flutter builds in your chest, and Azriel's lips curve, up and up until his cheek creases.

"There it is." His voice, deep and low, husky with sleep and vibrating with a hint of amusement, sends your heart tumbling as his gaze drags over your face. Then he blinks, and something softens in his eyes, a slow twinkle growing in his iris as his gaze drags over your face. One corner of his lips curves upwards.

"Merry Christmas,", he mumbles, low, deep, and steady.

If your heart hasn't stopped before, it definitely does now, and you need a couple of seconds until it works again. Then a smile spreads over your face, slow but growing until it is ridiculously wide.

"Merry Christmas,", you whisper back, breath hitching and voice thick with sleep and something pulsing and swelling under your ribs.

The twinkle in Azriel's eyes grows; your breath hitches when he dips his head, and something tipping over in your chest when he presses his lips onto yours, warm and slow and unhurried.

He only pulls back once he coaxes a soft sound breaking from your throat. Your heart is thrumming and one corner of his lips has curved lazily as he stares at you, a few strands of hair curving over his forehead, the rest so tousled, you just can't resist burying your fingers in it as warmth spreads through your body and your hearts start fluttering as giddiness starts spreading through your chest.

Slipping your arm tighter around Azriel's neck, you pull him down to kiss him again, deeper and firmer and causing your breath to shudder and Azriel to groan softly. His hand slips under your hoodie, palm slowly roaming up your back with the softest pressure, pushing your closer.

When you pull back, breathing shakily, warmth rushing through you and gather in your cheeks, Azriel nudges his nose against yours, a soft rumble building in his chest.

"Sleeping in on Christmas morning, so rebellious,", he mumbles, and you lightly kick his shin, causing a tired smirk to spread over his face that makes your heart topple and still.

Oh.

Azriel is about to pull you back in and roll you over when suddenly, the door bursts open.

You jump, Azriel huffs and rolls his eyes, and when you crane your neck to look over your shoulder, Cassian is standing in the doorway, only wearing a pair of checkered pyjama pants, hair pulled back haphazardly and grinning wildly.

"Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals. Get your asses out here." He winks. "It's present time."

knowing that he is not going to let up, you grumble and dig yourself out of your blankets

your heart starts hopping as you pull on some pyjama pants and fuzzy socks

Cassian hugs you so tightly, you can't help but fall into a fit of giggles when he lifts you off your feet with a dramatic groan

squeezing you for a solid few seconds in which you squeeze him back with all your might, he lets you slide back to the floor and presses a kiss onto your cheek before letting you pass

Rhys and Mor are already in the living room

the giddy feeling in your chest grows when you sink into Rhys who's sitting on the back of the couch, squeezing his middle tightly and feeling him hug you to his chest, pressing a kiss onto your hair before he straightens and pats your bum

you press a sloppy kiss onto his cheek in revenge that makes his nose crinkle and a snort break from your throat

then you drop down next to Mor on the carpet

you feel like your heart is expanding to impossible sizes when she wraps you up in a ribcrushing hug and leaves kisses all over your face until you giggle

Cass and Azriel come into the living room, and Rhys hugs Azriel so tightly he huffs, but you can see the muscles in his arms straining when he hugs him back

Mor beams up at Az when sinks onto the floor behind you, squeezing her shoulder before he wraps his arms around your waist and buries his face in your neck

and you feel like you might burst

you open your presents, with the tree glittering and the fire crackling

Rhys fangirls over his pot and the pickles

Mor gets teary eyed over the jewellery and leaves more smacking kisses all over your face

and Cassian actually looks like he might be speechless when he unpacks the boxing gloves

he wraps you and Mor up in a hug so tight, you're completely smushed together

you even get a selfie from Feyre with her mugs and a deadpan look that makes you giggle for a solid minute

it's Azriel you're really watching though, as he unwraps the last gift with his name on it

you see him still for a second before he pulls out a very old camera

you feel something twitch nervously in your chest

"I - found it at an antique store. I remember you showed me a similiar one and that you said how difficult it is to find one like it today." you grin lopsidedly. "I got it repaired, it's working again."

Azriel blinks

then he raises his head, and you're pretty sure your heart just stops

because the way he is staring at you is flaring and deep and heated and burning with something that causes your breath to stop

his throat works, and he carefully slides the camera back into its case and places it on the floor

then he reaches out and drags you over the floor until you're trapped between his legs

your heart gets stuck in your throat when his arm slides around your waist

your breath falters when his hand comes up to cradle your face

and the world stills when he pulls you forward and kisses you like it's the first and last time and there's no one else in the room but you

and he doesn't need to say it

you can feel it all in the way his breath shudders when he exhales and somehow pulls you even closer, until you're flush against his chest and your arms wind around his shoulders and he kisses you harder

only Rhys clearing his throat makes you remember you're in fact not alone

something dips over in your chest, and you can feel heat wash over you when you somehow manage to break the kiss, breathing harshly as your fingers dig into Azriel's hair

you pull back a little and look at him, just to really be sure, and your heart tightens at the way he's looking at you

kinda like you're beginning and ending and everything in between

something swells in your chest, begins rising, and you can't help it

you beam at him, your heart thrumming against your ribs, and Azriel drinks it in like he's dying of thirst

you somehow manage to turn in Azriel's arms, curling into him as you stare at your friends that bicker and laugh, and your heart swells when Azriel buries his nose in your hair and holds you like he's not planning on ever letting go

after unwrapping, you have a big, fancy breakfast in the kitchen, with waffles and pancakes and eggs and bacon

you sit curled up in one corner of the couch, with Azriel behind you, chest in your back and arm wrapped around your waist

you spend the day all together

watching Christmas movies, playing boardgames

Rhys drives you all into bankruptcy at Monopoly, twice, and you beat Cassian at trivia (again)

when it gets dark in the afternoon, Rhys disappears into the kitchen, and Mor drags the rest of you to a classical Christmas concert in a church nearby

you all sit together, Azriel and Cassian flanking you and Mor, Azriel's fingers linked with yours

when you inevitably get teary eyed towards the ending, Mor squeezes your other hand and sniffles

when you get back to the flat, you're met with scents more delicious than anything you have ever smelled before

your stomach grumbles, Cassian groans, and Rhys appears in the doorway to the kitchen and grins

"to the table, please"

to say he went all in would be too little

he supplies you with a whole seven course dinner

soups, salads, a whole freaking goose, and two kinds of dessert that make your mouth water even though you already feel like you won't be eating anything until next Christmas

the whole living room is lit

the tree is twinkling, the candles are flickering and the fireplace crackling

Cassian's rambunctious laughter mixes with Mor's ringing giggles and Rhys' deep laughs, and Azriel sits next to you and grins, his arm draped over the back of your chair that he has pulled so close you can feel the side of his body pressing against yours

and you think that maybe, making new traditions was the best idea you ever had

it's really only topped by your decision to move into this flat.

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @secret-ly-here @knmendiola @luvmoo @azriels-mate2 @bookishbroadwaybish @maybe-a-winchester @stayinglow-exploringworlds @harrystylesfan2686 @icey--stars @ssmay123 @ailyr92

#modern!roommate batboys series #christmas #modern au #acotar x reader #az x reader #azriel x reader #azriel x female!reader #azriel imagine #az/reader #az imagine #azriel drabble #azriel fluff #rhys imagine #rhysand #rhys #rhysand imagine #cassian imagine #cassian drabble #cassian #rhys drabble #rhysand drabble #acomaf #acotar #acowar #acotar drabble #winter #lalacliffthorne

[lalacliffthorne]

because Instagram has been showing me a lot of dudes on motorcycles lately and that just really messes with my brain. so here's a lil modern!Az drabble. with a motorcycle.

(this actually might be a tiny lil sneak peak at a new drabble universe I´m currently building... 👀)

Trudging down the steps to the parking lot, I blinked into the sun that was already close to the horizon, sending warm golden rays over the few cars still there. Letting my eyes flicker over them, I felt my brows crease a little in confusion when I couldn't find Feyre's old mint-colored Bronco anywhere.

Beginning to slowly make my way through the parking lot, I looked over my shoulder, sliding my phone out of the pocket of my jeans as I looked back ahead - and stilled on the spot as my heart missed a beat, leaping against my ribs.

Near the entrance of the parking lot, Azriel leaned against his motorcycle. He was so tall, he basically lounged on the seat, his long legs stretched out on front of him. As usual, he was wearing all black, his jeans tucked into his boots, his armored jacket open over a plain hoodie. A strand of dark hair had fallen over his forehead as he looked to the side towards the other entrance, his brows crunched a little against the light of the low sun that made his skin shimmer golden.

Next to him him, two helmets sat on the tank.

My lips parted slightly, my breath hitched, and like he could feel my eyes on him, Azriel turned his head, his gaze finding mine.

The crease between his brows smoothed a little, and I thought I saw a soft twinkle flash through his eyes. Then one corner of his lips curved, and he straightened up, slipping his hands into his pockets and raising a brow at me.

Beginning to slowly move towards him, I squinted against the golden light, something beginning to pound against my ribs as I fought the ridiculously wide smile threatening to spread over my face and called: "What are you doing here?"

"Just finished class." Azriel's deep, steady voice sent shivers through my body, my heart stumbling in its rhythm when he watched me approach him, a soft twinkle dancing in his eyes. "Rhys texted me that Feyre's stuck at the gallery and that you needed a ride home, so I waited."

Something skipped against my ribs when I came to a halt in front of him, tipping my head back to frown up at him in slightly confused suspicion.

"And you just happened to have another helmet with you?"

Azriel's eyes flickered over my face, and one corner of his lips curved a little. Then he started stripping out of his jacket.

My heart tipped over in my chest, and my breath hitched as my eyes darted up to his face.

"What are you doing?"

"As long as you're on the back of my bike, your safety is priority." Azriel took a step forward, towering over me as one side of his lips quirked upwards. "Which means there's no way I'm gonna let you ride like this." Sliding the strap of my bag off my shoulder and dropping the tote between his feet, he straightened up again, handing me his jacket.

Feeling my brows furrow softly, I slowly took it, squinting up at him. "What about you?"

Azriel was standing so close he had to dip his head down to look at me, the golden specks in his eyes glimmering in the sun. "I'm fine."

My frown deepened. "No, you're not."

Az huffed, but the look he sent me lacked any heat, seeming more amused than anything else when he raised a brow at me and rapped his knuckles against his chest. "Armored."

"You run around with an armored hoodie and your jacket on a random Thursday?" I stared up at him with a suspicious frown even as my lips curved upwards and something suddenly fluttered against my ribs, and Azriel's cheek creased just a little as he looked down at me.

"Just put on the jacket, smart-ass."

Staring up at him for another second, I then grumbled softly and slowly complied.

The armor fitted into the material made the jacket pretty heavy. Slipping into the sleeves, I felt something in my chest dip softly when a wave of Azriel's scent washed over me; his cologne that smelled warm like cedar and something that was just him, deep and earthy and unobtrusively addictive.

The weight of the jacket felt strangely comforting when I slid it over my shoulders, tugging the hood of my sweatshirt out from underneath. The material was drowning me, far longer than it was supposed to be and probably looking ridiculous, and when I raised my head, I just caught Azriel's eyes flickering over me. He blinked, then he took a step forward, and my heart swerved sharply when his chest almost brushed against mine. My eyes darted up, and suddenly, my throat felt a little dry.

Azriel's iris was piercing as it moved over my face. I could feel the warmth radiating off his body when he reached out, carefully freeing my braid from under the material, then he reached down and tugged the jacket close. His knuckles grazed my chest when he zipped it up, straightening the collar, and my heart tipped over when his rough, warm skin brushed over my skin.

One corner of his lips twitched, and gently, Azriel raised a brow.

"This good?"

I swallowed softly and nodded, because his deep, quiet voice made something thrum so heavily in my chest, I didn't trust my own.

The corner of his lips curved up a little more, then Azriel took a step back, leaning down and picking up my bag to stuff it into his backpack. Taking it when he handed it over, I slid the straps over my shoulders. It wasn't too heavy, even with my things inside as well, which was a bit strange, considering I knew he must've had quite a few lectures today and had definitely needed his laptop -

Azriel stepped towards me, and my heart stumbled again when his hands closed around the straps, tightening them until the backpack was sitting snugly against my back. I tried to keep my breath from hitching as I looked up at him, the strand of hair still stubbornly curving over his forehead as he dipped his head to check the zippers of the jacket again.

Azriel threw me a look, and there was a light crease to the side of his lips, then he blinked.

"Alright." He pulled a pair of gloves from his back pocket, looking over my head when a car rolled past. "Put these on."

"You just happen to have another pair of gloves?" I felt my lips curve into a slow, incredulous grin as I raised my eyes to stare up at him, simply because this was getting ridiculous, and Azriel threw me a glowering look that made me beam.

Azriel's lips curved a little, then he turned around, and I slipped into the gloves. They were quite big, and I had to pull the velcro strap tight over my wrist so they wouldn't slip. Then I raised my head, and my breath hitched when Azriel swung a leg over the bike, sitting down on the leather seat. I could see his shoulders shift even under the loose hoodie as he picked up one of the helmets, holding it out to me.

Stepping forward, I took it and carefully pulled it over my head, the feeling a little strange as I shuffled it in place. Trying to tighten the strap under the chin, I furrowed my brows in frustration. How on earth was I supposed to do that with these huge gloves o-

Fingers slipped under my jacket and into my belt loops, and my eyes darted up, my breath hitching and stilling when Azriel pulled me forward until I bumped into his side.

My heart did a backflip before tilting, and Az reached up to gently pull the strap tight until it rested against my skin. His fingers brushed over my throat, causing a soft shuddering tingle to travel down my spine, then they slipped down, checking the jacket, the straps of the backpack and the gloves. I felt my heart beat into my throat as I stared at the focused crunch of his brows, then I blinked when Azriel raised his head.

"Alright, I already set up the comms, so you'll be able to talk to me even with the helmets on."

I nodded, flexing my shoulders as my heart started fluttering in my chest, and Azriel's gaze moved over my face, his iris looking like molten gold in the sinking sun. Then one corner of his lips quirked.

"Ready?"

I exhaled softly, shaking out my arms and nodding, feeling my heart skip, now in nerves and excitement. "Yep."

Azriel straightened and looked over his shoulder as I stepped forward. Just sitting upright on the bike, he was still tall enough that I had to actually raise my arms up to grab his shoulders as I placed my right foot on the rear footrest. Azriel's hand came up, closing around my elbow to steady me as he looked back at me, and my heart skipped a beat when his amber eyes settled steadily on my face.

"One, two -" His hand squeezed my elbow, and I pulled myself up onto the seat behind him.

A soft, breathy giggle left me, and I thought I felt Azriel's shoulders vibrate in a quiet, amused chuckle. Then he looked over his shoulder, and my heart rose when I saw the twinkle in his eyes. "You good?"

I nodded, my hands slipping over his back as I shuffled until I was comfortable, then I raised my head, and Azriel arched an eyebrow. "I'll need you to hold on tight and stay close, okay?"

I saluted cheekily, something under my ribs suddenly hopping with excitement, and Azriel huffed, but I saw the curve of his lips as he turned back around.

I drummed my fingers against Azriel's back as he put on his helmet, the giddy feeling in my chest expanding when he slipped on his gloves. Then he looked over his shoulder, and I almost jumped a little in surprise when I heard his voice clearly in my helmet.

"You ready?"

Quickly wrapping my arms around his middle and squeezing, I nodded, and even though I could barely see the outline of his face under the dark visor, I was sure to see Azriel's lips curve. Then he turned back around.

"Then let's go." He started the engine, and my breath hitched when the bike sprung to life, vibrating a little. Azriel leaned forward, and I followed his movement, slipping my arms tighter around him as my body curved into his back and my heart fluttered in excitement. Then Az pushed off, and I buried my fingers in his hoodie when we turned in a wide arch, the rumble of the engine causing my spine to tingle giddily as Azriel headed for the exit.

The golden sunlight illuminated the streets, its rays falling through the red and yellow leaves and reflecting off windows as the cool wind brushed over my ankles, sending happy shivers down my spine as I held onto Azriel and looked up at the buildings zipping past as he weaved through the early evening traffic. I could feel his muscles shift under my arms wrapped tightly around him.

"You okay?" His deep voice vibrated through me even forwarded by the comms, and my breath hitched when his right hand slipped off the handle, reaching back to gently close around the inside of my knee. Even with gloves on I swore I could feel the warmth of his skin seep through the material of my jeans as he squeezed lightly, and something swerved in my chest.

I nodded quickly before realising he couldn´t see it, and my heart skipped as I called back, a wide, beaming smile spreading over my face: "Yeah!"

A soft chuckle vibrated through Azriel's body. For a second, I could feel his hand linger, body relaxed as I buried my fingers in his hoodie, then he slipped it off and looked over his shoulder, and I leaned to the side a little so he could see past me, squinting into the sun as Azriel switched lanes.

#azriel #az #azriel drabble #azriel x reader #azriel imagine #azriel/reader #azriel x female!reader #az x reader #az imagine #az/reader #acotar x reader #acotar #acomaf #acowar #acotar drabble #modern!roommate batboys series #modern au #lalacliffthorne #drabble

[lalacliffthorne]

early evenings in the library, a study-muddled brain - and a boyfriend with a don't-gimme-that-bullshit-attitude.

(this is my life now. this universe has swallowed me whole - with this, we're for the first time venturing into the part of this beautiful universe where reader and Azriel have finally stopped being idiots and are dating! I am so fucking excited!!)

Propping my chin onto my hand, I crunched my brows, and there was a soft giggle from the other side of the table.

"Shut up,", I grumbled without raising my head, and Feyre broke into a fit of suppressed snorted snickers that made me lose against the laugh building in my throat.

There was a sharp hushing sound from somewhere behind me, and dropping my head, I held in a giggle before raising my eyes again to try and glare at Feyre.

"Thanks for that,", I mumbled, and she sent me a wink, grinning widely.

Breathing out, I turned my eyes back towards the sheets spread out in front of me. The afternoon sun was falling through the high windows above onto the small wooden booths, the green table lamps sending out a warm glow and dust dancing in the slanted rays of light. The library was quiet and warm, and crossing my legs at the ankles, I bumped my foot against Feyre's.

"Shouldn't you get going?"

"Hm?" Feyre raised her head before looking at her phone, and her eyes widened.

"Crap." Scrambling, she got to her feet, beginning to stuff her things into her bag, and I cracked a grin that widened when she glowered at me.

Propping my chin onto my hand, I hummed absentmindedly when Feyre whispered my name.

"Go home soon, okay, you've been working for hours,", she whispered, and I just grumbled under my breath.

"Yes, mom."

Feyre scoffed and wrapped an arm over my shoulders, pressing a smacking kiss against the side of my head that made me crunch my nose, then she slipped her bag over her shoulder and turned around, whispering "Seriously!" over her shoulder.

Feeling a soft breathy giggle leave me, I looked after her until she had disappeared between the shelves, then I shuffled in my seat and exhaled, turning my attention back towards the notes and my laptop.

When I looked back up, the light had turned golden, and through the high windows, I could see the pale blue sky. Barely suppressing a yawn, I slowly rubbed my eyes, my vision blurring a little and causing me to widen my eyes dramatically.

Sitting up and wincing at the slight ache that had formed under my temples, I breathed out and threw a look at the time when movement at the corner of my eye caught my attention. I looked up, and my heart missed a beat before beginning to skip.

On the other side of the working area, a tall figure was standing in front of the shelves, black jacket straining a little against broad shoulders, black jeans tucked into black boots and dark hair falling over brows slightly drawn together in a light scowl. A scowl that softened when my eyes met amber ones, and suddenly, something was fluttering quickly against my ribs.

Azriel blinked, and I could see the way he huffed even from ten feet away. Shaking his head, he started to stride towards me, sliding past tables and glaring at me in a way that seemed more disgruntled than anything else, so much so, I had to fight the sudden urge to smile.

Turning my eyes back towards my papers, I hesitated, but until I could figure out where I had left off, something brushed against my shoulder, and when I raised my head, Azriel crouched down next to my bench.

Sending him a crooked, sheepish smile, I barely held back another yawn as I leaned back a little and breathed out. "Hi."

Azriel's eyes flickered over my face, glowing like amber in the sunlight. Then one corner of his lips rose just a little.

"How long have you been here?"

His deep voice sent a soft tingle over my skin and made my heart skip, and I pulled up my shoulders as I stretched my arms out in front of me slightly, crunching my nose. "Don't know. Noon?"

"Checks out from the looks of you."

I glowered at him, and the trace of a crease formed in Azriel's cheek as his warm glowing eyes moved over my face. Then he blinked and reached out, his hand wrapping over my knee and causing a soft shiver to spread over my legs.

"C'mon, you did enough for today." The amusement vibrating through his low, deep voice made me crunch my brows.

"No, I'm fine, I'm -" I sat up and widened my eyes a little as I tried to focus. "I wanna finish this, I just gotta -", I frowned, my slightly achy eyes moving over the papers.

There was a soft huff from next to me, then Azriel pushed himself to his feet, and the next second, he leaned over. His hand slid into the space between my thighs, and I almost squeaked softly when he pulled me out of the booth in one smooth movement, his arm around my waist catching me and pulling me to my feet. I blinked up at him with wide eyes, and one corner of Azriel's lips quirked.

"What, fall asleep on the spot?"

I opened my mouth to protest - but suddenly, I realised how heavy my eyelids felt. My head was thrumming and a little sore, and the warmth radiating from Azriel's body, his arm wrapped around my waist and chest pressing against mine, almost made me purr.

Breathing out, I pouted. "Fine."

The curve of Azriel's lips deepend, and his gaze moved over my face as I rubbed my eyes and turned my head to stare at my workspace. "Help me take the books back?"

Azriel's arms slowly slipped away from my waist, and already wanting to curl back into his chest, I started to pick up the books strewn over the tabletop. Azriel pulled more than half of them out of my arms and, at my protest and pout, just rolled his eyes before turning around.

Picking up the rest of the books, I followed after him, beginning to slowly make my way into the maze of shelves. Now that I was not working anymore, I could barely hold my eyes open, my pace sluggish as I trudged through the aisles, a lot less quick at putting the books back into their designated spaces than usual.

One of the last books, a quite heavy big specimen, was residing on top of a high shelf. Sliding the rest of the books on a shelf on eye level and breathing out, I stretched, squinting in concentration as I tried to push the book onto the shelf.

My grip slipped, and I felt my eyes widen as I could already see the book fall and hit me square on the forehead, which would probably mean a very embarassing fate of death by head injury. But before the book could drop, a hand caught it and easily pushed it onto the high shelf, and my heart did a little flip at the sight of scarred skin and long, slim fingers.

Craning my neck to look up over my shoulder, my eyes were met with amber ones, the faintest trace of a twinkle making the golden spots in them dance when Azriel lightly raised an eyebrow.

Breathing out, I blinked at him. "Thanks."

Azriel's lips curved upwards, and his gaze flickered over my face when I turned around to look up at him. My heart did another little hop, because now, we were chest to chest, the scent of Azriel's cologne beginning to fill my lungs, and he was dipping his head a little to look down at me, the usual crunch of his brows softened, that trace of a grin on his lips that made my breath hitch and my heart do funny things.

Azriel huffed just a little, the crease in his cheek visible. Then he reached up, his hand carefully brushing away some hair from my face. The other followed, gently cradling the side of my neck as his thumb brushed slowly over my jaw, and I barely held back a soft shiver, my eyes fluttering just a little as I felt something pound firmly and steadily against my ribs. My hands slipped around Azriel's sides like instinct when his chest pressed against mine, and with one corner of his lips quirking, Azriel dipped his head to kiss me, slow and gentle.

My heart rose into my throat, and a soft sound built in my chest, quiet and breathy. Azriel's hands slipped forward to cradle the base of my neck, his fingers gently tangling in my hair, then he deepend the kiss, slow and unhurried as his tongue mapped the shape of mine, making my shoulders rise in a shaky inhale.

My fingers dug into his sides, and Azriel took a step forward, his chest gently pushing me back until I was pressed against the shelves. I could feel books digging into my back and Azriel's body towering over me like a shield, warm and solid. A soft sound broke from his throat when my fingers slid under his hoodie and brushed over his warm skin, and his chest seemed to push a little closer, the kiss growing deeper and messier and more breathless.

Pulling back to inhale softly and sharply, I almost felt another quiet sound leave me when Azriel's head dipped to follow me. His breath was just as quick and uneven as mine, chest rising and falling a lot less steady than usual when I pressed my palm against it.

Dropping his head, Azriel gently pressed his forehead against mine, his fingers slowly sliding out of my hair and down to wrap around my waist as his nose softly nudged mine and he exhaled slowly.

"Hi,", he mumbled, and a snorted giggle left me even as my heart missed a beat at how hoarse his voice was.

"Hi,", I whispered back, crunching my nose when a yawn suddenly built in my throat, and Azriel breathed a huff.

Raising his head, he pressed his lips against my temple for a few seconds, causing something in my chest to tip over. Then he straightened up, towering over me and reaching past me to take the rest of the books from the shelf.

"C'mon, let's put these away before you really fall asleep."

Grumbling under my breath, I pulled the two from the top out of his grip and turned around.

By the time I returned to my workspace, Azriel was already half leaning, half sitting on the table, my things all packed up next to him, his long legs parting a little to let me step in between them as I rubbed my eyes. On eye level for once, I blinked at him, feeling a sudden thought occur that made me crunch my brows in a pout.

"Please tell me you took Rhys' car. I'd probably just slide right off the motorcycle and you'd have to scratch me off the pavement."

Azriel snorted softly, and my heart did a backflip at the way his eyes crinkled.

"Do you see a helmet anywhere?"

My gaze slowly dragged over him. Then I blinked again. "No." Another blink. "Thanks."

Azriel gave a soft sound that sounded close to a chuckle, the right corner of his lips curving upwards as his twinkling eyes moved over my face. Then he reached out, gently tugging at a strand of my hair. "Ready?"

"Just one more thing." Tiredly moving towards him, I just caught a glimpse at the soft flash of surprise in his eyes, then I slipped my arms around his neck, letting my whole body sink into his as I dropped my chin onto his shoulder.

Azriel's hand came up to press against my back like reflex, and I felt the way he seemed to still for a moment before he turned his head a little like he was looking at me. Then slowly, his shoulders relaxed, and his hand slid over my back as he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into his body until I was pressed so tightly against him, I could feel the rise and fall of his chest. My heart skipped gently before tipping over when when I felt him bury his nose in my hair, and I allowed my eyes to drift shut for a few moments, feeling the warmth radiating from Azriel's body and the way his arms were wrapped around me, holding me up.

When I finally pulled my head back a little, I pressed my lips onto Azriel's cheek for a few seconds, feeling my breath hitch and heart rise and his grip around my waist tighten. Then I moved back far enough to look at him, sending him a soft, cheeky smile. "Now we can go."

Azriel blinked, and I was almost sure to see the top of his cheekbones turn the faintest shade of pink as his eyes flickered over my face, bright in the warm light. Then he huffed softly, but the corners of his lips curved as he pushed himself to his feet.

Sliding into my coat, I pulled the hood of my sweatshirt out from underneath before picking up my bag and sliding the strap over my shoulder as I turned around, and Azriel held out his hand.

I slid my palm into his without even needing to think, and Azriel turned around, gently tugging me with him. His fingers slipped into the spaces between mine, linking them together, and I breathed out, the feeling of his hand, far bigger than my own and engulfing mine, causing something to turn and twirl in my chest.

The first wave of cool air when Azriel pushed open the doors to the library made me inhale deeply, my eyes fluttering shut for a second, and Azriel chuckled. He was squinting into the low autumn sun, his hair tousled, and I felt something warm rising in my chest as I stared up at him. Then I quickly crunched my nose to suppress a yawn, and Azriel huffed, his lips curving as he gently pulled me into his side.

"C'mon. Let´s get you home before you just start napping on your feet."

"Tempting."

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @secret-ly-here @knmendiola @luvmoo @azriels-mate123 @bookishbroadwaybish @maybe-a-winchester @stayinglow-exploringworlds

#modern!roommate batboys series #azriel #az #azriel drabble #az drabble #azriel/reader #azriel x female!reader #azriel x reader #azriel imagine #az imagine #az x reader #az/reader #acotar x reader #acowar #acotar #acomaf #acotar drabble #lalacliffthorne

[lalacliffthorne]

sometimes all you need is cuddles. and a nap. not specifically in that order.

(this made me melt. I might need cuddles now as well. *sighs deeply* these modern!batboys drabbles really scratch an itch in my brain.)

Letting the door fall shut behind me, I felt something warm shift under my ribs at the soft sound of the piano floating into the hall, chasing away some of the heavyness that had settled on my chest.

Slowly kicking off my shoes, I started shuffling towards the door to my room as the sound of the piano stopped, and a few seconds later, Rhys appeared in the door to the living room. He looked a little tired, his hair more tousled than usual, a strand sticking out at the side that made me want to reach out and smooth it down, but there was a trace of the usual twinkle in his nearly violet eyes.

"Hello." Leaning his shoulder against the doorframe, Rhys sent me a light grin, a soft dimple forming in his cheek when he raised an eyebrow. "Respectfully, love, you look like shit."

I blinked at him. Once. Twice. Then I furrowed my brows in confusion. "What about that was respectful?"

Rhys grinned, and I huffed and breathed out, my bottom lip jutting out in a pout as I blinked tiredly and mumbled: "I need cuddles." I crunched my brows a little. "And a nap."

Rhys' lips curved. "That order a necessity or -"

"Nope." I shook my head, and breathing a soft chuckle, Rhys pushed off the doorframe, his eyes twinkling a little.

"Nap?"

Breathing out and turning around, I mumbled: "Let me get these clothes off."

"Not that kinda nap, darling."

"Oh, piss off."

I heard Rhys chuckle behind me and felt my lips curve into a soft grin, then I pushed open the door to my room.

Two minutes later, I trudged through Rhys' door, the scent of something warm and citrusy hitting me as I pulled the sleeve of my oversized sweatshirt over my hands. Rhys was already stretched out on his huge mattress, his eyes closed, and I just unceremoniously flopped down next to him, shuffling around to curl into his side and dropping my head onto his chest.

Rhys shifted in the spot, his arm wrapping over my shoulder and squeezing, and I tiredly poked his side.

"Why were you playing?"

I felt Rhys' chest rise and fall with a sigh, and when I peaked up at him, there was a soft crunch to his brows, his deep voice quiet when he mumbled: "Just needed a break."

Something tightened gently in my chest, and humming, I buried my nose in his hoodie again, my eyes slowly closing a little as I felt Rhys shift, patting my head a little.

"Why were you looking like you got rained on by a big cloud?"

This time, I was the one to sigh.

"Dunno." Feeling the gentle weight on my chest, I shrugged. "Jus' one of those days." I snuggled closer into his side, and Rhys gave a soft sound of acknowledgement.

Breathing out, I reached up and uncoordinatedly patted my hand over his face until he chuckled.

"'m sorry you´re feeling shitty,", I mumbled.

Rhys sighed, but I felt the crease in his cheek against my palm. "I'm sorry you look shitty."

I crunched my brows and tried to flick his forehead. I hit his nose instead, and a giggle broke from my lips when Rhys winced, grumbling under his breath.

"Sorry." I grinned into his hoodie, and Rhys huffed, pulling my hand away from his face, but I heard the way his lips curved when he mumbled: "Love you."

I smiled. "Love you too, Rhysie."

Rhys flicked my ear, and I giggled before breathing out. Curling into his side, I closed my heavy eyes, feeling myself slowly drift away to the rhythmic rise and fall of Rhys' chest.

Tiredly shifting in the spot, I buried my nose in the pillow I was clinging to as the haziness of sleep slowly pulled away. The sheets smelled dark and warm and citrusy and definitely not like my own.

"Hey."

The soft, low voice, just vibrating the tiniest bit with the trace of amusement made something skip gently against my ribs, then a warm hand wrapped around my ankle, squeezing gently, and furrowing my brows, I squinted, raising my head as I blinked disorientedly.

My eyes flickered over the room that was not my own, and the gentle weight on my chest shifted a little, reminding me where I was and why - until my gaze landed on the person sitting on the edge of Rhys' huge mattress, tall frame turned towards me, amber eyes warm in the half light and flickering over my face.

Grumbling softly, I dropped my head back onto the pillow someone seemed to have gently maneuvered into my arms. For a moment, I felt the warmth and haziness of sleep slowly pull away, then I laboriously sat up, rubbing a hand over my eyes. Pushing a strand of hair out of my face, I raised my head, and something skipped gently against my ribs when I blinked at Azriel, sending him a crooked, tired smile.

"Hi."

Azriel's lips curved the tiniest bit, but there was a soft crease between his brows as his gaze flickered over my face, and something rose in my chest at the silent question in his eyes.

"Just one of those days,", I mumbled, my voice still a little hoarse from sleep as I felt my lips rise, and Azriel blinked, the crunch of his brows smoothing a little.

"You okay?"

His deep, low voice sent tingling shivers through my body, warm and steady and slow, and I felt my lips rise just a little more, the small weight on my chest pulsing a little.

"Yep." I blinked and furrowed my brows, feeling my lips purse in a pout as I rubbed my eyes. "I think I might've overdone it with the nap though." I crunched my brows. "I feel like I need another one."

Azriel huffed, but there was a soft twinkle in his eyes as they moved over my face. "Anything else?"

I breathed out. "Cuddles. I need cuddles."

For a moment, Az stared at me. Then he leaned forward, and my heart got stuck in my throat when his hand slipped into between my legs, closing around the inside of my thigh and dragging me over the mattress. My breath hitched as something in my chest dipped and fell, then Azriel dipped down and wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me into his lap, and when my eyes met his, wide and frozen, one corner of his lips just quirked gently. This close, I could see the golden specks in his eyes, and the curve of his lashes, and the sharpness of his cheekbones over the trace of a crease right next to his lips.

"Okay." His voice vibrated through me, warm and steady and amused, and I blinked, feeling something flutter against my ribs.

Azriel huffed softly, then his hand slipped up my back, gently pulling me forward and tucking me into his chest. His arms came around me, wrapping me up in a warm hug as he propped his chin onto my head; something rose under my ribs, and without being able to help it, without wanting to, I slowly melted into him.

I didn't know how long I was curled up in Azriel's arms, but it was long enough for his scent to fill my lungs and for me to completely bury myself in his chest. His thumb was brushing over my shoulder, and his grip was shifting between gentle and relaxed to squeezing gently.

Finally, I straightened slowly, pulling back, my fingers slipping from where they had curled into his sweatshirt, and when I raised my head, my breath got stuck somewhere in my lungs.

Azriel's nose was just an inch away, the golden flecks in his eyes dancing softly as they slowly moved over mine, deep and twinkling just the tiniest bit.

Swallowing, I pulled back my head a little and felt my cheeks flush softly, and Azriel's arms slipped from my shoulders as one corner of his lips curved.

There was a deep, muffled call of Azriel's name from outside, and Az rolled his eyes, but it broke the way his gaze seemed to have bound mine.

I blinked, then I huffed and slid off his lap, and Azriel pushed himself to his feet as I clambered off the mattress. Stretching, I shook myself off a bit, blinking and crunching my brows, and Azriel's lips curved. Then his chest bumped into my back, and something tipped over under my ribs when his hands closed over my shoulders and he gently started to push myself towards the door.

In the hall, I could already hear Cassian and Rhys bicker. Az gently nudged me into the kitchen, and I felt my lips curve at the sight of Cassian trying to sneak his spoon into the big pot on the stove and Rhys fending him off with a spatula.

"Fucking hell,", Azriel mumbled drily somewhere above me, and I felt a soft giggle build in my throat.

"Hey..." Cassian tossed his spoon into the sink and opened his arms, and I flopped into his chest readily, burying my nose in his t-shirt as Cass wrapped me up in a warm, tight hug. I could feel him drop his head to lean his chin onto my head, swaying me gently from side to side as he mumbled: "You okay, sweets?"

I smiled into his chest. "'m better."

"Yeah?" Cassian pulled back his head, and when I tipped mine back to look up at him, his huge hands came up to frame my face. Scrunching his brows a little as he considered me, one corner of his lips quirked.

"Rhys is right, you do look a little like shit."

I glowered at him, and Cassian broke into a wide grin, the scar on the side of his face shifting as he squished my cheeks between his palms until I crunched my brows. Then he leaned down and pressed a kiss onto my forehead, followed by another, and another, until I couldn't hold back the giggle that built in my throat.

Squeezing my face, Cassian sent me a grin, then he wrapped me up in his arms again, swaying us in a circle until something was rising warmly in my chest.

When he finally let me go, it was with a wink and a gentle flick to my forehead. Flipping him off, I turned, patting Rhys' arm in passing and earning myself another light wink, then I climbed onto the couch at the dining table, plopping down and curling up in the corner with a sigh. Snuggling into my sweatshirt, I watched Rhys and Cassian pick up their bickering, Rhys defending the big pot with his spatula like a sword, and I felt my lips slowly curve upwards.

The cushions dipped, and Azriel plopped down on the other end of the couch, stretching out his long legs as he draped an arm over the backrest. Something began to flutter against my ribs at the way his eyes twinkled in the warm kitchen light, and there was a soft gentle pull in my chest when the corners of his lips curved in amusement.

Breathing out, I turned my eyes back ahead, feeling a gentle thrum in my chest.

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @secret-ly-here @knmendiola @luvmoo @azriels-mate123 @bookishbroadwaybish @maybe-a-winchester @stayinglow-exploringworlds

#drabble #modern!roommate batboys series #acotar x reader #azriel #rhys #rhysand #cassian #az #az imagine #az x reader #az/reader #azriel imagine #azriel x female!reader #azriel x reader #azriel drabble #acowar #acotar #acomaf #azriel fluff #rhysand imagine #rhys imagine #cassian imagine #rhys drabble #rhysand drabble #cassian drabble #modern au #lalacliffthorne

[lalacliffthorne]

when there´s snow in the middle of the night, it means luck.

(I smell snow. also, this is us manifesting a white christmas time, babes, so - fingers crossed *squeezes eyes shut and crunches nose in concentration* 🎄)

Quietly closing the bathroom door behind me, I rubbed a hand over my face, trudging through the dark hall towards Azriel's bedroom door. The only light was falling in from the living room and the kitchen, and only after staring at it for a second did I realize that it looked strangely bright for three in the morning.

Feeling my brows scrunch in sleep muddled confusion, I slowly came to a halt a few feet away from the bedroom where I had left Azriel under the covers, his arm only slipping away from me when I had pressed a sleepy kiss onto his cheek.

Blinking and raising my head, my eyes found the windows on the other side of the living room, and my breath hitched.

Outside, huge white flocks silently sailed through the air, landing on the balcony that was already covered in a thick blanket of snow.

My lips parted as something in my chest soared, a beaming smile slowly spreading over my face as I slipped into the living room, quietly hurrying towards the windows and feeling my heart rise in a wild flutter when I pressed my nose against the window and stared at the big white snowflakes that were slowly falling outside, covering the street and cars and houses in a thick white layer that reflected the streetlights.

There was a soft, hoarse mutter of my name somewhere behind me, and when I quickly looked over my shoulder, beaming and sleep forgotten as my heart skipped and fluttered, Azriel appeared in the doorway, hair tousled and eyes filled with sleep when he raised his head and stilled a little. His gaze moved over the sight outside, and I saw the moment the haze of sleep slowly lifted from his mind, his shoulders straightening as his eyes trailed the snowflakes.

A twinkle slowly spread through his iris, and Azriel looked at me. Then he lightly raised a brow.

My heart skipped high, and I started beaming.

A waft of icy cold, crispy air hit my face when I pulled open the door, and my breath hitched, my lips parting as I slowly stepped out onto the sidewalk.

The snow had silenced the city like a thick blanket, muffling the little noise of the night. My pyjama pants, tucked into my furlined boots, did little to hold off the cold, but I barely noticed as I carefully stepped through the pristine, thick layer of snow that covered the cobblestone before raising my head, feeling my heart rising against my ribs as I stared up into the dark night sky, thick snowflakes silently sailing through the golden light of the streetlamps.

There was the sound of snow crunching behind me, and when I looked over my shoulder, Azriel stepped out of the door, and something toppled in my chest. His hair was tousled from sleep and sticking out from under his beanie as he raised his head to squint against the snow, and there was the shadow of a crease visible in his cheek. Just like me, he had just thrown on a thick jacket and a scarf, his dark pyjama pants tucked into his black boots, and even though it should´ve looked ridiculous, something suddenly did flips in my chest as my gaze flickered over him.

Raising my head again, I blinked when a snowflake landed on my lashes and felt a wide smile spread over my face as, even with the cold nipping at my skin, warm giddiness filled my chest, growing with every second.

Turning, I spread my arms and held my face up towards the sky, a giggle building in my chest as I felt snowflakes land on my cheeks, melting slowly into my skin.

Opening my eyes, I stared up into the gently swirling snow and felt my heart swell when I slowly turned on the spot, beaming at the flakes silently sailing to the ground and the thick white layer of snow covering the whole street.

Grinning, I looked over my shoulder, and my heart got caught in my throat.

Azriel was staring at me, snowflakes caught in his hair and melting on his cheeks. In the golden light of the street lamps his eyes glowed, and he looked a little like he´d forgotten how to breathe.

"What?" I felt heat bleed into my cheeks, crunching my nose when a snowflake landed on the tip of it, and Azriel blinked, the corner of his lips slowly tipping upwards. Then he moved towards me, the snow crunching under his boots, and my breath hitched when I tipped my head back slightly to look up at him as he stopped in front of me, so close that our chests touched.

Azriel's gaze dragged over my face, and I distantly wondered if his heart also turned over at the sight of flushed cheeks and snowflakes caught in lashes.

The soft crease next to Azriel's lips deepend, and he raised a hand to carefully brush some snow from my hat. His fingers, warm and rough, brushed against my cheek, then they hooked under my chin, and Azriel dipped his head and pressed his cold, soft lips onto mine.

My breath caught, and I reached out to fist the front of his jacket in my ice cold fingers as heat washed through me. My heart rose in a wild flutter, and Azriel's lips curved against mine. Then he slipped his hands to the back of my neck, tilting my head back and kissing me deeper, and a quiet sound built in the back of my throat as I stretched and kissed back.

Azriel groaned softly and moved closer, until his chest pressed into mine and I had to cling to his sides to not stumble back, the kiss slowly shifting from gentle to feverish, his tongue sliding over mine before his teeth sank softly into my bottom lip, and I dug my fingers into his jacket and pressed closer, my heart tumbling -

"Aw, look at them."

I jumped and quickly pulled back, and Azriel breathed a sigh and rolled his eyes.

Cassian was leaning against the doorway, grinning widely, his plaid pyjama pants stuffed into his boots, a hat pulled haphazardly over his bedhead and his puffer jacket making him look twice as broad as usual. Rhys was standing next to him, his hair a tousled mess, likely because he had misplaced his beanie again, tired eyes twinkling a little when he sent me a feline smirk.

Azriel scowled and turned to face them, and I buried my hands in my pockets and crunched my nose sheepishly.

"Did we wake you?"

"No, love, we just randomly both decided to wake up at three am because it felt like a good decision." Rhys stepped down onto the sidewalk and squinted into the sky, lips twitching, and I huffed.

"Ignore him, he´s grumpy." Cassian jumped down the step and stuck out his tongue, catching a few snowflakes and sending me a wink.

"Well, you could have stayed in bed." I raised my brows innocently. Azriel shifted beside me, his arm brushing against my back as he slowly reached towards the hood of the car behind me.

"And miss this?" Rhys grinned widely and stared at the street covered in a thick blanket of snow. "Are you joking?"

Azriel's elbow brushed against my back, and I discreetly shifted my weight, blocking the view of his hand behind me.

"Though if I am going to be inevitably sleep deprived tomorrow, I will be blaming the two of y-"

A snowball hit the side of his head, exploding into a cloud of twinkling crystals, and Rhys blinked while Cassian snorted and started laughing, head tipping back and shoulders shaking.

Rhys slowly turned his head, his violet eyes narrowing, and Azriel returned his stare. Then one corner of his lips ticked up lightly.

Rhys' nose twitched.

"I was going to be civil about this but,", lazily reaching out and scooping snow off the seat of a bike chained to a lamp post, he raised his brows, "if this is the way you want to play -"

A snowball hit my shoulder, dousing me in white powdery snow, and opening my mouth in disbelief, I slowly raised my head.

Cassian smirked and winked at me. "Sweet cheeks."

"You´re dead." I reached out to grab a handful snow off the car´s roof. "Completely, and absolutely -"

A snowball hit Azriel's chest, Rhys snorted a laugh and tipped his head back, and I tossed the ball in my hand, nearly knocking Cassian's beanie off his head.

Cassian blinked, and slowly, his face split into a broad grin. Then he raised his brows at me. "Run."

I snorted a giggle and bolted.

Giggles and deep laughter filled the street, muffled by the sound of the snow sailing from the dark sky and thickening the white blanket, drowning the noise. I darted behind a car, kicking up clouds of white glittering snow behind me, and just for a second caught a glimpse at Azriel, grinning widely, his cheeks creasing and eyes crinkling as he dodged a snowball Rhys threw his way, a deep laugh breaking from his throat that caused something in my chest to tip over.

Then arms grabbed me, and I jumped and squeaked; deep laughter vibrated in my back, and I was lifted off the ground, my feet kicking uselessly. A big heap of snow was dumped over my head, and I slumped, glowering at the cold tricking over my neck.

Damn it.

It was four am when we trudged back into the flat, soaked and tired, cheeks pink and icy, bodies hot and limbs freezing.

Half an hour later, I was curled up back next to Azriel, my hair dried haphazardly, in fresh pyjamas and shivering tiredly as Az dragged me into his chest, his warm body curling around me and fingers twining with mine as he buried his nose at my shoulder and breathed out slowly. I could feel the remnants of a smile lingering on his face, in the curve of his lips and the barely there dimple in his cheek, and my heart hopped tiredly against my ribs as I stared towards the window, my eyes becoming heavier and heavier as something warm slowly pulsed under my ribs.

Through a crack in the curtains, I watched the snow slowly sailing through the air.

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @secret-ly-here @knmendiola @luvmoo @azriels-mate2 @bookishbroadwaybishh @maybe-a-winchester @stayinglow-exploringworlds @harrystylesfan2686 @icey--stars @ssmay123 @ailyr92

#modern!roommate batboys series #winter #modern au #acotar x reader #azriel #azriel x reader #azriel imagine #azriel fluff #azriel drabble #azriel x female!reader #az x reader #az/reader #az imagine #acotar #acowar #acomaf #acotar drabble #rhys #rhysand #cassian #lalacliffthorne

[lalacliffthorne]

sweet lil halloween headcanons: modern!roommate!batboys edition 🦇

so in honour of halloween, I have been thinking about what it would be like with the modern batboys and, most importantly, what they would dress up as (or in Azriel's case, grudgingly be forced into)

Cassian's costume especially was the idea of @leafsandstarlight when I got stuck - she delivered, as usual, and I love her for it, even more than usual. mostly bc it's been stuck in my head ever since. you'll see. *grins widely*

happy halloween from this witch to the lot of you 🐈‍⬛🔮🪦

so apparently, Rhys' Halloween partys are legendary on campus

for some reason, so far, that completely went past you

(most likely because you spent the past few Halloweens with Feyre in her tiny apartment, buried in blankets, watching Hocus Pocus while eating your weight in snacks)

so you're a little confused when about two weeks before Halloween, Rhys drags you with him to meet with a caterer

you're supposed to sample food

tho you're never one to complain about something like that, you do feel a little confused when you blink up at him in question, and Rhys furrows his brows

"Wait, didn't I tell you?"

he didn't

he also didn't tell you that this year´s location is an old castle in the old part of town

it's where you meet the caterer, in the kitchens in the cellar

on the way, you freeze in place for a solid minute to gape at the cavernous ceilings with huge chandeliers and stone walls of the halls Rhys is renting for the party

it really shouldn't surprise you that much

it's Rhys after all

extravagant and over the top are basically his middle names

how he managed to snag a spot like that at Halloween is beyond you tho

connections, Cassian later says wisely

and probably a shit ton of money

when, staring at the display of different fingerfoods in various spooky forms, you ask tentatively about just how much money, Rhys sends you a grin that is downright wicked

"Well, someone has to spend something."

and spending he is

over the course of the next two weeks, Rhys disappears for hours, meeting with people for the bar, a DJ and to take care of decorations

then, a week before Halloween, flyers appear on campus

glossy and deep black, with bats and jack'o'lanterns printed on the front along with the date and location in purple letters

it's the beginning you of constantly hearing people plan their costumes in passing

and the moment you suddenly realise that crap --

you have absolutely no idea what to wear

Mor just giggles at your panic

she drops in as you're desperately scrolling through Pinterest, trying to come up with anything that you like, is cheap and can be assembled in under a week

"jesus, calm down. Rhys may make the whole thing the most extravagant student party of the year, but most people that are coming aren't spending loads of money on their costumes either, it's more about creativity and finding something you like."

that doesn't calm your nerves in the slightest

it's Cassian who, purely by accident, gives you an idea in the end

it's a few days before Halloween, and he's sitting on the couch, flicking through the book you left on the coffee table with furrowed brows

"So they're demon hunters?" he sounds intriguied, looking up at you as you lean over him to try and snag your book

you still, your heart doing a double flip

then you start beaming and pull the book from Cassian's hand, pressing a long, smacking kiss onto his cheek that makes him grin

"What was that for?"

it's for him giving you an idea

it's a perfect one really

the evening of Halloween, the city is already dark outside the windows

when you look outside, you can see kids and their parents on the street, dressed up and ringing doorbells, carrying flashlights and lanterns

Mor comes over to get ready at six

she's also the one who always gets up to open the door for children trick or treating

otherwise, she's sitting on the couch in the living room

she's wearing a long, dark red silk dress with a high slit, her hair open and wavy as she squints in concentration and paints her lips

she's dressed as a devil, complete with headband with little black horns that's sitting on the coffee table

she even put in red contacts

you're sitting crosslegged on the other couch, crunching your brows in focus as you spread the lightest shade of foundation you could find in the drugstore on Rhys' face

when he told you a few days earlier that he's going as a vampire, the first thing flashing through your mind was him in a cheap cape and too small fake teeth

it made you snort laughter and him huff

now you get it

Rhys is dressed to the nines

black silk shirt that's almost all the way unbuttoned and shows off his chest tattoos

black dresspants and black shoes

his hair is lightly styled back, and a strand falls into his face as you powder his face, causing him to sneeze and you to giggle

he even managed to get his hands on very real looking fake canines that flash in the light whenever he sends you a grin

no tacky cape

also no sparkles

he's like a modern, expensive version

almost like he stepped right of the pages of one of your books ;)

he lets you pale his skin before using eyeshadows to give him slightly sunken eyes and smear some red paint around his mouth

when he finally sends you a grin, it causes a giddy shiver to run down your spine

Mor does your make-up before, after a look onto the clock, shoos you off to get dressed

when a little later, you step back out of your room, there's a tall figure towering in the doorway to the living room

your breath hitches at the sight of broad shoulders straining against a black t-shirt, black jeans tucked into black boots and amber eyes

they're currently glaring, and it doesn't take a genius to figure out why

or at who

you hear Rhys snort from the living room

"Yeah, there's no way you're going as you."

with the way Azriel is glaring, there's also no way he's putting on a costume

which doesn't surprise really surprise

Azriel really isn't the type to invest time and care into putting together a costume

if things were going his way, he'd probably stay at home and read a book

which of course, Rhys has planned for

when you move, Azriel turns his head

he seems to still, the glare in his eyes vanishing as the deep furrow between his brows, curtesy of his scowl, smoothens

and he stares

stares at you

dressed from head to toe in black, with a holster strapped to your thigh and temporary rune tattoos all over your exposed skin

and suddenly, something is fluttering violently against your ribs

somehow, you manage to send him a cheeky grin and get your legs to moving

they kinda feel like jello as you halt in front of him, having to tilt your head back to look up at him

"Darling?"

Rhys is suddenly smirking in a wicked way that works even better in his vampire getup, his violet eyes twinkling

"You don't happen to still have some of those tattoos, do you?"

it takes you a second to catch on

then your heart suddenly performs a series of dips and turns

"Well...", you look up at Azriel and somehow manage a cheeky, beaming grin, "that would certainly fit."

Azriel huffs

it takes a staring contest of roughly a minute until he accepts his fate

well

or until you smile up at him, something thrumming against your ribs as you crunch your nose

"please? come on, you're not even really dressing up, just - elevating."

you grin widely

Azriel's scowl deepens

(mostly because it's unfair you just have to look at him that way and he would dress up as a pink bunny if you asked)

but he doesn't protest

just rolls his eyes a little and brushs past you to plop down onto the couch

Mor is suddenly very busy correcting a flaw in her make-up you can't seem to find

so it's you who ends up sitting in front of Azriel, his skin warm under your hands as you apply the rune tattoos left all over his arms

you can feel his eyes on your face and try to fight the warmth spreading through your cheeks

at least he doesn't look as huffy as a few minutes ago

(it's hard to stay scowling when all he can focus on is that little crease between your brows as you concentrate and the way the smell of your perfume and shampoo rises into his nose

he's a hundred percent sure there's no way you don't hear the way his breath catches every time your fingers brush his skin

especially when you lean forward to put one of the runes onto the right side of his neck)

you can feel Azriel's warm breath ghost over your skin as your fingers gently press against the side of his neck

it causes your own to get stuck in your throat, right next to your heart

(you should really get that checked)

you try not to look up, because you're pretty sure you're close enough to see the golden spots in Azriel's eyes

and that would not bode well for your concentration

(you're also close enough that your hair almost tickles his skin and that your scent is everywhere

Azriel needs to physically stop himself from slipping his fingers under your chin and tip your head up to -)

you catch movement from the corner of your eye

glad for a distraction, you raise your head

only to grow wide-eyed

because unlike Rhys, Cassian hasn't told anyone what he's going to dress up as

now, you realize why

Azriel seems to realise you're suddenly distracted, because you feel him turn his head before stilling

most likely because he also sees Cassian standing in the doorway

dressed as Ken

the skater version

complete with sun visor over his tied back hair, neon yellow fanny pack and knee pads

he even has a pair of neon pink skates thrown over his shoulder

you blink at him

once

twice

then you snort a laugh and break into a fit of giggles

it breaks the spell Cassian's outfit has cast, and Mor nearly topples off the couch as she starts laughing while Rhys dramatically faints on the armchair

even Azriel looks, tho reluctantly, impressed

(mostly because the way you're laughing, tears in your eyes and barely able to breathe as Mor drops to her knees and bows, makes up for whatever extravagent party Rhys is about to throw your way)

when you get to the castle, the place is decorated magnificently

you suddenly understand why Rhys was gone for so long

the floor is covered by whisps of smoke, the lights are dimmed

there are fake cobwebs spun over the brick walls and high ceilings and even the chandeliers

you count two dozen skeletons in one room alone, and armadas of paper bats dangling from the ceilings on invisible strings

dry ice at the snack buffet in combination with the fingerfoods makes you wonder if maybe Rhys just wanted to give his father a heart attack in case he sees the expenses his son accumulated for a student halloween party

there's even an actual bar with a menu of spooky drinks

loads of people are already there, and it's only getting more

everyone is dressed in various degrees of more or less spooky outfits

Feyre is waiting for you near the entrance

she's dressed as Katniss Everdeen, in black armor and with bow and arrow over her shoulder, a little fake blood dried on her temple and eyes bright

"How the fuck did we miss this before??"

you have no idea

you also have no idea where she got the full costume and how she can look so comfortable in chest armor

you do have an idea tho why Rhys is suddenly looking very distracted

it makes you grin cheekily enough for him to huff down at you when he finally catches you staring at him

you're almost sure tho to see his cheeks gain a little color under the pale make up

especially when Feyre grins widely at him

you spend the whole night with Feyre and Mor

you ransack the buffet (you're very proud of your choices)

try your way through the drink menu

and dance

you sometimes catch a glimpse at Cass in his neon outfit reflecting the lights as he makes his way through the mist

he looks like he's having the time of his life

finally, sometime around two in the morning, your feet hurt and the adrenaline of the night has worn off enough to make you feel tired

also you've lost Feyre and Mor somewhere in the crowd after using the toilet

trying to catch a glimpse at either of them, your eyes instead meet deep, amber ones

your heart dips and swerves in a way that has nothing to do with alcohol or tiredness

Azriel is leaning against a wall halfway across the huge, cavernous room

a strand of dark hair is curving over his forehead, the pink and purple lights make his jaw and cheekbones look even sharper than usual and illuminate the rune tattoos scattered over his skin, fitting in perfectly with his real ones

the sight of him causes something to topple over in your chest

you caught glimpses at him all during the night

usually off in the shadows, leaning against a wall or lounging on a seat, sipping a drink

every time you saw him, there was someone next to him, mostly girls, talking to him, trying to flirt

it made something dip over strangely in your chest

but for some reason, he barely seemed to notice

for some reason, every time, his eyes were already on yours, flashing amber in the flickering lights

just like now

the slight crease between his brows that doesn't quite spell uncomfortable smoothens

then he pushes off the wall and starts to weave towards you

again, your heart does a funny little thing

but you push it away and begin to fight your way through the crowd to meet him

when you finally meet, it takes one look at you for the dip of a crease to appear in his cheek

"Home?"

his deep voice makes your skin tingle even through all the noise and the music, and you deflate with a sigh, feeling almost comically relieved

you text Feyre and Mor while Azriel steers you out of the full rooms, his hands on your shoulders

picking up your coats, you feel a happy shiver run over your skin when you step out into the night sky

your breath hangs in white clouds in the air when you huddle up and Azriel offers you the crook of his elbow, his hands in his pockets

and if you take a very long route to get home, wandering through the quiet, cold city and sniffling as you blink up at the bright moon, neither of you makes a comment on it

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @secret-ly-here @knmendiola @luvmoo @azriels-mate123 @bookishbroadwaybish @maybe-a-winchester @stayinglow-exploringworlds @harrystylesfan2686 @icey--stars

#modern!roommate batboys series #halloween #headcanons #acotar headcanon #acotar x reader #acotar #acowar #acomaf #az imagine #az x reader #az/reader #azriel imagine #azriel x female!reader #azriel x reader #azriel #az #rhysand #rhys #cassian #modern au #lalacliffthorne

[lalacliffthorne]

a loud party, a midnight ride and Azriel in neon lights.

(omggggg I caaaan't. 😭💓 this - just this. everything about this makes my lil heart go wee. also this is pre them beginning to date so - get ready for all the pining)

I could feel the bass in the floor even before I opened the front door.

Wincing lightly when I was met with the blaring sound of music and loud laughter, I slowly pushed into the flat.

There were people standing in the hall, some couples making out against the wall, others pushing into the kitchen. I barely dodged a tall dude walking backwards, talking loudly, and feeling something tighten under my ribs, I couldn´t keep the scowl off my face as I glowered after him.

Closing the front door behind me, I kicked off my sneakers, staring at the mess that usually was the coat rack with a deadpan stare.

I loved these guys, but why did they have to be so - annoyingly social?

Especially when I wasn´t feeling anything even close.

At least Rhys had warned me with a text.

I could hear Cassian's booming laugh from the living room, easily travelling over the bass and the noise, and even though the sound, as usual, made my lips twitch, it couldn´t melt the gentle weight on my chest.

Squeezing my jacket onto the coat rack and feeling a small frustrated sound break from my throat, I turned, quickly pressing myself against the wall to avoid having a drink sloshed over me. Glaring at the girl's back, I hesitated, the heavy thrum in my chest screaming for hot chocolate and ice cream, but as I stared at the full kitchen, it quickly dimmed.

Turning, I started to trudge towards my room. I halted in the door to the living room, my eyes gliding over the people crowded around, the balcony doors open, air thick and stale. Cassian was sprawled on the couch, talking with some guys from the gym I knew just from passing, a girl sitting under his arm, her hand dangerously high up on his thigh, while Rhys flirted with a dude over at the window, his grin causing his dimples to flash.

Huffing and rolling my eyes with a soft grumble, I turned around.

A couple was making out right next to my bedroom door. Looking at them for a second with a deadpan expression, I blinked before shaking my head, stretching to pluck the key from one of the picture frames where Cass always hid it when I wasn´t around to lock my room for an impromptu party.

Sliding into my room, I quickly shut the door beside me and turned the key, the noise now slightly muffled. Slowly breathing out, I leaned my head against the wall for a second. That little weight on my chest pulsed gently, and turning around, I flicked on the fairylights wrapped over the shelves and began peeling myself out of my clothes.

Carelessly kicking my pants to the side, I slipped into the hoodie hanging over the side of my chair, the warm scent rising into my nose causing my heart to miss a beat. I crunched my nose and soundlessly scolded myself, trudging over to my bed and dragging the blankets to the side before crawling onto the mattress.

The sky slowly turned darker and darker outside my windows until it was pitch black, a few single stars making it past the glow of the city, twinkling in the deep night as I curled up under my blanket, my noise cancelling headphones blocking out the commotion of the party, my bedframe vibrating lightly with the beat as I buried my nose in a pillow and felt the gentle weight on my chest press onto my throat.

The clock on my phone showed past eleven pm when it lit up with a text. I crunched my brows softly and picked it up, and suddenly, my heart fluttered into my throat at the name flashing over the screen.

Azriel.

are you home?

I hesitated, but before I could even open the message, another appeared on the screen.

come on, love, don't leave me hanging

Cass is singing and my ears are bleeding

My breath hitched in my throat, something rising in my chest, and I looked up towards the door, hesitating before pushing the blankets to the side. Pulling my headphones off, I climbed off the mattress. With the buffer gone, I could hear the noise of the party, only slightly muffled by the door – and a knock, followed by a deep voice, floating through the door like its owner had leaned his head against the wood as he softly called my name.

“C’mon, love, open up.”

My breath caught in my throat at the way Azriel gently mumbled the words like he didn’t want anyone listening in, like maybe he thought I wasn’t listening either.

My heart thrummed against my ribs as I shuffled over the carpet towards the door, something bubbling in my chest, chasing away the heavy feeling for just a little second. Then I unlocked the door and carefully pulled it open, and my eyes met amber ones.

Something dipped in my chest, and I held my breath.

Azriel blinked, and his eyes dragged over his face as he slowly, slightly raised his head. One corner of his lips started to curve softly, and my heart suddenly thrummed against my ribs as my gaze darted over his tall frame leaning against the doorframe, his shoulder propped against the wood, blocking the view of the hall, blocking out everything as he stared down at me. He was wearing his armored jacket over a hoodie, his cologne was rising into my nose and he was so close, I could feel his breath grazing on my forehead, could count the golden specks in his eyes as they moved over my face.

I blinked, then I crunched my brows softly. "I don't hear any singing."

Azriel's lips quirked. "He's still getting ready. Just wanted to get a head start."

I huffed, but somehow, a soft grin managed to fight it's way onto my face.

Azriel's gaze slowly dragged over my face. Then he blinked.

“You okay?” His low, deep voice trickled down my spine, soft and steady, and I hesitated, feeling the gentle weight pulse in my chest.

There was a loud laugh somewhere down the hall and I nearly jumped; my eyes darting towards the noise for a second, and a deep breath loosened from my throat.

"Just - one of those days." I looked up at Azriel again with a soft, crooked smile as I leaned my temple against the doorframe, almost wincing when people cheered in the living room.

Azriel's eyes flickered over my face, golden specks in his iris shifting. Then one corner of his lips slowly curved upwards.

"C'mon." He pushed off the doorframe, towering over me, his eyes flickering over my face, iris beginning to twinkle softly. "I'll take you for a ride."

I stared up at him as something rose under my ribs, and my throat thickened a little. Then I breathed a smile.

"Thank you."

Azriel's eyes dragged over my face, and his lips curved softly in a small smirk, causing a crease to form in his cheek.

"You should put on some pants though."

A minute later, I slipped out into the hall, wearing a pair of black leggings I had changed into, and Azriel pushed off the wall, his chest brushing against my back as he started to follow me towards the door. People moved out of my way, backing away, and I felt something hop in my chest in confusion until I threw a quick look over my shoulder and found Azriel's eyes directed over my head, deep, dark, piercing, making people shrink back and out of my way.

My heart rose into my throat, and I quickly turned back ahead before the pressure in my chest could flow into my eyes.

At the coat rack, Azriel reached over my head, pulling two helmets from the top shelf, and I slipped into my sneakers before pulling my armored jacket out of the heap of clothes. Sliding into the sleeves, I took the helmet Azriel handed me, then I slipped past him when he opened the front door.

Cool night air hit my face when a few seconds later, I dragged open the door to the street, causing me to breathe in deeply and close my eyes for a second. The gentle weight on my chest seemed to lift a little, then something brushed against my shoulder, and when I opened my eyes again, Azriel moved past me and stepped onto the sidewalk, sliding his helmet over his head.

Breathing out, I followed after him towards his motorcycle parked behind Cassian's truck. Tugging my helmet over my head and turning on the comms, I zipped up my jacket. Then I raised my head, and Azriel swung a leg over the seat, sitting down, the visor of his helmet flashing in the light of the streetlamps when he looked towards me and lightly nudged his head in a soft gesture to come closer.

Stepping towards him, I felt my breath hitch in my throat when Azriel reached out, his warm, rough hands brushing against my neck. Carefully, he straightened the hood of my sweatshirt before gently tapping my throat.

"C'mon." His deep voice echoed through me from the comms, and feeling my heart do somersaults at the way his golden eyes dragged over my face, I slipped into my gloves. Azriel started the bike, then he looked back at me over his shoulder, and I slid my visor down before taking his offered hand, climbing onto the bike behind him. The seat vibrated under me, and sliding forward, I wrapped my arms around Azriel's middle.

Reaching back to lightly pat the side of my knee, Azriel slid down his visor. Then he looked over his shoulder and pushed off the ground, the bike rolling out onto the street before picking up speed.

By the time we were out of the side streets, the weight on my chest slowly began to lift away, disappearing into the dark night sky as I slid my arms tighter around Azriel's waist, my body following his movements as he weaved past the few cars still on the move. Streetlights dipped the city in a golden light, mixing with the lamps shining in windows and lit shop fronts and signs as the cool wind snuck through the material of my leggings and caused my skin to tingle.

Slowly, something started to flutter gently against my ribs, and I let my head sink against Azriel's shoulder, staring at the quick passing lights. The streets were almost empty, and Azriel accelerated, the noise of the engine and the rumble of the bike the only things on my mind, along with the feeling of Azriel's body, tall and solid, keeping mine upright and steady.

At a stoplight, he reached back, his gloved hand sliding into the crook of my knee and squeezing.

"You okay?" His deep voice vibrated through me, and I nodded against his shoulder, tightening my grip around him.

Azriel turned his head to look back at me, and I swore I could feel his gaze flicker over my face even through the visor.

For a second, he seemed to hesitate. Then Az dipped his head forward a little, and my heart caught in my throat when his helmet rested against mine for a moment.

The light turned green, and Azriel pulled back before turned around, his hand sliding away from my knee, my skin tingling where it had curved around my knee.

I didn't know how long we curved through the streets, but my legs were cold and a little stiff when Azriel slowed the bike. Feeling my brows crunch in soft confusion, I looked over my shoulder when he rolled off the street and onto a parking spot next to the sidewalk.

"Everything okay?" I slowly slid his arms away from him, sitting up and wincing slightly when my back and bum protested. Then my gaze got caught on the lit up front of a diner a bit down the road, and my stomach grumbled softly.

Azriel pulled off his helmet, his hair tousled as he looked back at me, eyes twinkling golden in the light of the lanterns, and I slowly started to smile beamingly.

The bell over the door rang when about a minute later, Azriel pulled it open, and I breathed in deeply the scent of food and coffee, warmth hitting my face when I slipped past him.

The diner was busy for a little past midnight; there were a few small groups of people that seemed our age, a table full of teenagers and some older men at the counter.

Something brushed against my back, then Azriel appeared behind me, towering over me, his hand sliding up my back to gently nudge me towards one of the booths at the window.

Sliding onto the leather bench, I placed my helmet and gloves next to me before shimmying out of my jacket. Then I raised my head, and something fluttered under my ribs as my gaze settled on Azriel, dark strands of hair curving over his forehead as he slid off his gloves and placed them on the table. His shoulders shifted under his hoodie, the golden specks in his eyes twinkling as they moved away from the window to meet mine, and my heart missed a beat.

"Hi!"

The chipper voice of the waitress made me quickly tear my eyes away from Azriel's, heat rising into my cheeks as I looked up at her, but the girl didn't seem to notice my slow reaction as she beamed at Azriel. I blinked, feeling a soft huff build in throat as my lips twitched, then my gaze darted back towards Azriel - only to find his eyes still resting on my face, the shadow of a crease in his cheek as his gaze tracked over the blush in my cheeks.

Heat washed over me, and I blinked, somehow forcing my gaze away from his to look back up at the waitress, sending her a quick smile. "Hi."

The girl seemed to realise Azriel wasn't looking at her, because she turned towards me, her smile dimming a little but still friendly when she raised her brows. "What can I get you?"

Browsing over the menu quickly, I rattled down the order of a piece of chocolate cake, fries and a hot cocoa before allowing my gaze to stray back towards Azriel. He blinked, then he looked up at the waitress that blushed under the weight of his gaze.

"Coffee,", he said simply, his deep voice steady. The girl beamed and nodded.

She was about to turn when her eyes caught onto something, and I could see her smile slip for a second, her eyes widening. Then she hastily turned around.

Feeling my brows crunch in confusion, I turned my gaze back towards Azriel. But my question got stuck in my throat.

His body had grown completely still. A muscle in his jaw twitched, tension vibrating through his shoulders - and his eyes, dark and distant, stared down.

Following his gaze, I felt something drop in my chest, and suddenly, my heart ached.

Azriel's gaze was piercing his hands, the scars shifting when he flexed his fingers, tightening them into fists before forcing them apart.

Az blinked, then he straightened, like he was preparing to slide his hands into his pockets, or grab his gloves to put them on again - and before I could think; without even wanting or needing to, I reached out, my fingers sliding over his.

Azriel froze. Went completely still in place, like maybe, he was even holding his breath. His fingers twitched under mine like everything in him was screaming to pull away, and for a second, I expected him to follow the order. But then his hands went limp, and his gaze dragged over my hands, visibly smaller than his as they curled around his fingers.

Azriel's jaw worked. Then he raised his head, and my heart caught in my throat.

Az blinked, and his iris shifted, his eyes growing deep and heated, almost feverish as they pierced my face like he was drinking me in, hard, desperate. His throat worked harshly and his shoulders tightened under his hoodie. Then a muscle in his jaw shifted, and Azriel turned his hands, his fingers linking with mine so tightly, it felt like he was afraid I could pull away.

Something rose under my ribs, an ache spreading through my chest, and I swallowed, fighting against the pressure behind my eyes as I stared at him, my heart beating violently as for a second, my whole body screamed at me to get up and slide onto the bench next to him to draw him into my body, hold him until the way he had stared at his hands like they belonged to a monster was gone, nothing but a memory.

Instead, I wove my fingers through Azriel's, brushing my thumb over his knuckles, following the lines of marred skin, and Azriel blinked, his gaze following the movement of my finger like he'd been starving for it as his body melted into the seat, his shoulders sagging.

My fingers stayed firmly linked with his even as the waitress returned, red spreading over her cheeks as she hastily placed cups and plates on the table. But Azriel didn't even spare her a glance, his eyes piercing mine, deep, golden specks shifting in a slow, feverish twinkle.

Eventually, I carefully slipped my hands out of Azriel's, his grip loosening slowly like he was just as hesitant to let go of me like I was to pull away. Sliding the plates into the middle of the table between us, I picked up my mug and breathed in the scent of hot chocolate, and warmth bloomed in my chest when over the rim of the cup, my eyes found Azriel's.

We shared the fries and the cake, the tightness in my chest slowly washing away as I tried to wrestle my fork past Azriel's, giggles breaking from my throat, causing his lips to curve. Outside, the city was dark, the lamps the same warm amber light as Azriel's eyes that rarely strayed from my face.

It was past one am when I stepped out into the cold air, shivering softly as I breathed in and tipped my head back to look up at the sky. I felt Azriel's shoulder brush against mine as he followed me out onto the street, and we turned, beginning to walk back to his bike, the city silent except for the occasional sound of car moving past. Closing my eyes for a second, I inhaled, the crisp air filling my lungs.

The back of Azriel's hand grazed mine, and my heart rose into my throat as my eyes snapped open.

At the edge of my vision, I saw Azriel look down at me. His gaze dragged over my face, and I thought I saw his throat work. Then his fingers brushed against mine again, and his index finger carefully slid into the space next to mine.

My breath faltered and my heart ceased beating, and Azriel gently hooked our fingers together.

Fighting to inhale, I stared ahead, the cold suddenly gone and replaced by shivering tingles running over my whole body.

Azriel slowed down until he came to a halt next to his bike, and my fingers nearly slipped from his when I turned to face him, but his grip tightened. My heart nearly leapt in my throat as I looked up at him, desperately trying to avoid the urge to swallow.

Azriel was so close that I could see the pink and purple lights of the shop windows next to us reflected in his eyes. The scent of his cologne was rising into my nose and making me dizzy.

Azriel's gaze flickered over my face, and slowly, one corner of his lips tipped upwards, just so.

For a second, he looked like he was hesitating. Then Az reached up with his free hand, his warm, rough fingers brushing a strand of hair out of my face. My head spun as they grazed my cheek before dropping, and my breath caught when his index finger slipped under my chin. His chest brushed against mine, and I was suddenly aware of every part of me, every part of him and the way his breath grazed my skin as Azriel's finger carefully tipped up my chin.

Azriel's gaze flickered over mine before sinking lower, and my breath caught in my throat when he slowly dipped his head.

My heart rose before stilling, and my eyes fluttered shut. My hands reached out to dig into Azriel's sides, and I could feel myself tremble as his breath grazed my lips -

Somewhere behind me, a car honked, short and sharp, and I jumped; Azriel's gaze darted up, and I sucked in a shuttering breath.

My eyes widened as I quickly let go of his sides, something thrumming violently against my ribs as I felt heat wash into my cheeks, because shit -

My gaze flickered up - and my heart dipped and fluttered.

The neon lights were throwing shadows under Azriel's cheekbones and jaw, his features like carved from marble as he stared over my head for another second, his hair dark and tousled and crease between his brows, and suddenly, my breath was hitching.

Too damn pretty.

Azriel blinked before looking down at me, and something in his eyes softened as his gaze flickered over my face. He looked hesitant for a second, but a small twinkle was building in his gaze as it dragged over mine. Then he blinked and reached out, his fingers brushing against my chin, thumb wiping over my cheek.

"C'mon." His deep voice sounded almost a little hoarse as it washed over me. "Let's see if the others have left the flat standing."

My heart dipped and tumbled, and a soft giggle broke from my throat even as I tried to keep my breathing under control.

Azriel's lips curved, and his eyes dragged over my face for another second. Then he turned, and I quickly sucked in a soundless breath, my eyes widening as something pounded violently against my ribs.

The flat was still standing when we got back. The hall seemed to be even fuller than when we had left, and I felt my heart flutter against my ribs when Azriel slowly closed the door behind us.

I hesitated and looked over my shoulder, my gaze flickering over his face. Trying to swallow against the thick knot around my throat, I felt my heart flutter violently against my ribs. Then I reached out and slid my hand into his, and as Azriel's gaze darted down, suddenly burning and feverish, I linked our fingers, his rough skin warm against mine.

Tugging, I started walking backwards, feeling one corner of my lips curving into a soft, cheeky smile as I pulled him with me, raising my brows.

"C'mon. My room is farthest away from the chaos."

Azriel breathed a huff, but his lips curved upwards, and feeling my heart thrumming against my ribs, I turned and slid past people, Azriel so close behind me, I could feel his breath on my hair as he followed, his thumb stroking softly over the back of my hand.

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @secretlyhers @knmendiola @luvmoo @azriels-mate2 @bookishbroadwaybish @maybe-a-winchester @stayinglow-exploringworlds @harrystylesfan2686 @icey--stars @ssmay123

#modern!roommate batboys series #azriel x reader #lalacliffthorne #modern au #azriel imagine #azriel drabble #azriel fluff #azriel #acotar x reader #acotar #acotar drabble #az imagine #az x reader #azriel x female!reader #az/reader #az drabble #acowar #acomaf

[lalacliffthorne]

okay, so, I kinda hadn't planned on doing this; I hadn't even thought about it - whoops 🙈 there was literally just a before and after Azriel and Reader started dating in my head lol

but since so many of you asked and since it would be criminal not to - let's think about it ;)

the one where they stop being idiots 💞

okay, so I see a few ways of how this could go

let's look at two

as hinted in all the before-drabbles --

there have been moments

like

moments

like when either of you stares at the other for too long

or lingers in a hug

or are somehow always near each other

you get the gist

so we got all those lil moments

piling up, until technically, even an idiot should see that you really like Azriel

and that Azriel -

well, is down very, very bad

which, of course, means you have no clue

okay, you kinda do

it's hard to ignore the tingling feeling in your belly

and that rising feeling in your chest whenever he just looks at you

but you're very good at pushing that away bc -

it's not that serious, right?

and even if you catch Azriel staring at you and he never looks away, just gets that twinkle in his eyes

and he always seems to linger a little too long when he's close, helping you with your jacket or brushing away a lash stuck on your cheek

and his gaze flickers down to what you swear is your lips -

there's really no way he actually likes you like that.

let alone feels his breath hitch every time you're close or gets that plummeting feeling in his chest when you as much as brush him

and even if there's some kind of attraction

there's no way he´s fallen for you just the same way you have quietly, creepingly and incredibly hard - fallen for him

...

yeah

since you are living with and friends with a bunch of busy bodies

it doesn't take too long until at least one of them gets tired of watching the two of you be, frankly, idiots

maybe it's Rhys

over his not-so-subtle-hints and mischievous smirks, just turning towards you one evening in the kitchen

"alright, love - please tell me you're actually clueless and simply don't see that Az is down ridiculously bad for you?"

or maybe it's Mor

accidentally, literally blurting it out at brunch

something along the lines of "oh, yeah; of course he remembered, he remembers everything, plus he's completely in love with you, so -"

before growing still and becoming more wide-eyed than you have ever seen her

or maybe it's Cassian

after one drink too many, throwing an arm over your shoulder and raising his brows as he rumbles: "look, sweets, I love you, but if I have to watch Az stare longingly at you for another day, I'll lock you two in the pantry until you confess you're completely in love with each other and make out. so, please, put the man out of his misery."

let's face it

it's probably all of them

bc they're just so over seeing Az pine after you and you pine after Az

and if you two would just talk about this -

anyway

you could've waved off one of them with a weak giggle and a "you're seeing things"

but three of your best friends -

who all know Azriel better than anyone else does -

two actually around both of you on a daily basis -

yeah, that's kinda hard to ignore

so suddenly, you start to notice everything

like everything

which makes your heart go into absolute overdrive whenever Azriel just looks at you

suddenly, you can't help but notice every little detail of him and how he's acting around you and how he's just insanely, annoyingly beautiful

and it does very strange things to your sanity

because suddenly, there's this tiny little voice in the back of your head that's whispering what if

and bc you can't be around Azriel without feeling heat wash into your cheeks and your breath becoming shaky and heart tumbling -

it's a bit of a mess.

and you really should say something

because it's getting increasingly, ridiculously difficult to keep yourself from leaning up and kissing him whenever he stares at you for too long, that half-crease in his cheek -

but you chicken out every time

and you kinda have a reason for that!

bc you love these boys

and what if something goes wrong and the others are wrong after all and you are wrong and he doesn'´t actually like you

bc then you would mess things up and you can't risk that and -

yeah

it's a bit of a mess

well, until

that fateful almost-kiss

(pls don't kill me for the edging)

you're pretty sure it was an almost-kiss

like, 80 %

you turn it over enough in your head to be mostly sure Azriel wasn't just - about to wipe cake of your cheek or smth

just like you turn over the rest of the night you spent in your room with him

curled up on your bed, watching movies

ending with you falling asleep with your head on his chest

and again

you're 80 % sure you caught him staring at your lips at least twice

which means -

now you're really screwed.

bc damn that thing messes with your head

I mean sure

the whole does he feel that tingling attraction too or am I seeing things-problem sorta went out of the window

but still

what if it was just a moment-thing?

or what if maybe he doesn't like like you and it's just physical attraction?

what if it isn't but it still doesn't work out bc at some point Azriel realises that you are actually not chill like he is and instead a lil ball of nerves and quirks??

what.

if.

you're basically quietly stewing in your own thoughts that are slowly getting out of control

and you just get more and more panicked, spinning in circles

until -

you lose it

it's probably a moment when the two of you are alone

maybe you're in the kitchen, responsible for making dinner for a change

the silence is, at least for you, for once not calm like it always is with Azriel

instead, it feels like the air is buzzing and your heart does weird maneuvers and everytime you just get into close vicinity to Az, you feel like you're about to burst

and somewhere between chopping vegetables and putting cuttlery onto the table

you suddenly end up crowded against the counter

with Azriel towering over you, impossibly close

and he stills when he realises, in the middle of taking plates out of the cabinet, his eyes piercing yours

and your heart is racing because you can feel him and because it feels like his gaze is pinning you to the spot and because he's so close

and maybe Az sees something in the way you're staring up at him, wide-eyed and panicked

maybe he even feels the way your breath suddenly flutters

or how your heart is pounding painfully against your ribs

so Azriel slowly, carefully puts down the plate in his hand, placing it on the counter behind you

not once looking away

and then his lips curve a little and you're pretty sure the world lurches at the sight

it always feels like just looking at him causes a knife to twist under your ribs because he's just so damn beautiful

but right now, he looks fucking heavenly

the warm kitchen lights throwing shadows under his jaw, making his cheekbones look even sharper

that barely there crease in his cheek as his gaze slowly drag over your face

and he's tall and all broad shoulders and piercing eyes

and he looks at you the way he did before the almost-kiss

and suddenly

you just cannot keep it in any longer

"So, Mor said you're in love with me?"

The second you blurt the words, you feel your eyes widen.

Well shit.

Azriel blinks, his lips parting, like maybe, for once, he has not forseen this turn of events.

You wouldn't blame him. You're currently wondering whether looking at him for too long has made your brain short-circuit.

"I mean -" You stare up at him, heat rising into your cheeks while your heart is pounding against your ribs. "I - okay, I didn't mean to say that, I, uhm, I just - thought about that thing that happened the other day; well, almost happened, and uh -" Your voice is actually shaking a bit now and sounds a little like you're about to faint, and that's not that far off, because shit -

"l mean, uhm -" Your throat finally gives up like it has decided to shut you up before you can make things worse.

And that's when you realise Azriel is still staring at you. Only suddenly his iris looks like molten gold, and his gaze is a little feverish as it darts over your face, deep and heated and like he's trying to drink you in as his lips slowly curve upwards.

"Remind me to get her back for this."

His voice sends tingles down your spine, because you have never heard it this low and hoarse before, and it takes you a moment until the meaning of the mumbled words reaches you.

Your lips part, and suddenly, your heart feels like it's trying to escape your chest.

"Get her back for what?"

There are creases in Azriel's cheek that make your knees feel like jello as he stares down at you, something feverish and heated in his eyes when he mumbles hoarsely: "For telling you before I could."

Your breath catches in your throat, and your heart does one huge jump. Then it stills.

"What?" Your voice sounds so breathy, you're not sure Azriel even heard it, at least until scarred fingers slip under your chin, a thumb softly brushing over your cheek as his eyes narrow a little, the crease in his cheek deepening.

"You think I was this close to kissing your just for shits and giggles?" He'd sound dry if there wasn't that slight edge to his hoarse voice, if his eyes weren't flickering over your face feverishly and careful, almost anxious. You think you feel his breath hitch and stutter when your nose almost brushes his, and suddenly you realise he's gotten really close, close enough that you can feel his breath on your lips and his scent making your head swim.

"No?", you somehow manage to whisper, your voice almost breaking.

Azriel makes a noise at the back of his throat, deep and almost a little desperate; his nose nudges yours, and as a shiver runs up your spine and your breath stills in your throat, he mumbles "No." and dips his head to kiss you.

And you're pretty sure the world just stops.

Becomes so quiet you can hear your heart rising in a wild flutter, the way your breath shudders as you exhale in slow motion and the quiet sound Azriel makes deep in his chest as his hands slide to the back of your neck.

And then he's kissing you. And his lips are warm and soft and pressing onto yours more feverishly with the second, and your hands rise to slide up his waist, hold onto him, and suddenly, you're not even close to being close enough.

Your legs are shaking when you move, push closer, until your chest is pressing into Azriel's, and he makes another soft noise before slipping his fingers into your hair; his body moving yours backwards until he's crowding you against the counter and you feel the cabinets press against your legs. Then Azriel deepens the kiss, his lips parting yours, and suddenly, you feel like starlight.

and with that

pretty much every question just vanishes

erased by the way Azriel is kissing you, deep and feverish and desperate, like you're oxygen and he's been underwater for years

dinner's completely forgotten as you move through the kitchen until you end up on the couch

Azriel's hands gripping your waist as you straddle him, your fingers buried in his hair as your bodies mold into each other and Az begins to figure out the 100 different ways to kiss you

and somewhere in the back of your brain

the part that isn't consumed by the way his chest is pressing into yours and scent is filling your lungs and body melts into yours

you wonder how a)

you ever made it without kissing him

without feeling his warm skin beneath your fingers and the way his hands slip under your shirt and press you closer

without hearing the tiny sounds he makes, deep and a little breathless as he's kissing you and you're kissing him

and b)

how you're supposed to stop

bc now that you know what kissing Azriel feels like

you're really not sure how long you'll be able to go for without it.

(he does actually tell you the thing he's gonna give Mor shit for spilling for the next decade

mumbled against your lips

and you're not sure how your heart doesn't give out with how far it leaps

but somehow, you manage to whisper those three words back

and Azriel makes a noise that causes your breath to tumble, bc it sounds like he doesn't quite believe it

and so you mumble it a few more times, until he kisses the words from your lips and you kiss them back onto his and neither of you can breathe)

of course there's the other option as well

the one where Azriel just can't help himself anymore

the one where you're sitting next to him in a quiet corner of the library or on the couch or in the passenger's seat of Rhys' car

and you're focusing on something; your laptop, a book, your phone

and you have that slightly distant look on your face, your brows crunching

and even tho you're wearing a hoodie he's pretty sure belongs to Cassian, because it's massive on you, and your hair looks a lil wild

he feels like he's about to burst

because you're just too fucking beautiful

and he already missed his first shot bc of that fucking honking car

and it's getting hard to breathe and he really just can't take it anymore

and bc of that

he reaches over and slides his hand under your jaw, gently pulling it up and towards him

and for a moment, you're really confused, because does he want to show you something or -

and then he leans over, and suddenly, your head's empty

bc he's so close that you can see the flecks of gold in his eyes and the shadows of a few freckles scattered over his nose and how long his lashes are and -

his scent washes over you, and your breath gets violently caught in your throat the same moment Azriel stills, barely an inch away

you can feel his breath on your skin and the warmth of him and how your heart is suddenly pounding against your ribs

and Azriel swears he will remember that moment until the day he dies

because you look like you've forgotten how to breathe

and you're staring at him in a way that makes every sense of doubt he had ever had about himself trickle away until there's nothing left but that harsh pulsing feeling in his chest

and he swears to himself he's gonna tell you he's hopelessly, utterly in love with you like a complete idiot

that he has been falling since the day you waltzed into the lives of him and his best friends

and how instead of crashing, the way you beam at him has given him wings

and a bunch of other stuff that won't even come close to describing how you make his heart beat out of his chest and breath hitch and whole being settle

but right now, he needs to kiss you

because he's been an absolute idiot for waiting this long

and he feels like if he waits just a second longer, he's gonna explode into a million pieces

and so

his heart pounding against his ribs and his breath getting stuck in his throat

he dips his head and kisses you

and then, just for a while, he forgets about anything and everything that's not you

@ailyr92 @azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @secretlyhers @knmendiola @luvmoo @azriels-mate2 @bookishbroadwaybish @maybe-a-winchester @stayinglow-exploringworlds @harrystylesfan2686 @icey--stars @ssmay123

#modern!roommate batboys series #azriel #az #azriel x reader #azriel imagine #az/reader #azriel x female!reader #az x reader #az imagine #azriel/reader #azriel drabble #azriel fluff #acotar x reader #acotar #acowar #acomaf #acotar drabble #drabble #rhysand #rhys #cassian #headcanons #acotar headcanon #azriel headcanons #lalacliffthorne