#so sorry for the hiatus guys

[happy-smiling-things]

When the party’s over [6]

Nessian fanfiction, modern AU. Might involve mature content later.

Previous chapter

Summary:  Since they met after Nesta’s return in Velaris, there’s always been this mysterious attraction between her and Cassian, but Nesta isn’t ready to accept it for multiple reasons. As time goes by, the attraction between them grows stronger, and it’s becoming harder and harder for Nesta to reject Cassian, even more when he’s being all she truly wants.

“But are you sure about that?” Cassian asked, walking through his flat with his phone In the hand.

“We can never be sure with Nesta, but it’s not like you had a lot of options.”

Sighing heavily, he stopped his walk and plopped on the couch.

“Alright, I’ll try that. Wish me luck Feyre.”

“Let me know how it went.”

“Can’t you ask Nesta? She’s your sister after all.”

“You know her, she won’t tell me a thing. I have to go, Rhys is waiting. Good luck!”

Before Cassian could say a thing, Feyre had hung up. Looking at the celling for a moment, he debated the idea.

A week had passed since the last time he had seen Nesta. After their fight, he had decided to give her some space, sensing that harassing her and asking her for explanations wouldn’t lead to anything good.

So he had managed to sneak in the library every morning without her seeing him, putting her usual coffee on her desk and disappearing to do is things. Emerie hadn’t said anything to him, barely acknowledging him when he entered or exited, which could be a good sign. Maybe she would have ripped his head off if Nesta had said anything about him to her friend…

He still had hope about the situation, although not much.

Things had always been difficult between them, but so natural at the same time. They were drown to each other, not matter what they tried, but every time things were starting to be serious, Nesta fled. She pushed him away, or panicked, yelled at him, and the end was always the same.

Today was the day to change this, Cassian had decided.

Getting up, he walked to the shower and dressed up, carefully choosing what to wear and making sure his messy bun looked good before going to the kitchen, preparing Nesta’s coffee as he always did since he’d first seen her there.

He had just finished to fill the cup when someone knocked on the door.

“Mor? What are you-”

“Surprise!” The woman said with a big smile, hugging him right away.

Cassian let out a small laugh as he hugged her back before letting her come in, following her in the living room as she made herself at ease, dropping on his couch.

“Long time no see.”

“I’ve been caught up in these stupid finals,” she complained, dropping her head backward, “but I figured I’d make some time for my dear friend.”

“Your dear friend?”

“Yes Cassian, my dear friend. I heard things were… complicated with Nesta these days.”

“Oh I see,” he began, “so you’re just here for the gossips. Should’ve guessed.”

“That’s not true!” Mor retaliated, straightening up to look at him with a frown, “I’m hear to make sure she’s not breaking your heart another time.”

Giving her his smirk, he leaned against the wall and crossed his arms.

“Breaking my heart? No one has ever done that to me.”

“Come on you know I don’t bite that, I’m not one of these girls you met at Rita’s.”

“That’s for sure, none of them know where I live.”

“Stop playing and come here,” she sighed, moving her hand on the sit next to her.

Cassian hesitated, but he knew she wouldn’t stop until she had what she wanted, so he walked to the couch, putting his forearms on his thighs once he was sat. Mor put her hand on his back, soothing him.

“Tell me what’s going on,” she said softly.

“I don’t know what’s going on, that’s the problem. Things are going well, until they aren’t. We talk, we laugh, we dance, and all of sudden she flees away, she ignores me, she becomes distant again. It’s always one step ahead and two steps backward.”

“What was that fight about?”

“I’m still trying to understand actually,” he admitted. “She thinks I’m playing with her, but I don’t know from where she got that impression.”

“Let’s be honest, you going out and flirting with every woman isn’t how you seduce the girl you want.”

“Come on, I’m not like that anymore!”

Mor laughed at his outraged face, and it took a moment for her to calm down, but she did, much to her friend’s relief.

“Want me to be honest?”

“You couldn’t lie even if your life depended on it,” huffed Cassian.

“You know I’ve never understood why you are so obsessed with that girl when you could have everyone else.” She began, holding a hand up as her friend opened his mouth, “I mean, I get that she looks good, and you’ve always liked a challenge, but-”

“Nesta’s not a challenge Mor, she’s not some girl I want to fuck then go chase for another woman.”

Silence fell between the two friends, Mor’s hand frozen on his back, her eyes locked on him, a slight frown on her face.

“You’re really in love with her…” She whispered.

“You’re saying it like it’s the biggest news of the year.”

“Well, I knew there was something different with Nesta, but you never said what you really feel for her.”

Cassian looked at his hands, thinking about his friend’s words. If Mor was that surprised, it was no surprise that Nesta was so wary about him and his intentions.

“Look, if you really want the girl, be patient with her. I don’t particularly like her, and I don’t appreciate how she treats you, but in some ways… I understand her. Just be yourself, but don’t push her too much.”

Looking up at the blonde girl who had stood up in his living room, he arched an eyebrow, his smirk coming back.

“Don’t worry, I can be gentle when needed,” he jocked.

Mor sighed and pushed him playfully as he came closer, putting an arm around her shoulders. She hugged him back nevertheless and smiled when he kissed her cheek before going back to his kitchen.

“Do you have any other advice for me?” He called from there, taking Nesta’s cup and his before moving back to the living room.

“You should probably put some deodorant before driving me to Az’s.”

“I took a shower less than an hour ago, I cannot smell that bad.”

“You’re reeking fear,” she joked.

Letting out a laugh as he grabbed his keys, Cassian pushed her outside, leading the way to his car.

“You didn’t tell me why you needed to go see Az,” he said once they were on the road.

“Well, you’re not the only one having some problem with romanticizing an Archeron, and since I’m the Archeron expert here...”

“No one’s ever called you that.”

“Rhys did one time.”

“But you were threatening him!”

“Do I need to remind you Feyre and Rhys are together because of my magic?” Asked Mor with an arched brow.

“Oh sorry, I thought it was because they were in love,” retaliated Cassian.

Mor just pushed his arm playfully, making him laugh with her outraged expression. Today was pretty warm, which was perfect for what Cassian had in mind, but he kept his mouth shut, knowing his friend wouldn’t let him alone if he told her about his plans.

“So, Az and Elain? Do you see it happening any time soon?”

“If I’m doing my job right, they’ll be together tonight,” stated Mor.

“Poor Az, he doesn’t know what’s coming for him,” he chuckled.

“He’s the one who asked for help, and for what I know he did just well on their first real date.”

“They had their first date already?”

“Who’s the one wanting to gossip now?”

Cassian rolled his eyes, but smiled anyway. Az was his brother, and Elain was the sweetest girl he’d ever met. They deserved some happiness.

Mor went on about that awesome plan of hers, telling him all the details, how she had picked up Az’s outfit for his date and everything, which made him laugh. That blondie had always been like that, finding her way and pushing her ideas into people’s mind.

“So? Still bringing her coffee to Nesta?” She smirked as Cassian parked on the side of the road.

He waved her off, but couldn’t hide his little smile, which made Mor huff.

“Good luck with the girl, and don’t forget to text me to tell me how it went,” she said before kissing his cheek quickly, walking with her chin high to Az’s flat.

Waving at her, he went back on the road and drove to the library. There was already a lot of people there, considering how many cars were parked on the parking lot, but he didn’t mind.

Putting his sunglasses on and checking himself one more time in the rear-view mirror, he took Nesta’s coffee and headed towards the library, his troublemaker smile on as he crossed the door. Things were pretty calm inside, even if a lot of students were there. Taking a few steps further, he saw Nesta working at her desk, her colleague doing the same on her right.

“Good morning,” he smiled, putting the coffee on the desk.

She didn’t respond, but took the coffee anyway, looking him over before putting the cup aside and going back to work without a word. Emerie’s eyes went between him and her friend, and she nudged her. Nesta just glared back, and the two women started a weird conversation with exchanged looks and facial expressions. Cassian tried to hide his amusement as much as he could, but it was something.

“How can I help you?” Nesta finally said.

“Just say yes.”

“No.”

“No is not yes Nesta, it’s quite the opposite actually,” he smirked.

“What do you want me to agree with?” She countered.

Cassian could see Emerie on the corner of his eyes, and even if she was trying her hardest not to look at them and work, he could tell she was listening to every word of their conversation.

“Go on a date with me.”

Nesta let out a dry laugh, her eyes still on him as she leaned against the back of her chair.

“What’s happening Cassian? Don’t have any girl available or some mysterious things to do here in my library?”

“I took the day off just for you sweetheart.”

“Oh, that’s so sweet of you,” she said with a fake smile, finishing her coffee before throwing the cup in the trash, “but sadly I have to decline this offer.”

“May I ask why?”

“Well, as you can see, I’m working. We’re pretty busy right now, so I don’t have time to go out with you.”

“You know you can take your day off,” commented Emerie, still typing something.

Nesta turned her head to her friend and glared at her, but the other woman just shrugged, though her smirk betrayed her.

“I can’t, there’s just too much to do here.”

“I can manage, it’s not a problem. Plus you’ve been having tough days this month by working alone when I was sick, you could use a day off.”

“I don’t see how spending time with him would relax me,” replied Nesta, crossing her arms.

“Oh, I promise you you’ll be relaxed by the end of the day.”

Nesta let out a loud sigh as she looked at him, her look hard. Cassian finally took off his sunglasses, and his flirty smile disappeared.

“Look, I know you wanted me to stay away, and I’ve tried for a moment, I did my best to stay out of your sight and let you breath, but I really wish you would give me a chance. It doesn’t even have to be called a date, let’s just hang out. I just want to get to know you, and I’d like for you to know the real me.”

The woman sitting in front of him didn’t say a word, but as always, he could see everything through her eyes. There was curiosity inside her look, but also suspicion. Nesta wasn’t a woman you could easily convince with words, and it was pretty hard to make her change her mind he had learned.

“It’s your choice, I won’t force you into anything. I’d love to spend the day with you, but if you don’t want to that’s okay, I won’t bother you.”

The woman stared at him, her lips forming a thin line as he waited in silence, fidgeting with his sunglasses, silently praying for her to give in.

Seconds seemed to be hours, and he didn’t dare to move until she turned to her computer without a word. She quickly typed something before closing what she was on, standing up with her purse, her eyes going back to Cassian.

“Alright, don’t make me regret this,” she said.

Nodding while trying his best to hide his smile, Cassian took a step aside to let her walk away from the desk. Nesta started to go toward the front door and he followed promptly, opening it for her, a quick glance on his back confirming what he had been sensing while walking, Emerie glaring at him with a silent warning in her eyes.

The sun was so bright he had to put his sunglasses back on to see Nesta in front of him without squinting his eyes, and he swiftly passed before her when they approached his car, opening the door for her.

“Well, it’s nice to see you still have some manners.”

“You’re welcome Nesta,” he smiled before getting in.

After those few words, they spent the ride silent, Nesta looking by the window while Cassian was trying his best to remain calm, his thoughts going all around. He had prepared everything and checked mentally every step of his plan as he had driven Mor in the morning to make sure nothing would ruin this date, maybe even tried a little prayer so the sun would shine all day.

Parking the car on the side of the road, he let Nesta get out and take in the view as he grabbed his backpack, taking a few step on the path, looking behind to make sure she’d follow.

“See? A public place, I’m not trying to trick you.”

She looked at him, nibbling at her lip for a second before she walked to his side, her eyes stuck on something far away in front of her. He wasn’t even sure she was looking at something in particular, but so far she hadn’t run away, so it was a victory.

“Shall we?” He proposed, taking another step ahead.

Nesta nodded, following on his heels, and they went on their walk, sinking into the park waiting for them.

“Why here?” She finally asked after a moment.

“I like it, it’s peaceful, and we couldn’t waste a day inside with such a beautiful day waiting for us.”

They continued their walk, Nesta looking around, taking in all sorts of flowers and trees, while Cassian was trying his best not to just stare at her, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. There was something so innocent in the way she was contemplating the colors around, as if she had never taken the time to do something as simple as walking in a park, something that warmed his chest. She hadn’t taken her guards down, in fact her walls were taller than he had ever seen them, and still, he could see her through the cracks.

“It must change you from your dusty books,” he joked.

“It must change you from your suffocating club.”

The words had escaped her mouth before she could think about it, he could guess it from the face she made before letting out a small sigh.

“Fair I guess, even if I spend far less time in there lately.”

“How is that so?” She asked, turning her head to him.

Smiling at her, he couldn’t resist the urge to wink at her, and couldn’t suppress the chuckle from his throat as she rolled her eyes at him. This, right here, it was more familiar and comfortable than the silence they had been staying in since the library.

“If I told you you wouldn’t believe it.”

“Why are you so sure about that?”

“Because, to you I’m just a womanizer who doesn’t do anything good of his time.”

Cassian had meant it to be a joke, but he realized by the way Nesta’s back stiffened she hadn’t taken it as it. Opening his mouth to apologize, he was stopped by the oldest Archeron.

“Well, maybe all hope isn’t lost with you,” she started.

“Oh, you think so?”

“You’re in charge of the reading program after all.”

“I knew reading for kids would get me some points.”

Nesta turned her head at that, her eyebrows high, and Cassian couldn’t help but laugh. It was so easy to tease her.

“Don’t worry, I’m not doing it just because I hoped it’d help me with you.”

“You never told me why you decided to do it actually,” she said.

“You never asked.”

The woman opened her mouth to argue, but she stopped and slowly closed it, turning her head to the side. Looking at her with a smile, Cassian then guided her on the grass, choosing a spot near the river before he installed a blanket, settling his bag on it before he offered his hand to help Nesta to sit down, a hand that she accepted.

Once they were all set, Cassian took a moment to just look at Nesta.

Her cheekbones were high, giving her face a fierce look that was common for the Archeron sisters, even if Elain had softer features. Her golden brown hair was styled in a bun and shining under the sunlight, and there were only a few things Cassian wanted more than undo it. It was a rare thing to see Nesta with her hair down, and a thing he liked a lot. She was sitting with her back straight and her head high, looking at the water running down gently, and it was giving him a full sight of her neck.

Her delicate, oh so soft neck.

“So?”

Blinking a few times and clearing his throat, Cassian tried to remember what they had talked about earlier, but his mind was empty.

“So what?” He ended up asking.

“Why did you choose to get in charge on this reading program?” She asked.

“Well, I’ve always liked to be with children.”

“Really?”

“Absolutely,” he said, “they’re really fun and bluntly honest, I like that.”

“I would have never guessed.”

“You’ve known me since high school,” protested Cassian.

“And I’ve only seen you being interested in girls, parties and sports.”

There wasn’t a lot to argue with here, and he perfectly knew it. He had always been that way since that time, but it was something that had changed, and he was determined to prove it to Nesta.

“I’m not like that anymore.”

“Right, now you also like stalking me,” she retaliated, “oh but wait, that was something you were already a fan of back in time.”

“I’m not a stalker!”

“You’ve been tracking my schedule just so you could bring me a coffee every morning!”

“It’s not stalking, it’s gifting,” tried to argue Cassian.

“Call it what you want, we both know what it is.”

“Exactly.”

That last word got a smile out of Nesta as she gently shook her head, and they both laughed before she turned her eyes to him.

“At least you’ve been providing a welcomed dose of courage to face all the students that are coming at the library these days.”

“You were one of them not so long ago,” he reminded her.

Nesta shrugged her shoulders, and something he didn’t really like shone in her eyes. Something far too close to what he had seen on Rhys face when he had bad memories coming back.

“I’m glad I’m not anymore,” she whispered, almost too quietly for Cassian to hear.

Almost.

“Why? You were so glad to get out of here when we graduated from high-school.”

The question had escaped from his mouth, and Cassian was half expecting her to ignore it, or to see her withdraw, but Nesta surprised him by staying calm and looking back at the river, pulling her legs up and crossing her arms on top of it.

“Well, college isn’t just about studying what you like, there are people.”

Something clicked inside his mind, and Cassian frowned at her, searching for any clue that would confirm what he was thinking.

“Did something happened while you were away?” He asked, his voice soft.

A dry laugh escaped Nesta, and he could see her jaw tense up, her eyes growing darker.

“A lot happened. My dad happened to be a pathetic coward leaving us to live alone. Someone I thought I could count on happened to be a douchebag. Men happened to be unsurprisingly deceiving. Bad things happened, life happened to be surprisingly harder thanks to him, but it’s nothing new for an Archeron I guess, we seem to be pretty terrible at choosing our partners.”

“Feyre got Rhys, and Elain is about to choose Az sooner or later,”objected Cassian, “There’s still hope for the Archeron sisters.”

“Yeah…”

There was something she wasn’t telling him, something he was a bit scared to ask about, unsure of how he would react. Maybe some things were better left unsaid.

But Cassian had never been a fan of unsaid stuff.

“Tell me about him. What did he do to you,” he asked, getting a little closer to Nesta without touching her.

She didn’t answer immediately, her eyes locked on the hand resting near hers on the blanket, and he didn’t push her, waiting patiently for her to say something he half expected, but also half feared.

The gentle breeze was more than welcomed, reminding him to breath, and Cassian did his best to calm his heart, focusing on the woman sitting next to him, careful not to move.

“Things he shouldn’t have I guess,” she finally let out.

“Did he…”

“No. He tried though, but I managed to get away.”

She was saying those words so easily that Cassian didn’t know how to react. His first instinct was to chase down the bastard who had dared to touch Nesta, that had hurt her so badly. But he knew this wasn’t the answer, this just wasn’t the solution to help her.

“I was naive,” continued Nesta, looking everywhere but at him, “I was finally out of this city, ready for a new chapter in my life. It was the first time I thought I’d be able to only work on my projects and what I wanted, and he appeared out of nowhere, being nice and polite and funny and everything. I let my guard down and things went down once we started dating.”

Cassian stayed absolutely silent, trying hard not to let his imagination get wild about how bad things had been during this time. He also didn’t want to say a thing or react too much about the words Nesta was saying, which could cause her to stop talking.

“There’s not a lot more to say, it was just a typical toxic relationship with a jerk.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” said Cassian.

This caught Nesta’s attention, getting her out of her thoughts as she looked up at him. Cassian waited for her next move, but she kept staring at him in silence as if she was analyzing him and every possible change on his face.

“I know,” she finally let out.

“Good.”

Something then happened, something only them could understand. It had happened a few times before, and Cassian had never really thought about it, living in the moment, but he was now starting to recognize that pattern between them. It usually led to Nesta either loosing it or getting away from him, fleeing as if he was a fire she needed to escape at all cost.

In those moments, time itself didn’t exist, it was only Nesta and him. There wasn’t any word, everything was felt in silent, and it was simultaneously too much and not enough, leaving Cassian frustrated.

“What about you?” She asked after that moment of silence.

“What about me?”

“What did you do while I was away?”

“Well,” smiled Cassian, “I tried uni, much to everyone’s surprise, and dropped out of it after a month. That part didn’t surprise anyone though.”

That comment made Nesta roll her eyes and sigh, which made his troublemaker smile widen on his face. She looked back at him slightly disapprovingly, but made no comment, which wasn’t really like her.

“What were you studying?”

“Business. I didn’t really know what to do, and Rhys seemed really happy about that, so I let myself go with him. Turns out it was a great idea for him, but not really for me.”

“What did you do after that?”

That genuine curiosity about him took him a bit out of guard, but he wouldn’t complain. If anything, having Nesta being interested in him was a nice change, and a chance to show her he was a good guy.

“A bit of everything,” he shrugged, “I’ve tried a lot of jobs to see what could fit me, you wouldn’t believe what I did.”

“Try me.”

There it was, that little sparkle in her eyes with that eyebrow raised, waiting for a challenge to come.

“Well, I tried to be a bartender, and I was pretty good at it as you can think, but they said I was serving too heavy drinks, so I applied to be a mechanic, but it turns out I’m only good at fixing my car. So, I tried to be a hairstylist.”

“No way.”

“Yes way, and I was doing awesome! If only I’d contented myself with cutting hair and hadn’t tried to color that client’s hair…”

“What did you do to them?”

“I may have accidentally colored a client’s hair green instead of blonde.”

“Cassian!”

“Hey, I didn’t know how all these products worked, it was bond to happen okay,” he tried to defend himself.

That shocked look on Nesta’s face was priceless, and he couldn’t contain his laugh longer. She slapped his arm for it, but the amused smirk she had betrayed her.

“I got fired as you can guess, and got hired as a physical trainer after that. It was nice, and I could’ve continued if Rhys hadn’t created his agency and proposed me to be head of security.”

Nesta nodded, her glance changing a little bit, becoming softer in some kind of way. There was no judgment here, just understanding.

“So that’s how you ended up walking around in black with a walkie-talkie and a constant scowl on your face?”

“Exactly, gotta look impressive and serious so no one will cause trouble,” he smiled.

“I bet no one’s ever tried.”

“Oh, you’d be surprised.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, we have some good stories at the security department.”

Nesta didn’t answer immediately after that, and he took the time to look at her in that peaceful silence. Those moments were rare, and he intended to savor each and every second given like that with her.

“Are you happy?” She finally asked.

It wasn’t a question he was waiting for, not from her. Elain could’ve asked that, had asked him a couple times when his smile wasn’t as wide as usual, or his laugh a bit forced.

“I know life wasn’t… easy for you, back in high-school. There were rumors, and…”

“Life wasn’t easy for you neither, Nesta,” interrupted Cassian.

“It wasn’t the question.”

“I know.”

“Are you happy?”

“Are you?”

Letting out a big sigh, Nesta threw her hands up, rolling her eyes at the same time.

There she was, the usual Nesta.

“Why do you do this?”

“Do what?” Retaliated Cassian.

“Shirking the question like that!”

“Why do you care anyway? One day I’m a jerk you want nothing to do with and the next one you want to know if I’m happy?”

And as always when they started to argue, words he intended to say in a calm conversation had slipped out of his mouth. It was something they were used to do, something he wanted to change, but still, something they always ended up falling for.

But, unlike what he was thinking, and unlike herself, Nesta froze and staid silent.

Running her tongue on her lip, she kept her eyes on him, and he could almost see her thoughts running through her mind. Staying calm, he didn’t move, looking right back at her, knowing that adding words wouldn’t do any good.

“I’m sorry, about that.”

The breeze around carried her words to his ears, and he didn’t register what she had just said for a few seconds.

“I know I can be a lot to handle. I’m harsh, I’m hard, I don’t trust anyone, I don’t open up, and I tend to lash out on you most of the time. I know it’s unfair, and I know I have to work on it. I just don’t know how to do it when I’m in the middle of a crisis.”

“Being aware of all of this, this is the biggest step.”

“You think so?” She chuckled, “Knowing how to get my shit together is way harder.”

Cursing wasn’t usual for Nesta, and it always surprised Cassian when she did it.

“Well, it’s also easier said than done I guess.”

“It most definitely is.”

“But you know what? It doesn’t matter.”

The older Archeron looked at him with an eyebrow high, her chin resting on her palm. It was a shame that she didn’t let herself just be like that more often, really.

“What doesn’t matter?”

“That you end up turning your anger on me.”

“It does.”

“Why? I can handle it.”

“You shouldn’t have to, and the fact that it doesn’t bother you should make you realize that I’m not the only one having issues.”

“Oh don’t worry Nesta, I’m perfectly aware of my issues,” he laughed, giving her a wink.

“Well, I guess we’ll have to work on ourselves then.”

“I guess so.”

Cassian took a moment for himself then, closing his eyes and letting his head fall gently until he was bathing in the sun, its warmth caressing his skin. It had been a long time since he had felt so peaceful.

Something warm on his forearm made him open his eyes, and he found Nesta’s hand resting there, those gray eyes on him.

“Are you happy Cassian?” She asked once again.

A smile grew on his face as he let himself think about it, even if his thoughts were all turned towards those fingers resting on his skin, almost burning him, but in a pleasant way.

“I’m on my way.”

She didn’t say a word, just nodding at him with what almost could’ve been called a smile, and her eyes fell on his bag. Unfocused at first, they grew the second she spotted the book he had put in there for her, and her hand left his forearm to grab it.

It felt abnormally cold for a second, but her expression warmed up his chest, and he couldn’t help but smile as she started to get her way through the book, laying on the blanket as if he wasn’t here, playing with the corner of the page she was holding and chewing her lower lip as her eyes were running through the lines, her mind eager. Letting her fall into her rhythm, Cassian laid on his side, playing with some flowers while his eyes were glued on the woman next to him, until he couldn’t help but threw the flower at her.

The scold he got for it made him fall on his back with a laugh, the seriousness of her expression completely ruined by the flower stuck in her hair.

“How do you dare interrupt my reading,” she fumed, making him laugh louder.

“I just had to make sure you hadn’t forgotten about me.”

“How could I?”

“True, I’m unforgettable,” he smirked.

And just like that, they were back in their old playful pattern, Cassian chasing Nesta, the woman pushing him away, but not so much.

Ignoring him, she turned back to her book, a frown on her face as she concentrated herself on the text instead of Cassian, a finger leading the way on the paper.

It could’ve been a minute, an hour, or even a decade, Cassian wouldn’t have known, wouldn’t have cared. As long as he was allowed by her side, everything would be okay.

“Alright, this one is spicy, you’ve got to stop reading in public now,” he said as she had stopped on a page.

“Absolutely not!”

“Of course Nesta, as if I couldn’t guess what this poem is about just by looking at you.”

“You can’t.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely,” she said, turning her head to him.

“Alright, let’s check then.”

Throwing himself, he snatched the book from her, getting back on a sitting position as Nesta argued and tried to get it back.

“I didn’t put a bookmark on it, you’re going to loose the page!” She complained.

“Don’t worry, I know exactly where you were at.”

Stretching his arm away from her as she tried once again to get the book, he waited until she stopped her attempts to get it back, then opened it at the page she had stopped and started reading, his smile growing with every word read.

“I was so right,” he chuckled.

“Prove it,” interjected Nesta, crossing her arms against her chest.

Clearing his throat, Cassian straightened his position, giving her one last look before he focused his attention on the book.

“For there is nothing warmer than your skin, and nothing sweeter than the taste you left on my chin, I must confess-”

“Okay, stop right now!” She almost yelled, covering his mouth with her hand, looking left and right to make sure no one had heard him.

Letting the book fall on the blanket, Cassian couldn’t help but let out another laugh, completely collapsing by the sight of Nesta’s embarrassment.

“It doesn’t prove a single thing,” she defended herself, getting back the book.

“Shall I continue my reading?” He asked, his brow high.

She put the book behind her back and scolded at him as if he was a child misbehaving, and it only pushed him to continue.

“It’s okay Nesta, just surrender, it’s no big deal.”

“You haven’t proven that you can read my expression, only that you can read, which shouldn’t be considered as an accomplishment at your age.”

“And how do you think I knew you were reading a spicy poem?”

“You just got lucky,” she answered quickly.

“Yeah sure, it was just luck, not your cheeks turning red, or you licking your lower lip while being super focused.”

Their banter could’ve lasted longer after that, but both their phones buzzed at the same time, and Feyre’s name appeared on the screens.

“So, sounds like there’s a party at your house,” said Cassian once he read the text.

“Yeah, sounds like I won’t be sleeping much.”

“Poor little grandma.”

Glaring at Cassian, Nesta quickly answered to her sister before letting out a sigh, having flashbacks from the last party they had hosted.

“I swear if I have to clean everything alone again, I’ll kill each and every person being there tonight.”

That threat sounded more like a plead to Cassian who tried his best not to laugh, in vain. It was a fair reaction though, since they had thrown a giant party without warning a few weeks ago, everyone ending up hammered after drinking for hours.

“I’ll help you,” he proposed.

“Will you?”

Those gray eyes could ask for anything, and he would comply without a second thought.

“Absolutely, like the gentleman I am.”

“We’ll see about that,” huffed Nesta, “and you better keep an eye on Azriel and Rhysand, I won’t explain to the neighbors why they were running around naked at two in the morning again.”

“I’ll do my best, but I don’t really want to know what Rhys is up to once he gets handsy with your sister.”

Nesta made a face at that, but didn’t say anything back, preferring to put her things away before getting up.

“Alright, I guess we should move then. I know how long it takes for you to get ready.”

“You said that now, but wait until the day you have to see how long it takes for Rhys to choose what to wear.”

“Not my boyfriend, not my problem.”

Cassian laughed at that one as he folded up the cover and put it back in his bag, starting to walk with Nesta by his sides. This day had passed quicker than he wanted it to, but it was a good sign. Things had gone so much better than he had hoped it would, and he was so glad he had had that with her. These moments would stay with him for a moment, and he hoped many more were to come, because being with Nesta was addictive.

They stepped out of the path to get back on the parking lot, and he caught her sighing as they approached his car.

“I know,” He smirked while opening the door for her, “it was a lovely day, and I wish it could’ve lasted a bit more too, but this party means we’ll see each other for a bit longer today.”

Cassian was waiting for her to roll her eyes or scoff at him, maybe push him playfully before getting in the car, but he was most certainly not waiting for the words she then pronounced.

“It was a nice day,” she nodded looking at his face, “thank you for this Cassian.”

It was the way she said his name, or maybe the way the gray of her eyes soften for a second, or maybe both that made his heart melt there and then. Taken aback by the softness of her voice, it took him a moment before he could move again, his smirk becoming a gentle smile.

“Maybe I’ll enjoy this party after all,” she added, staying near him for a bit more before getting on her seat.

Letting out his breath, Cassian swallowed and blinked a few times before closing the door, walking to his side of the car with his heart racing.

This day would haunt him for days and nights, he could already tell.

tag list: @illyrian-bookworm / @dreamerforever-5 / @my-fan-side / @tessas-herondales / @girlnovels / @to-the-stars-who-wish / @strangeenemy / @maastrash / @humanexile / @booklover41802 / @mis-lil-red / @actuallyacotartrash / @keshavomit / @fourshizzle149 / @amcarroll11

#nessian #cassian #nesta #acotar #acomaf #acowar #acofas #sjmaas #nesta archeron #nesta x cassian #feyre archeron #elain archeron #emerie #nessian fanfiction #i'm baaaaaaack #so sorry for the hiatus guys

[tojjist]

NANAMI is 100% a spanker.

He loves your ass. He could just stare at you for hours on end, no matter what you’re wearing at the time. Be it a pencil skirt, yoga pants, sport shorts or a dress. He could just stand there and watch you move, glutes moving up and down, hips swaying. It makes him swoon.

And while he could stand and stare, he’d much rather feel it up against his palm. He’d slap your buttocks once he walks past you, soft and teasing. Depending on your response the situation elevates. 

More times than not you find yourself sprawled out on his lap, his hands colliding with the skin multiple times over until he can feel it get warmer. His ears are immune to your cries,gasping at the force that comes with the loud clapping. Sometimes he’d stop to tease your clit gently, fingertips rubbing the bundle of nerves to hear a soft moan from you or have you tighten your shaking thighs over his palm. But it’s not too long before his hand is swinging in the air and against your reddened ass.

At some other occasions, he finds himself subconsciously feeling your ass in the morning. His large hands explore the soft flesh, squishing it tightly in his palm and giving it light slaps every so often.

GOJO, on the other hand, is a hair puller.

Honestly, there is no specific reason that he likes to pull your hair so much. Mostly he just likes the feeling of your hair filling into his fist, no matter the length of it, locks running between his fingers. It's an oddly satisfying to him .

He’s very random with it, too. Satoru would approach you while doing the dishes, one second his arms are wrapped lovingly around your waist, and the next his hand fists as much as it can of your hair and tugs at it “A-a- ah- Satoru– let go, seriously,” You’d grumble, face scrunched at the suddenness of it. “Mm, Gotta ask nicely, baby,” his hand continues to grab your hair tightly. Judging by the amused smirk on his face, he’s just messing around. Must get a kick out of it.

It’s another reason he loves seeing you on your knees before him. Your mouth consumes so much of his length, hands pumping whatever your mouth couldn’t fit in. All Satoru has to do is sit back, feel good, and pull at your hair. It’s easy control. And Satoru loves this control, as if steering your head however he likes. Not that your skilled mouth needs direction. 

#guys im so sorry for the inactivity #i was supposed to come back from hiatus but #math #ugh #found out i have to study 3 extra subjects before march 15 #ANYWAY #have this for now #syd.writes #syd.nsf #syd.txt #jjk x reader #gojo x reader #gojo smut #gojo satoru #gojo satoru x reader #gojo x reader smut #jjk smut #jjk x reader smut #satoru gojo x reader #satoru gojo #satoru x reader #satoru smut #nanami #nanami kento #nanami kento smut #nanami kento x reader smut #nanami smut #nanami x reader smut #nanami x reader

[jelluf1sh]

toji with prompt 5 pretty please

𖦹 ˚ ✩ . ❝​what they're like with kids.​❞

★ synopsis. toji with kids.

★ featuring. toji fushiguro.

★ formatting. headcanons. (from this list.)

★ notes. husband! toji, he's a good dad for once, sfw, so much fluff, megumi and tsumiki are your kids.

꒰౨ৎ — author’s note. i KNOW what my bio says but i'm multifaceted. literally so in love with this deadbeat and i hope it shows. thank u as always for requesting and sorry for the wait !!꒱

★彡 TOJI FUSHIGURO.

The first time Toji ever felt genuine love was when he put that pretty golden band on your finger.

The second was when he looked into Tsumiki’s big, brown eyes for the first time.

Then the third came with a small head of black hair and the name he’d chosen long before he'd known whether his kid would be a boy or a girl: Megumi.

From then on, life was a journey for him.

Growing up, Tsumiki was much calmer than Megumi, who would fuss and cry at every little thing. His papa wouldn't read to him long enough? He'd bawl his eyes out. He couldn't reach the fridge handle because his legs were too stubby? Waterworks. His toy was missing after he'd been the one to misplace it? He'd throw a fit.

Toji would honestly curse himself for even thinking he could fall asleep for more than 20 minutes before his son would toddle into the room, promptly disturbing his dad's nap by pouncing onto his stomach or latching onto his arm.

You, however, found it pretty funny.

"Shit's not anythin' to giggle about," Toji would grumble at you, his beauty sleep interrupted as you laughed, glaring at Megumi as he clambered onto his father's chest, bouncing his bottom up and down and beating on him with his tiny fists.

There have been multiple instances where Megumi's been in a good mood, though. You'll never forget the pictures you took of him napping, holding his big sister's hand in his smaller one as they both rested on top of Toji's large chest, his hands cradling both their heads while he snored.

Toji is so bad at not cursing in front of his kids. It's a horrible habit, but he can't seem to grasp the fact that 4-year-olds aren't supposed to be saying the same unsavory words that roll off his tongue so easily.

"Fuck!" he'd let it slip a few times when he accidentally hurt himself, and in typical kid fashion, they were always around to hear something they shouldn't.

"Fuk?" The fact that Megumi was the very picture of innocence while such a filthy word came tumbling out of his mouth (and paired with a smile!) rattled his father.

"What's 'fuck'?" Tsumiki asked, barely much older than her brother. Toji could only pray you didn't hear that.

"Wh— not so loud! Don't repeat that shi— that stuff. Yer gonna get me in trouble with Mama."

(you indeed did hear and he got his ass beat later)

Calls Megumi and Tsumiki 'rugrats.'

He didn't realize just how little time he'd have for romance with his kids around. Every single time Toji leans in to press his lips on his yours, no matter where you two may be, they come running from around the corner (apparently, they'd been watching for a while), darting between your legs and making fake retching noises as they giggle at the scowl on their dad's face.

Toji's the kind of dad to lose one kid in the store, turn around to ask the other kid where their sibling went, only to find them both gone LMFAO.

Stiffens up when he hears an "I love you," or even when he receives a hug from either one of his children. Hugs take some coaxing from you, but he doesn't dislike them (he'd never admit it, what with his tough guy persona, but Toji's kids make him so soft inside.)

#꒰🪼꒱ jelly writes. #꩜ inbox. ✉️ #toji fushiguro x reader #toji x reader #toji fushiguro #jjk x reader #jujutsu kaisen toji #sorry i’ve been on hiatus #okay let me rant. i'm obssessed with the way toji's first and only love until the very end was megumi's mother #like. he was looked at like a piece of shit because of the fact that he couldn't see curses by his clan #but then here comes ms fushiguro. and she LOVED HIM despite all of his shit. SHE LOVED HIM SO BAD GUYS OH MY GOD #and till the very end he NEVER got over her. NEVER. #gege you make me sick btw #probably gonna change my layout again

[bucketsofmonsters]

The Witch’s Apprentice - Part 4

cw: demon summoning,  prolonged isolation, more tags will be added as the story continues

male demon x afab reader

Word count: 4k

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4  Part 5 Part 6  Part 7

You woke up wrapped in Lucien’s arms, his tail coiled up your leg. 

You couldn’t get up if you wanted to. Not only were you trapped by a cuddly demon, your exhaustion was overtaking you. Your limbs felt like they were made of lead and your brain was attempting to lull you right back to sleep. You were convinced you could sleep here forever if you allowed yourself to. 

Which was exactly why you needed to get up. This place was dangerous, you couldn’t let yourself get too comfortable and completely succumb to it. 

As you started to rise, the demons arms around you tightened, pulling you closer to him. 

“Lucien,” you tried to call out but your face was smashed into his chest and instead it came out as an incomprehensible mumble. 

It was still enough to wake him, his grip on you loosening as he came to. 

You slipped out of his grasp, although his tail followed you to your new position standing beside him, curling right back up your leg. 

He looked up at you with a smile. “What are you doing up so early?”

“How long did I sleep?”

“Not long. Maybe fifteen hours.”

Your eyes widened. “Fifteen hours?”

“Relax, you needed the sleep. I wouldn’t have let you sleep forever, I only do that to the annoying ones.”

“Glad to know I was in such safe hands,” you said with a roll of your eyes and a playful smile. 

You looked back at him expecting to see that same wry smile as always on his face but instead his face had gone stony, his eyes darkening. 

“You have a decision to make,” he said, all the teasing gone from his voice as he rose to his feet, towering above you.  

His black eyes bored into you, asking you to make a choice about something, what it was you weren’t sure. 

“I don’t understand,” you said, searching for clues in his face but it looked nothing other than weathered and exhausted. 

“I’m being summoned. Time plays differently here but I can only stretch away from it for so long. So, what will it be?”

It didn’t feel like much of a decision at all. 

“Well, that means I’m going back. Of course I’m going back, what else would I do?”

“You could go somewhere else.”

“Where?”

“Anywhere. Anywhere but there.” His voice was low and breathy, almost sounding as if he was pleading with you. 

“She’s my friend. That’s my home.”

“It’s your prison. You're free now, you’re out and you’re asking to go back.” His voice increased in volume as he spoke, hints of anger tinging his words. 

“Just because it is your prison does not mean it is mine. I want to go home.”

Creases formed between his brows and you couldn’t tell if they were from worry or anger. “And if I won’t take you?”

You reeled back at the suggestion, a bolt of fear running through you. 

You tried desperately to put more force behind your words, needing him to listen to you. “Take me back. Now.” 

In the back of your mind you were terrified that he'd leave you, that the unthinkable would happen and you’d be locked away from Eden forever.

He wasn’t surprised by your response. You could tell that much. If anything he looked overcome with dread, 

“Don’t say I didn’t try.”

His hand wrapped around your arm and suddenly you too could feel a distant tug pulling at the both of you. 

Without the adrenaline running through you this time, you got to actually see the change happen. The room around you faded away slowly, like a mirage you’d gotten a little too close to.

For a second you were nowhere. You didn’t even see black, just true nothing in all directions. Your stomach flipped and you leaned closer to Lucien, part of you terrified of being trapped in this void. 

And then everything faded back in and you were confronted with a familiar face. 

The second Eden laid eyes on you she grabbed your arm and yanked you out of the circle. You looked back apologetically at Lucien, the treatment feeling absurd after everything he’d done for you. 

Lucien’s gaze had hardened once more as he looked down at your witch. 

Eden’s focus wasn’t on him at all. Her eyes raked over your body, nails digging into the skin of your arm, like she was afraid you might slip away. Or maybe like she was afraid you might step back once more, back over the line she'd just pulled you from.  

“Are you hurt?” she asked frantically. “Did he hurt you?”

When she finally spoke, her voice was shaky and guilt pierced through you. You’d been off fucking around with your new favorite demon and she’s been panicking. You wondered how long she’d been like this, what she thought had happened to you. 

You pushed past her iron grip, throwing yourself towards her, arms wrapping tightly around her midsection. You buried your head in her neck, her familiar scent bringing waves of comfort to you. 

Her arms hesitantly wrapped gently around you but you could tell she was still looking up at him. 

As soon as your embrace loosened she pulled you behind her, putting herself between you and Lucien. Ultimately it was a futile gesture, he couldn’t reach either of you out here, but it seemed almost instinctive. She just wanted to put a barrier between the two of you and as much as you’d grown to trust Lucien, it made your heart swell. It awoke some unquenchable instinct, to throw yourself into danger to see if she’d come running. 

But there were more important things to attend to. You glanced around at the undamaged cabin, looking exactly as you’d left it. The only change was the new summoning circle beside the old one you’d broken. 

“You’re alright?” you asked. “They didn’t hurt you.”

Now that she had established that you were safe, she seemed uninterested in engaging with you. The question was ignored in favor of turning toward Lucian. 

“You’re a despicable man,” she said with a sneer. “What did you even gain? They’ve done nothing to you.”

 “You don’t understand,” you insisted, trying to get through to her. “He saved me.”

She regarded him with no less disdain at your declaration of what he’d done for you. 

You butted in once more, refusing to back down, not this time. “He didn’t do anything wrong, I owe him my life.”

Eden snapped, her head turning towards you as she stopped ignoring you. “We cannot do this right now, not in front of him.”

“When else? You said all he wanted was to hurt us and he saved me, how is that not substantial to you.”

“He did not save you,” she shouted.

You drew back at her harsh words. “What? No, he did. I don’t know what happened here but…”

“How many times have I warned you about demon trickery? This is exactly why I wanted to be there, why you two never should have been alone. How long did it take before he managed to make you break the circle.”

“He didn’t make me do anything, he protected me!”

“There was no threat. This was all a mistake, I never should have shown you all of this, you’re not built for it. Trusting you with it was a mistake, I’ve gone soft on you.”

“You’re wrong,” you insisted, eyes flicking to Lucien looking for help. He stared back silently, watching you from the sidelines.

“Am I? Then why was there no one here when I returned?” Eden asked. “Why did this dangerous threat do nothing to the cabin? What explanation do you have other than what is right in front of you, what you refuse to see because your heart is bigger than your head.”

“To what end?” you insisted, refusing to back down on the issue. You were not the fool here. There were gaps in what happened, sure, but her story was not flawless either. “He’s done nothing to me. He created a ploy to what, keep me safe and bring me back unscathed?”

She scoffed. “I don’t pretend to understand the machinations of demons. But neither, frankly, do you. At least one of us understands that.”

“You’re wrong.” It didn’t make sense, it was based on nothing but faux ideas of monsters and you wouldn’t stand for it. Not when he’d just saved your life. 

Lucien chose that moment to butt in. “She’s really not.”

Eden looked up at Lucien with wide eyes, seemingly wondering how things had gone so badly that she was on the same side as a demon. 

Both turned against you, despite everything. 

When Eden turned back to you she looked a little sick, less confident than you’d ever seen her before. “You’ve done so poorly you turned a demon honest. I would be impressed if I weren’t so disappointed.”

“It doesn’t make sense. He was kind, he didn’t hurt me.”

“All in service of some greater plan, I’m sure. You’ve heard it from his own mouth now, surely you don’t need any more hand-holding. The truth is right in front of you.”

“But then why would he tell me?” Your eyes flicked up towards the demon, the one you’d put all of your trust in for days. “Why would you…” You trailed off, dread pooling in your gut, a sickening bile of betrayal bubbling up inside of you. 

Lucien refused to meet your gaze, his face stony and unreadable. You wouldn’t have noticed so much if it hadn’t been such a shift from what he’d begun to show you. 

But maybe those emotions were fake too, another performance he was putting on. Another trick you were too stupid to see through.  

You’d been wrong, dangerously wrong. You couldn’t trust your judgment anymore, never should have in the first place, it seemed. 

Eden seemed to take your silence as acceptance, quickly sending Lucien away, 

The second he disappeared she turned to you, some of that manic energy from when you’d first returned appearing back in her face. It seemed she’d been hiding it from him, keeping it just under the surface. 

Both of them seemed so good at their faux emotions, Eden’s confidence, Lucien's performance as your rescuer. Maybe this was a skill you were supposed to have, maybe you were the odd one out. 

Eden’s hands gripped your shoulders, fingernails digging into your skin once more, clinging to you like a lifeline. 

“What did he say to you, how badly did he get through to you? He’ll try to lead you astray, to put you in harm's path. He’s a liar, you can’t believe him.”

“He didn’t say anything, he was just… nice.” And he had been. You couldn’t see the signs of this scheme that they both seemed so convinced were obvious. 

You could tell Eden didn’t believe you. She rarely did even before all of this, you knew it would be a long long time before she ever did again. 

The pressure of her nails subsided, leaving a dull ache of pain where their imprints remained on your skin. 

She pulled you along a familiar hall and you didn’t put up a fight, still caught up in trying to make sense of everything. 

You barely realized what was happening until she was guiding you to sit on your bed, pushing your hair away from your face and looking down at you with sad eyes. 

“This wasn’t your fault,” she said. “I should’ve known not to let you near all this. 

The reassuring graze of her fingers against your cheek faded and you heard the lock on your door click. 

“It will stay this way until you show a sense of self-preservation, alright?” she called through the door. “I will permit a lot of things but I will not allow you to hurt yourself.”

You collapsed back onto the bed with a sigh and heard her walk away, not waiting for an answer. 

With nothing better to do with your time, you ran through it in your head over and over and over again. Hours passed and you just lay there, turning the events over in your mind. 

The signs they’d both pointed to didn’t track, they didn't lead to anything. You couldn’t combine them to a point where they would make sense. If this was a trick, why had he told you the truth when you’d been so convinced? If it was to harm you or Eden why did he keep you safe in his home and bring you back here? You might not have been the best bargaining chip but you would be a good piece of leverage against her and instead here you were, locked back in your room, where you are no longer useful to him. 

None of it made sense. 

Right up until you stopped thinking about him as Eden’s type of demon, an unthinking force of evil trying to do as much damage as possible. 

Because there wasn’t any other perspective you could see. He didn’t hurt you because he didn’t want to. He didn’t hurt you because he saw someone who was scared and alone and couldn’t help himself, just like Eden had done when she found you all alone in the woods all those years ago. He didn’t hurt you because, as much as he might protest, some part of him cared. 

And, once more, he wouldn’t hurt you. 

You were betting your life on it. 

You didn’t have the materials for a summoning circle in your room but it didn’t matter. All you needed to be able to do was get him in here, you didn’t need protection from him. 

Honestly, you didn’t want the protection. You were convinced that the warding gave him something to hide behind. As long as he was locked in there, he could claim that he was a monster, that he would hurt you given the chance. 

Take that away and you’d find out what he would really do, one way or another. 

The summoning spell wasn’t long. All you needed to get him here were the words, everything else was to keep you safe or to keep him bound. 

The second he saw you, his eyes widened. You could practically see the gears turning in his head as you smiled softly up at him, giving him a little wave. 

He did not wave in return. 

His gaze dropped slowly to the floor, staring blankly as the seconds ticked by. He seemed baffled by the blank floor beneath him, trying to comprehend what could possibly be happening as you waited patiently for him to react. 

Finally, his gaze rose to meet yours once more. 

“What’s wrong with you?” he asked. 

“Nice to see you too.”

“Genuinely, what is wrong with you? It's not a rhetorical question, I would love an answer.”

You shrugged. “I’m not sure. You should ask my witch, she’s got some theories.”

“You’re going to get yourself killed,” he insisted and you couldn’t help but think that he and Eden might actually get along if it weren’t for the fact he was a demon. They seemed to have a lot of similar ideas. 

“Well, nothing has happened yet. Do you intend on killing me?”

“I could do anything to you, you couldn’t stop me.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

The longer this went on, the more relaxed you became. This man had no intention of hurting you, that much was more than clear. 

“I should kill you right now,” he said with a growl, one that you didn’t even have it in you to pretend you found frightening. The both of you had long since passed that point. 

“Why?”

“Because I’m a demon. That’s what we do.”

“And yet here we are and I remain unharmed. So it seems demons are more complicated than that. Either that or you’re a shitty demon.”

He couldn’t seem to fight back a smile at that. “Yeah, well you’re a shitty witch.”

“I’m not a witch. A witch-in-training at most, although something tells me the training is not going to happen again for a very long time.”

“My bad,” he said, and you could almost detect a hint of sheepishness in his tone. 

“I know how you can make it up to me,” you said leaning forwards towards him from your seat on the bed. 

His head cocked to the side. “And how is that?”

“Tell me why you did it.”

He groaned. “You and your why’s. I’m not telling you anything.”

“Fine,” you said, “I’ll give it a shot then. Do you know what I think? I think you never imagined I’d break that warding. You were just trying to scare me or prove some point about me or whatever and then I broke the warding and you didn’t know what to do. I think I ruined your little plan and when confronted with someone who was scared and who trusted you, you helped them. Who wouldn’t?”

“Cute little story you’ve spun yourself.”

You shrugged. “It’s what I would’ve done.”

“You would’ve created a commotion to scare the shit out of a witch-in-training?”

“No, but testing someone? Trying to prove the very worst? Seeing when push comes to shove, what will people do? That’s not demon scheming.”

“Yes it is.”

“It’s really not. Seems more insecure than anything.”

That got a real hearty laugh out of him. “Oh, does it now?”

“At least that’s what my witch says when I do it. Do little tests and push at things to see if she trusts me. I mean, I’ve never made her fear for her life but she’s never trapped me and made me do anything so I think we have different levels of frustration.”

“She doesn’t believe in you,” he observed and you wondered if he was just now coming to understand that.  

You rolled your eyes. “Who would?” 

The question hung in the air and you could feel him waiting, wondering if he should answer it. 

You took the choice away from him, asking a question of your own in return. “When was the last time a human trusted you?”

“A long, long time ago, little one. Not to say I haven’t earned my reputation.” 

“I don’t know. You seem pretty trustworthy to me.” 

“You’d be surprised.” He looked down at the bare floor below him once more. “You know, there’s nothing stopping me anymore. I could take you away, let you leave this place.”

That caught you by surprise. “What? No, I… I can’t”

“Why? Because of the woods? I could take you right past them. There’s no way you’ve never wanted to leave. Come on, I could even take you back after, you don’t have to be imprisoned here.”

“This is my home,” you insisted. 

“What the fuck has she done to you? You could leave, right now, go anywhere. I’m offering you the world, one trip, no fees, no fine print. I never do that, you’d be a fool to refuse it.”

“She hasn’t done anything to me. She just wants to keep me safe.” At the end of the day, it always came back to this with the two of you, Eden forever being the wedge between you. 

“The little warden has you playing good little prisoner. I’m honestly impressed. And they call me manipulative.”

“Stop it. I know she’s wronged you but-”

“But? There is not but. She is a monster and you’re trapped in her web just as much as I am.”

“She is a good person.”

“Maybe you’re too far gone. I don’t know if I can help you.”

“I don’t need help,” you said. 

He opened his mouth to insist you did or tell you once more how much of a monster your savior was but you dismissed him before he had the chance. 

Without the warding, he could have stayed. He could have clung to this plane easily but he let you push him away and once more you were locked alone in your room. 

It took a long time to fall asleep. Your conversation with Lucien kept swimming around and around in your head. 

Eventually, exhaustion got the better of you and your room faded away to another familiar place. 

It hadn’t even been a full day since you’d left and Lucien’s room was just as vivid as when you’d been standing in it. 

He was there too, looking down at you with that hungry look he’d gotten in his eyes on occasion, when he thought you weren’t looking. 

“I’m glad you came back,” he said, walking over towards you, his hand moving under your chin, forcing you to look up at him. “It gets boring around here without you, I could always use a sweet little thing to play with.”

Your face warmed and you managed to stutter out, “I… uh…”

You heard a chuckle from behind you and dream Lucien dissipated in a puff of smoke as you stiffened. 

You whipped around to see Lucien again, a notably more real one, leaning against the wall. “Pity. I wanted to see what happened next. 

Your face burned, glad dream Lucien left before he could do anything particularly embarrassing. 

You folded your arms with a huff. “Are you just going to invade all of my dreams now?”

“Maybe. If they’re all as fun as this one was gearing up to be then you can sign me up.”

You clamored for a retort but came up empty, ending up just sputtering and then staring at him all while feeling as if your cheeks might melt and your heart might beat its way right out of your chest. 

He chucked again. “Relax. It’s sweet. Next time I’ll try and come in later, you could use some stress relief.”

You might actually spontaneously combust. “Please say you came for some reason other than to embarrass me,” you pleaded. 

He shrugged. “Just came to talk. Embarrassing you was an unexpected bonus.”

Next time you saw him in the non-dream world you were going to throw something at him.

“Talk about what?” you asked, desperately trying to change the topic. 

“We ended on bad terms earlier.”

Oh. That. You’d almost prefer he keep on humiliating you.

“Did you come to apologize?” you asked, trying not to sound too hopeful. 

But nothing could ever be simple with him. 

“You know,” he said,  “there’s lots of different reactions demons have when humans summon them, trap them, make them do their bidding, all that nasty business. Some get violent, some get tricky, some have given up and are just filled with despair, following along until they’re finally free. There’s no right reaction to this sort of thing, not really. But there’s one kind that we all hate, the real traitors. Because sometimes there is no fighting back, no despair. Sometimes they just happily fall in line. It’s certainly safer that way, I can’t fault anyone for listening, but to do it happily? And sometimes, eventually, they don’t even need to be forced. They just go along with it, anything for their little masters.”

“I don’t understand.”

“No, I didn’t think you would. I won’t push too hard, you’re clearly not ready for that, but you witch is a very, very bad person.”

“She just doesn’t understand you. I’ll make her understand.”

“At least you're going to try. That’s something.” He spoke with a halfhearted smile, his mind clearly elsewhere. You wished more than anything you could read him, that you could understand what was going on in his head. 

“Of course I am. And she will understand, I’ll make her see that you’re not a threat, that she shouldn't be summoning you.”

The sadness written across his face was clear, with hunched shoulders and a furrowed brow betraying him as he stared down at you. 

Finally, after staring intently at you, contemplating something as he mulled over your words, he said,“Thyme.”

“Excuse me?”

“You didn’t have enough thyme. That’s how I can get in here. Most witches use way more than necessary just in case but you tried to make it exact and it fucked you over.” 

“Oh. I didn’t want to use more of my witch’s stash than I had to.”

“One of these days someone crueler than me is going to come along and that mindset is going to get you hurt.”

“I’ve been fine so far. Why did you tell me, if I fix it you can’t get into my head anymore.”

He shrugged. “Figure it out.” 

“Is it an apology or another trick”

“What do you think,” he asked with a smile. He enjoyed this, giving you little pieces of information and seeing what you’d do with them. 

“An apology,” you decided.

“Your witch would call that foolish,” he informed you, as if you weren’t already intimately familiar with the idea. 

“She already calls me foolish, might as well trust my instincts if it’s going to happen anyways.”

“I don’t know what I’ve done to make you think I’m so good-intentioned.”

You laughed. “Yeah, because you’ve been so cruel to me”

“I tricked you,” he reminded you, as if it had just slipped your mind. 

“And then you took care of me when I proved you wrong.”

“An outlier. You caught me off guard.”

“How?”

“Because you fell for my trick.”

“Oh, is that so? Maybe your expectations of me were too high. Do you think me foolish now too?”

“Maybe. I’m not entirely sure what to think of you.”

The room snapped out of existence as you woke with a jolt at Eden banging at your door, some food having already been slipped underneath it. You considered asking her to bring you more thyme but thought better of it. You didn’t think you’d be needing it anytime soon. 

#terato #demon x reader #demon x human #monster bf #monster boyfriend #monster x human #monster x reader #demon #the witch's apprentice #Sorry I was on a sort of unplanned hiatus for a bit guys #I am back now #also would you believe me if I told you I didn't see the garden of eden metaphor in this until someone pointed it out to me #incredible things our subconscious can do #Especially when you were raised catholic lmao #I was having issues writing this so I went with the tried and true write it like a script #and then add dialogue tags and description until it works lol

[thunderc1an]

a jayfeather drawing I did a couple of weeks ago that I forgot to post

#warriors #warrior cats #wc #thunderclan #jayfeather #I'm 99% sure I have not posted this yet #tw eyestrain #eyestrain #wanted to give a smidge of context to what's going on irl for me #because of the fact that i took on a lot of coms #and was basically drawing nonstop #in short I kinda messed up my hand #so i've been drawing in very small amounts to finish up my coms #i was able to see my doctor and yeah she told me to lay off the art and to wear a wrist splint #rn it just hurts horrendously to draw/write/etc #so I'm gonna be taking an art hiatus for the time being #cuz my dr said that at this rate I could get carpal tunnel at a young age #other than that! I'm good! <:) remaining extra positive #hope u guys have a wonderful rest of ur day #sorry for all the tags hahahaha #it just feels weird to make a long post or something haha

[kayatoastkkat]

guys look real picture of my handwriting when there’s 5min left on the exam

okay….I’ve seen people on discord searching up pictures that matched the alchemical diagram Jekyll drew up here…

unfortunately I am a dumbass and don’t really give any fucks about that. I’m more. focused on the fact that. that fucking brain structure. its all split up wrong. Jekyll. Jekyll why were you drawing fantasy maps on the brain what were you trying to accomplish.

GUYS GUYSGUYS GUYS QUICK GET THE CAMERA. GET THE FUCKIN CAMERA. DO THINE EYES DECEIVE ME??! JEKYLL AND FRANKENSTEIN ARE…BONDING??

ok but. oh my gosh. they’re actually pretty cute when they’re not at each others’ throats about science!!

okay Jekyll’s prooobably going to open the door and start giggling and brainrotting over fucking chemistry notes with his childhood idol but. it would be funnier if he just slot it through the gap under the door for her to read. and they just spend the next 10 minutes arguing over Jekyll’s handwriting.

but what might also happen is Frankie goes into the lab to see for herself…and going off the wip Sage posted on Xitter, might just help Jekyll find the ingredients needed to make the potion that would fix this mess.

at any rate these two are slowly gaining insight of each other and Frankie finally thinks Jekyll’s worth some of her respect!! guys. I am. so normal over their bonding sessions.

imagine Creature just standing in the corner waiting for them to hurry up and finish the character-developing conversation so they could just leave already. probably not even far off from the truth.

thats it folks! thanks for reading :D

#hi guys it’s kat here we are SO back #sorry for taking an unofficial hiatus on these thingies exam period was not the best #affected my mental health pretty heavily esp on mondays so I took a small break from doing them #anyways. exams are over. they’re back and I’m doing better! for now. #the glass scientists #tgs update #tgs spoilers #kkat's monday rants #did anyone miss these im assuming you did…

[wingfeathersagafanblog]

Season 2 of The Wingfeather Saga is coming SOON! Support the show by purchasing this awesome poster here, and check out the new Season 2 trailer!

#the wingfeather saga #posters #promotional art #season 2 #angel studios #art #You GUYS this is SO COOL???? The design!!! The colors!!! All the characters!!! #I am SO excited and also want this poster now. How EPIC #Sorry for the hiatus - I'm back in WFS hype mode (for obvious reasons) and will try to be much more active again!

[saytrrose]

Hey guys small update the date was wonderful, however uh

I have seen a dead body for the first time and had to call 911 so that’s nice

#idk how to tag this #um #currently in police custody #with friends #will update? #my life is… #so eventful #I feel like a ao3 author that constantly goes on hiatus with you guys #sorry hhh

[nyormilt]

i'm the #1 jogo stan in the world, but it always kills me how immediately after sukuna does his whole "you fought well" bit to jogo, he fights mahoraga.

#jjk #jjk spoilers #jogo jjk #sukuna #like did he regret the compliment? #“not as good as this guy but he's dead now so whatever” #*mid mahoraga fight* huh maybe that guy was just weak. #sorry im still on hiatus but jogo just died in the anime and i needed to celebrate #all his badassery comes in at the last minute because the author forgot to characterize him as anything but #an incompetent old geezer for the whole run of the manga (it worked on me anyway) #still like the original fight in the manga better tho. #they really did a specific panel of his a disservice

[everwisp]

he’s getting ready for that bday SSR drip next year ✨

[ref]

#a3! #act addict actors #guy nishiki #guy lastname #guy a3! #tasuku abs card i raise u guy chest #im fine i swear i was perfectly sane during hiatus #vote for seiran <33 #also if you see something no u dont ehe <333 #face in hands as we speak ahhHHH GUY IM SO SORRY #now excuse me while i read em’s new fic sjvnsmKFMSM #ever arts

[redbootsindoriath]

Merry Christmas!

And an early happy new year, since I'll be traveling at that time and won't be able to post anything. Sorry for the long disappearance. I wish I had some exciting excuse like being abducted by the fae or becoming a spy, but really I've just been going through a lot and haven't been drawing much. Here are a couple of fantasy style Klausen (or maybe the more widely recognized Krampi) by way of apology. I hope you all have been good this year.

#my trash #/end classification tags #also for everyone who was wishing me well after toothless died: i've had a chance to adjust #i'm not happy but i've adjusted #i got a new kitten to keep the calico company and so he's helping to distract me and i've been keeping busy training him #i've pretty much finished moving in to the new place but i don't know when i'll be leaving again so it's an uneasy period of peace #not unpacking much yet until i have an idea of where i'll be in the spring/summer because otherwise it could be a lot of unnecessary bother #but yeah #again sorry for the long absence #i've missed you guys #i meant to pop in at least a LITTLE bit more frequently during my hiatus but real life has no regards for my plans

[stackofeggs]

im trying to get back into watching hermitcraft because i miss it so much </3

so I'm going to binge Mumbo's series and live react every episode. or every 2. or 3

currently at: s9 ep10 ("IM BACK!")

philippines mention

#I'm so behind that even he came back from his hiatus wow #i have so many draft reblogs to. publish #also HAHA THE WAY I JUMPED FROM MY SEAT #when he said he wad in the philippines #sorry guys its my toxic filipino trait #you can hear the birds... i love it i love that #mumbo #egg16.txt #college is so bleakkk i need to love things again!!!!

[starshine-valley]

Here me out. All of them in a poly relationship.

Hear.

Me.

Out.

#pjsk #project sekai #prosekai #proseka #prsk #sorry about the hiatus guys #it was like for three days #but anyways have the polyamorous lesbians #I LOVE KANAENA HONAKANA AND HONAENA SMMM #THEY’RE SO SILLY #kanaena #honakana #honaena #honskanaena #consider it guys pls #honami mochizuki #ena shinonome #kanade yoisaki #also known as kanade and her two brunette gfs

[rinhaler]

good morning

#🧚🏽‍♀️ — luxe chit chat #so I’m going through a friendship breakup and I really struggling #I’m in so much pain #I’m super anxious I just feel downright terrible to be honest #I know I have requests and stuff and I do want to continue writing but I hope you can all offer me some grace and patience #I’m having a terribly hard time and I’m just devastated to be honest #I’m feeling really sad and worthless and I just don’t know what to do #I don’t know if a hiatus would make me feel better or worse #I don’t know if writing will be a good distraction or make me feel worse #Kay came over last night to comfort me so at least I’m not alone but I’m just not doing good in the least #I’m really sorry guys I love you all a lot I don’t want to disappoint anyone

[cayenneexe]

The World According to Kris (reverse!au) 3/?

Missed me? Chapter 3 is almost out! Here's a sneak peek!

With two new allies, Noah and the Freedom Racers fly to Peru to find the second half of the transwarp key. Unaware to all of them, they have two stowaways watching them in plain sight.

Stuck in a limbo between life and death, Kris watches his brother and sister-figure Elevate, a nightingale beast machine with a sonic voice and speed, fail to properly grieve his death. In process, he comes to the terrifying realization of who's to blame.

Or

Reverse Roles AU and basically Kris takes Bee’s place in RotB, killed by Scourge trying to steal the transwarp key before being revived, followed by flashbacks on Noah’s and Kris’ life before the crash that sent hundreds of Cybertronians to Earth.

First, Previous

Next (coming soon)

airlena gif is from @skybytes

Ao3 Link Below

“Your singing is very nice. It’s very relaxing.” Airazor whispered bashfully, turning towards that oversized nightingale who shivers her feathers in appreciation and pride, “You wouldn’t imagine it would be able to make tanks explode.”

Elena giggles softly at the compliments, a bit self-conscious by how much damage her sonic screeches actually did. She only used it once or twice but that time, it was out of blind rage. Looking back, it seems so embarrassing. She was never the fight type. That was her father. Regardless, the complement was nice.

“Oh, well thank you. I’m just happy no one was hurt.” Elena huffed, “Well, those who are important.”

Airazor lets out a soft chortle at her jab and turns her entire body to face the nightingale. She takes in her entire figure, never realizing she had a proper look at her new ally and savior. Elena’s figure is slender as much as any nightingale but she seemed to resemble a bluethroat nightingale except with lavender and a dark gray strip below it instead of blue and the orange strip. Her light gray feathers, despite dirty from soot and rubble, glimmer from the actual silver and iron blades layered in between her wings.

On the other hand, Elena has never been so close to a human before. She had only arrived on Earth a few weeks before the Autobots crashed into Earth with her calculations claiming that the transwarp key landed somewhere there millions of years ago. She often stayed out of sight up in the clouds or in caves but this is the first time she had been so up close.

Airazor’s aged face is slightly touched up by makeup and her short hair combed back with a few strands poking over her widow’s peak and hanging over her auburn eyes. Elena also notes that the scientist is thin but not bony. Behind her white lab coat and rolled up jeans, she is most definitely athletic in a way. Elena has seen her remove her coat a few times to clean it, her brown wife-beater tank top showing off her fit biceps. Primus! Stop that Elena!

While Elena tries to look anywhere but the scientist, she notices a shining piece of bronze around Airazor’s neck. Elena points to it with her wing, “What is this symbol?”

Startled out of her thoughts, Airazor looks down at what she’s pointing at. A soft and fond smile stretches across her face looking down at her necklace. She unties it and holds it gently in her palm to show, “It is the Maximal crest. Now, it is all I have left of my people.”

She was a part of a team of warriors from her tribe to protect the first half of the key. They called themselves the Maximals; Friends with the animals and fought like them. They kept the relic far away from their home for fear of people learning of its power and using it for evil. They blended into the crowd, hiding in plain sight but when UniCorp learned of its existence, they killed off her friends and family to obtain it. With Airazor left, the key was left to be protected at the museum she worked at. Looking at the necklace only reminded her of the pain but after so long, Airazor can only be reminded of its beauty.

Elena stared at the little charm, admiring the intricate designs of what appears to be a predator but it appears more brave than dangerous. “It’s beautiful.” Elena muttered in awe as Airazor tied it back around her neck before she gestures to her entire body, bowing slightly with a smirk, “Well, the whole thing is working for you.”

Airazor returns the compliment with a smug yet flushed smile, “You should’ve seen me in my 20s.”

“Oh yeah?” Elena challenges, leaning her beck dangerously close to the scientist’s face, “What you was doing? Turning human heads?”

Regardless of the close proximity, a flushed Airazor doesn’t waver. “Maybe.”

Kris watches the two banter from a far. It was funny watching more humans get along with his loved ones. Seeing his family friend and the kind but scary scientist from the museum joke with each other was sweet, especially since they looked so fond of each other. Kind of reassembled the face Mirage makes at Noah when he isn’t looking.

“Oh my Primus.” Kris loudly chokes at the realization. They like-like them. Mirage and Airazor! Gross!

“So I’m not the only one who sees the chemistry.” Breanna jokes, peering down at the Viper, who’s holding back a gag. That’s his brother! And his almost-sister! Come on!

“Ugh! They love each other!” Kris groans as his metal cheeks turn green, “Now they’re going to be all kissy and shit.”

“Ay! Language.” Kris smiles sheepishly at her mother’s scolding tone. “And they’re only going to be all kissy if Noah and Elena like them back.”

With his head snapped up at the older robot in shock, Kris points at them with a bewildered expression as if he’s pointing out the obvious, “Of course they do! I’m dead, not blind!”

The young Autobot slumps in his seat, watching Airazor slowly fall asleep on Elena’s silver wing to her song and Mirage fidgeting with his cap, his blue eyes flicking up at the sleeping green Challenger every few minutes. As sad as the sight is, it’s comforting for the dead. Not once has Kris has ever seen so much kindness towards his family within the few months they have stayed.

“Noah and Elena never had time for a conjunx. Mom always encouraged him but he was too busy looking for jobs or taking care of me to go searching.” Kris mutters as Breanna swiftly and gracefully sits next to him. When the young robot closes his eyes, he can see the memories of the real Breanna teasing Noah on his way out of the door about finding a conjunx partner soon so she can have Kris all to herself.

“And no one on Eukaris liked Elena. I guess they prefer beast modes who can fight and kill rather than study and sing.” That idea was just plain stupid in Kris’ opinion. She’s the smartest and kindest person she has ever met, with the exception of maybe his brother but he’s more protective and badass than smart and kind.

Then it just hit the Viper; His real mom is all alone. Noah and Kris never liked or even played with the idea of leaving home since there was no real reason to. This trip to Earth was a complete accident and for all Breanna knows, her sons might be dead. Kris looks up at his fake mom, his spark stuttering at the sight of the familiar gentleness in her eyes, realizing that she’ll never see the real ones ever again, “Do you think Breanna would be mad if she found out that I wanted to stay? That Noah has a conjunx on Earth?” Kris asks as he hugs his knees and looks at Noah, who’s now asleep, resting his helm on Elena’s shoulder, who is also sleeping against his shoulder blades.

The fake Breanna was silent for a moment, humming as she thinks before she places a hand on Kris’ shoulder. He painfully looks up and meets Breanna’s blue eyes, “I don’t she’ll be mad one bit.”

The fact that it’s not his actual carrier isn’t as comforting as he wants but as his optics drift to sleep, he pretends that her calming voice is.

#transformers #transformers rise of the beasts #transformers rotb #rise of the beasts #rotb #kris diaz #noah diaz #Breanna diaz #airazor #elena wallace #freedom racers au #reverse au #reverse roles au #read on ao3 #cross posted on ao3 #fanfic #fanfiction #some lesbians for you guy before it all goes to shit #sorry for the hiatus #also Brenna is the biggest mirnoah and airlena shipper #kris isn't shipper but he aint blind #no one is good enough for his family #airlena #mirnoah #mirage x noah #airazor x elena #and the gif is from skybytes #also I haven't watched beast wars yet so bear with me if I get any lore incorrect #pls correct me in the comments or reposts

[gloomforrestrunes]

may I suggest Honeywell by Clem Turner as a Nex song perhaps

ooh, what an interesting pick for him! i definitely see it, a lot of these lyrics fit him.

Get it through your pretty head Take me with you instead Forget her, she's gone Tell me, dear stranger Whose side are you on?

#oc songs #ask #anon #nex blackwood #so sorry for not answering this ask until now. being on comic hiatus makes it so i have to get back into the groove of things here lol #i also am a guy who forgets a lot