its been a hot minute since i’ve been on here but i’m back and looking for something to write!! if you guys have any prompts I like to write for nessian, gwynriel, cressworth, rowaelin, elorcan, and many others if i’ve read the books so please leave me some prompts!
can’t stop thinking about another high lords meeting where they all have somehow found out that Nesta has these crazy death powers and it has not been communicated that she basically lost all of it so they all think she’s a threat and/or a weapon. so one of the highlords (probably beron) decided he wants to take her so he has a surprise sneak attack and shoots her in the stomach and winnows her back to his court. then cassian and the rest of the courts go ballistic. idek just thoughts
Cassian decides to give Nesta a little surprise for the holidays.
Warnings: None | Word Count: 2,337 | Read on AO3
Nessian Masterist
Happy Holidays, @ignite-me!!! It is I, your Secret Santa! I really hope you enjoy this little drabble! It's not much, but it's soft and fluffy, literally and metaphorically lol. I hope you're having a wonderful holiday season and have a great new year! 💕
"Thank you so much!"
Cassian let out a sigh of relief as he looked into the fully packed bag sitting on the settee at the foot of his and Nesta's bed. He'd honestly had no idea what he would find after asking the House for this favor, but apparently emphasizing that the request was actually for Nesta offered better results. It would make the surprise all the sweeter having everything ready for his wife and mate.
He looked through the bag, checking to make sure there wasn't anything else he needed to add. Cassian was pleasantly surprised at the amount of lingerie - and quality of it - the House had packed. And grateful, of course. There were also a few day dresses, some training clothes, some cozies for lounging, and even a few formal dresses. He hadn't requested that. Guess he'd need to add some formal attire into his own bag and plan out one or two fancier dinners for them.
Then again, did he really need to follow orders like that from the House? It wouldn't be with them to see what happened, thank the Mother. He might finally feel like they have some privacy.
The temperature of the room decreased drastically as if the House could read his thoughts. "Okay, understood, packing some nice shirts," he mumbled, walking over to his closet and pulling out some of his nicest clothes. As he folded them up and placed them in his own bag, he saw the House add three books to Nesta's. "Surely she won't need that many. She's going to be kept quite busy."
The House added three more to the bag to spite him. Maybe it wasn't as on board with his surprise as he thought.
"Fine. This week is about her, if she wants to spend it all reading, she can do that." He rolled his eyes and closed both bags, fastening them shut and bringing them up to the balcony. Luckily, Nesta was out with her sister and Gwyn, doing some Solstice shopping. That gave him the freedom to bring the bags up to where Az was waiting to winnow them to their destination.
His brother took one look at the bags and shook his head, chuckling as he said, "I thought you were only going for a week."
"Yeah, well, the House overpacked, and then made me do the same," he shrugged.
Az nodded in understanding. The last time he'd asked the House for a favor, he'd ended up with a picnic basket filled with enough food for twelve, including ten different chocolate desserts. All because he requested help in preparing a lunch for Gwyn. "I'm sure you'll be glad to be away for a few days."
"And you'll be glad to have the house to yourself." Cassian threw a wink at Az. "I imagine Gwyn will be around quite a lot."
"You know it's not like that."
"What? I just meant for dinner," Cassian hummed, smiling innocently.
Az gave a grunted, "Hmmm," and grabbed the bags. "See you at Solstice."
A quick exchange of nods, and Az was gone, gliding up to beyond the wards and then winnowing the bags away to help Cassian with the surprise. Of course, if he touched anything, Cassian would host a party every week and force Az to give a speech at each one. No mercy.
And that was the last of the tasks. All that was left for Cassian to do was wait for Nesta to get back.
And wait. And wait. And wait.
It was almost three hours before Nesta got back, hand grasping a bag from her favorite bakery, a gentle smile on her face. It still took his breath away. He'd never get bored of seeing Nesta happy, of glimpsing that smile that sent his heart racing.
Her lips spread wider when she saw him. Nesta walked toward him and gave him a kiss on the cheek before asking, "How was your afternoon?"
"Nothing special. How was yours?"
"It was good," she sighed, her steel gaze bright. "Found the last of the gifts I wanted to get. And some extras for a certain someone." She wrapped her arms around his waist, and Cassian instantly had his snaking around her shoulders.
"Oh really?"
"Yes. I do hope Eris likes them." Cassian froze until he saw the glimmer in Nesta's eyes and the way the corner of her lip twitched upward. Not to mention the slight twitch of her arched ear, a dead giveaway.
He laughed softly, kissing her atop her head. "I'm sure he will." Tucking away a loose golden brown strand, Cassian added, "And, speaking of presents, I have a surprise for you." Nesta's eyebrows quirked as she looked back up at him. "But we have to go to it."
"Color me intrigued." Cassian smiled widely down at her and grabbed her hand, leading her to the balcony. "Oh, we're going now?"
"We are," he replied. "But don't worry, you can bring your sweets."
Nesta huffed out a small laugh and rolled her eyes. "Do I need anything else for this trip?"
"Everything is sorted, don't worry about it." He leaned down and kissed her gently on the cheek. "But we are flying, so I'd like to leave while we still have some daylight."
"So needy," Nesta mumbled, just loud enough for Cassian to hear.
He picked her up swiftly in response and gave her no warning as he lunged off the balcony. Her arms snapped around his neck, taking an iron grip around him as she chastised him with a shockingly colorful vocabulary.
After that it was a smooth flight. Chilly, but Cassian used his siphons to create a shield from the wind to minimize that. It was a comfortable silence as they flew. Nesta enjoyed looking at the world around them. She'd gotten used to flying, but still experienced it with wonder and awe. And Cassian enjoyed looking at her as she did.
It was about two hours before Nesta started to get a bit antsy. "Cassian, where are we going?" she asked through a groan, fidgeting to find a new, more comfortable position.
"I told you, it's a surprise," he reminded her.
"Ugh!" She moved around again, and then just seemed to give up. "How close are we?"
"Very, I promise. Just a few more minutes."
Nesta let out a loud sigh and dropped her head. If the trip were any longer, Cassian would've planned to make a stop. He knew that, as much as Nesta enjoyed flying with him, she didn't like to do it for too long. Interesting, considering how easily it was for her to spend a whole day in the same spot when she was reading.
It wasn't even five minutes until their destination came into view.
The small cabin was nestled neatly in the mountains, atop one particular peak that was well guarded. The peak was also elevated enough that the view from the cabin was spectacular, looking out over the entire range.
Cassian held Nesta tighter and whispered in her ear, "Here we are."
"Is that the cabin?" she asked in shock, eyes widening.
"Not exactly," Cassian chuckled. "It's not the one Rhys owns. It's mine. I thought you might appreciate that more, and I wanted to share it with you."
Cassian set Nesta down on the snow carefully and took her hand, leading her to the wooden house. His heart began to pound faster and harder with each step they took. There was no way to turn back now, and yet the deed was not done. It was a horrible position to be in.
Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open and stepped aside, motioning for Nesta to step in first. He was right on her heels, until she gasped and his entire body froze.
Shit.
What did that mean? Was it a good gasp? A bad one? Did she see something terrifying? Had something gone horribly wrong?
Cassian looked around the cabin for anything out of place. The kitchen and living room both seemed to still be intact, as were all the decorations he'd been putting up over the past week. Floating Fae lights and pine garlands, candles on every flat surface and large wreaths hung on each window - everything was there, and it looked pretty damn good, if Cassian said so himself.
There was no fire roaring, but Cassian had managed to convince Helion to place some hospitality enchantments on the cabin, including one that would keep the cabin well heated. And then he found a lovely painting of a fire in a fireplace and put it right where the fire would be - for the aesthetic.
"Did you do all this for me?" she asked gently, eyes scanning the room.
He couldn't help but smile down at her. And then he sidled up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and leaning his head on her shoulder. "Of course. I thought you might like to have a celebration with just us, and a chance to get away from Velaris."
"Cassian," Nesta breathed in that way she only did when she was at a loss for words. Her eyes snagged on the chocolate cake in the middle of the table before she turned in his arms and rested her hands on his chest. "This is amazing. Thank you."
He grinned widely at her before leaning in and pressing his lips to hers. "Happy Anniversary, Nesta."
"Happy Anniversary, Cassian." She pushed herself up onto her toes and kissed him again, snaking her arms around his neck to pull him down and deepen the kiss.
Cassian let her for a moment, all too willing to get carried away in Nesta, but then he heard a soft whine and was brought back to reality. "Ahhh," he sighed as he pulled away. "There is one other surprise. Something I thought you'd enjoy having some time with without the rest of the rabble."
With lifted eyebrows, Nesta tilted her head at him and said, "That now has my full attention."
He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and then disappeared into the bedroom.
Nesta wandered around the cabin as she waited for Cassian to return.
She was truly speechless at what he'd done. The cabin was a Solstice wonderland, incorporating Fae and human decorations perfectly. Stepping into it was like a hug of warmth and comfort, almost like stepping into Cassian's arms after a hard day.
It had been a rough year. Training only intensified after the Blood Rite, and Nesta was spending more time with Gwyn and Emerie, recruiting and planning out what they might do with their new Valkyries. There was also a lot more time spent with family this year, and while Nesta cherished all the nights she spent with her nephew, she could've done with fewer family dinners and other obligations. It was starting to get to the point where she and Cassian had to plan to have a night to themselves at least a week in advance.
Even when Nesta was free, that didn't always guarantee Cassian was. He didn't like to complain about it, but Nesta could tell it was a drain on him, the need to split his time between Velaris and Illyria. She joined him often, especially if he'd be spending more than one night there, but it was a lot of energy, and he missed his family when he was gone.
Nesta was smelling one of the wreaths on the windows, savoring the strong scent of pine, when Cassian returned, his hands full.
The basket he held wasn't very large, but it had a massive red bow on it. And inside, a small, furry head was sticking up, wide eyes practically glowing.
"Cassian…"
"Surprise!" he cheered, holding the basket out to Nesta. Inside, a tiny, long-haired kitten with steel grey fur sat, looking up at Nesta.
She nearly melted at the site of the little animal. Its tiny nose and little, white-booted paws. "What did you do?" she asked in a quiet voice as she reached in and picked up the kitten. Gosh, it was light. And it snuggled close to her as she held it close to her body.
"Do you like her?"
"Her?" Nesta asked.
"Yup! I saw her the other day and just knew. She held her head up high, turning her nose up at a kitten that was clearly trying to annoy her, and I just had to get her."
Nesta could feel a heat building behind her eyes as she hugged the cat close. "She's perfect."
"And very fierce. You should see what she did to the evil towel I left in there," Cassian chuckled. "Your newest Valkyrie."
The kitten yawned and Nesta felt her heart expand as she then rested her head against Nesta's arm and fell quickly asleep. "I love her, thank you."
Cassian beamed down at her. "You have a whole week to get acquainted. From what I've heard and read, that'll bond her to you so you won't have to worry about her loving anyone else quite as much." He lifted his hand and scratched the kitten's head softly.
"What about you?"
"I'll give you two space."
Nesta rolled her eyes and chuckled softly. "No, I mean, I want her to love you, too. She's ours."
"I just thought-"
"No, Cassian," Nesta interrupted, smiling up at her husband, her mate, her life partner. "She's ours. I want to share my life with you, remember? That includes her."
He took her breath away with the smile he gave her, likely thinking back to the vows they shared during their wedding and mating ceremony. "I remember. It's the greatest honor of my life." He kept his hand on the kitten, his fingers meeting where Nesta's rested, and kissed her again. One of many kisses they shared that week. Ending with the first of many nips from the newest addition to their family, and a shared laughter that filled the cabin for their entire trip.
I'm not sure if the tag worked, so wanted to make sure you see the piece I posted. 💕 But the ask box is also not letting me link it...so much for making it easy. 😂 But happy happy holidays and I hope you enjoy!
thank you so much @talkfantasytome !!!!! i did recieve it and it is perfect ❤️
Hi! Just want you to know that you have not been forgotten! I am working on your gift, it's just been a hectic time for me, but I'm hoping to get it up asap! It just will likely be pretty close to the deadline. <3
no worries at all!! i literally just went through the most chaotic finals week of my life so i completely understand. i cant wait to see what you come up with! :)
This is a 4 part collection of one shots of Nessian throughout a span of years. This is a little slice of Nessian daughter and the adorable relationship she has with Cassian 🥰
I hope you enjoy and happy holidays!!
for @bookish-whore
@acotargiftexchange
Part One | Part Two | Part Three
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Through the Years: Part Four
Standing in the kitchen in the River house, Rhys, Cassian, and Azriel watched as a stuffed animal was thrown onto the counter in front of them. The stuffed animal was a worn, black bat, a gag gift that had ended up becoming a prized possession. Following the stuffed animal, a tiny hand appeared on the counter and a little grunt as a small girl pulled herself onto the countertop. Amused, the 3 brothers watched as she grabbed her stuffed animal and proceeded to open the cabinet now in her eyesight.
“Ahem,” Cassian coughed. The little girl turned around with wide eyes and looked at her father. He raised his brow at her.
“Cady, aren’t you supposed to be napping?”
She looked at him guiltily and said “I wasn’t tired, Papa.”
Cassian sighed. She was never tired. At just 3 years old, his daughter was always on the move. She had about a million thoughts in her head, some of them so advanced even he didn’t understand them. However, this also meant that she never seemed to want to take naps when she was supposed to. Nesta and Feyre had taken Nyx out for the day to get him some new clothes and had left his daughter in the care of the 3 brothers. As much as he loved his daughter, he had hoped she would actually nap today because he had been up all last night poring over reports from the Illyrian camps.
“What are you looking for?” Azriel questioned the girl, who had turned back around to the cabinet.
“I needs a pen.” she replies without turning around.
“For…” Cassian prompted.
“My teapawty!” she exclaimed enthusiastically, turning back around. “Papa, will you join me?” She gave him her best puppy dog eyes, ones she knew that Cassian couldn’t resist. Cassian relented because honestly, who could resist such a face.
“Fine. But after that you have to take at least a 10 minute nap.”
She pouted, but seemed to contemplate it, then finally relented. “Okay.”
“Do you wanna join?” she perked up at Rhys and Azriel and looked at them both in turn. Both males were helpless to such a face and as such also agreed to join her tea party. Dragging the 3 grown males back to her room, she ran in excitedly and straight to her tea set up. Her room was painted bright pink and decorated with a bright pink bed, with purple sheets. Stuffed animals littered both her bed and the floor, concentrated mainly at the table that she used to hold her tea parties.
The tea table was a lime green, and consisted of a tiny table and 6 small stools surrounding it. She gestured at the 3 empty stools for them to sit on. Azriel and Rhys both looked wary of the size of the stool, clearly worried about breaking it, but Cassian had done this plenty of times before and knew that these chairs were basically indestructible, plopping down on a stool next to a pegasus stuffed animal.
Rhys and Azriel followed his lead, and Cady eagerly started doling out her plastic cups to all members at the table. As the 3 males received their utensils, they mumbled their thanks and carefully set them down in front of them. Once everything was set up, Cady pulled out her notebook and the pen she had snagged from the kitchen.
“Okay! Time for our discussion.”
Cassian couldn’t help but grin seeing the looks on his brother’s faces. Both of them were bewildered at the statement that had just come out of the little girl’s mouth.
“What- what's the discussion?” Rhys asked cautiously.
“Hmmmm,” his daughter mused as she flipped through her notebook.
“I got it!” she exclaimed. “The discussion at today’s teapawty will be about the relativity of da universes.” Content with her choice of discussion, she settled in to prepare for the discussion.
“Relativity… what?” Azriel looked in incredulity. He swiveled to Cassian with a questioning look on his face, but Cassian just shrugged. His daughter was smart. Smarter than he was that was for sure. Usually when she dragged him into these “parties” she came up with a topic of discussion so obscure and advanced that Cassian wasn’t able to contribute. He usually just sat and nodded along as she discussed with her stuffed animals and wrote things down in her notebook.
“Cady, how old are you?” Rhys leaned towards the girl to ask.
She held up three fingers proudly and smiled up at him.
Rhys paused. “Right. Okay. Relativity of the universes. I'm sure I can come up with something.”
As Cady began to talk, Cassian quickly started to tune out. It wasn’t that he didn’t care, it was just that he knew he would never understand what she was saying. Throughout the discussion he saw Rhys and Azriel both try to chime in, but truthfully it was mostly Cady. When people saw how smart she was, it baffled them. At just 3 years old she was a certified genius, yet she still enjoyed childlike things like tea parties and stuffed animals (she might have enjoyed those too much as she was nearing 60 of them). Yet no matter how smart she was, Cassian was just glad that she included him. He had always wanted a child, and despite the fact that he never understood her, just getting to be with her was more than enough for him.
This is a 4 part collection of one shots of Nessian throughout a span of years. This takes place during a Nessian pregnancy. A tiiiny bit of angst but mostly fluff :)
I hope you enjoy and happy holidays!!
for @bookish-whore
@acotargiftexchange
Part One | Part Two
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Through the Years: Part Three
Nesta was in pain. She had never been in such pain in her life. She hadn’t slept in days and she couldn’t see her feet anymore. She only wanted to eat what they did not have on hand and even the House was getting tired of her changing desires for food.
At 7 months pregnant, Nesta shouldn't have such a large bump, but her mate being the size he was had the baby at already around 8lbs. She was really hoping that they wouldn’t grow more because she just could not take another night of this.
“Nes, guess what I got,” Cassian padded into the room holding a paper bag in one hand.
“Please let it be something sour.” she begged. “I’ve been craving something sour all morning.”
Cassian’s face fell and he quickly hid the bag behind his back. Before he could completely hide it though Nesta saw the bag label. It was from one of her favorite cake shops, and she assumed that inside was her favorite Death by Chocolate cake. Except her stupid hormones made her think that it would be the most unappealing thing in the world right now, as it seemed that all she wanted was something sour.
Cassian scratched his head with his other hand.
“I can- I can go get something sour, I’ll be right back.”
“No! No. I'm sorry I don’t mean for you to keep running around” she hurried. “Just- lie with me?”
Cassian placed the bag on her nightstand and crawled into bed behind her, leaning down to kiss her stomach.
“How are you doing today, little one,” he directed towards her belly. Nesta smiled at the sight.
“They’ve been kicking up a storm all morning,” Nesta said. “Of course when you get here, they’re calm.”
Cassian grinned up at her, and Nesta swatted at him until he pulled himself up to her face to give her a thorough kiss.
“I’m teaching her to know my voice so that when she comes out she knows who I am,” he grinned again.
Nesta raised her eyebrows. “She?”
“Of course. It’s gonna be a girl.”
“You’re so confident?”
“Yes.” he said plainly, looking seriously into her eyes. Nesta softened and snuggled closer to his chest, soaking in his warmth.
Cassian kissed her head and asked “How are you doing?”
Nesta sighed. “I'm alright. Tired of being in this bed.” She looked up at him hopefully. He shook his head, almost mournfully.
“You know what Madja said. Bed rest.”
Nesta sighed again. “I know, but I’m so sick of being stuck here.”
Cassian kissed her again. “I can’t have anything happen to you.” he whispered vulnerably. The pregnancy had been hard on Nesta. She had hoped that, like Feyre, her pregnancy would be relatively easy. She had been wrong. From the very beginning her morning sickness and soreness had caused her to be incapacitated for most of the day, and as the pregnancy continued, it had only gotten worse.
The final straw had been when she had been trying to take a meal to the library and had slipped on a step due to dizziness. Cassian had found her lying on the step, curled onto her side and holding her head. He had been panicked and had called Madja who immediately prescribed bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy. Nesta has protested, citing it as a singular issue, but Cassian had jumped in to remind her of her difficulties from the beginning of the pregnancy. Nesta had begrudgingly relented, but now she was sick of lying in bed all day, everyday.
“This baby needs to be here soon,” Nesta frowned down at her bulging stomach.
“They’ll get her when they get here.” Cassian said. “Have a little patience.”
Nesta glared up at him. “You try having this,” she gestured to her stomach “for 10 months.”
Cassian only laughed and kissed her again. “When they get here, I promise that I will do the heavy lifting for the next 10 months.”
Nesta glared at him again. “Liar.”
Rather than responding, Cassian leaned down to kiss her stomach and then back up towards her face, Cassian merely peppered her body with kisses and tucked her under his wing to protect her and the babe that grew in her stomach. As Nesta closed her eyes against him, he thought about the child growing in her, and the life that they had created together. And he knew, in that moment, that he would do whatever it took to make sure this child felt safe, loved, and protected for as long as he was around.
This is a 4 part collection of one shots of Nessian throughout a span of years. This one is Nesta and Cassian’s mating ceremony!
I hope you enjoy and happy holidays!!
for @bookish-whore
@acotargiftexchange
Part One
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Through the Years: Part Two
Cassian hated waiting. Always the one to jump right into the action, patience had never exactly been his strong suit. And now, waiting for Nesta, time seemed never ending. Like the clock had quite literally been turned back and then slowed specifically to drive him insane. The morning had gone relatively smoothly, with both Rhys and Azriel having helped him get ready. He had woken up to the two of them bickering and rummaging around his room. Luckily, he and Nesta had spent the night apart, as insisted by Feyre that it was a “human tradition”, otherwise he would have kicked the two idiots out. As it stood, he appreciated having them there to help him get ready. They had drunk some liquor and laughed about old memories as they got into their suits. Rhys has been picky about the way they dressed, and honestly Cassian couldn’t really have cared less, except it seemed important to Nesta, so he would play the part and dress for her.
Now he was standing at the end of an aisle and the clock had apparently stopped because it felt like forever since he had seen his mate and any moment now she should have been walking down the aisle.
“Stop fidgeting” a whispered voice came from his right. Cassian looked over to Gwyn who was glaring at him. She was the priestess who was officiating their ceremony, and the fiery red head had promised Nesta she would keep a watch on Cassian until she arrived. Cassian put his hand in his pockets to avoid shuffling around too much and stared impatiently back at the entrance to the temple.
Suddenly, the music changed and the doors to the temple opened, and Cassian was wrong. Time hadn’t been slowed before because now time had stopped and it was different this time because the only thing he could see, the thing that mattered was his mate standing in the open doors.
**
Nesta was starting to get nervous. Standing outside of the temple as she waited for her cue, Feyre making last minute adjustments to her gown, she thought about all of the ways she could make a fool of herself. That morning had been a flurry of excitement, with both her sisters, Mor, Amren, and her Valkyrie sisters helping to get her ready, as well as getting ready themselves.
“Are you ready?” Feyre asked, pulling Nesta back into the moment. She took a deep breath, then nodded.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
**
Inside the temple, Nesta marveled at the flowers and decorations. Rhysand had really outdone himself. She smiled thinking about how “disgustingly ornate” it was. The smaller audience that was present were all familiar faces which eased some of her nerves. Finally, she glanced up to the front to see Cassian staring at her. In his eyes she could see how honed in on her, and the whole world immediately fell away to just the two of them.
“Hello, Nes,” he said as she reached the front. She smiled and grabbed his outstretched hand. Finally at the front, the rest of the audience sat down. When she tugged lightly on their already present bond, Cassian smiled in return.
“Everyone, we are gathered here today to witness the union between these two individuals…” Gwyn began. Throughout the rest of the ceremony, they exchanged vows and rings, and had their hands bound but the whole time the only thing Nesta could focus on was him, and finally, finally they were finished.
When Gwyn finished speaking, the audience erupted into cheers as Cassian swept Nesta into a deep kiss. She pulled away to smile at the crowd, content at where she had gotten in her life.
**
“Before we begin our feast, the exchange of food must take place between the mates.” Gwyn announced. Everyone was sitting at a long table, with Nesta and Cassian in the center. Nesta grinned and pulled out her dish. It was a traditional Illyrian meal that she had prepared herself. She had asked Emerie for help with ideas and Emerie had given her several, as well as many tips, but the whole thing had been completely made by Nesta. She pulled the top off to offer it to Cassian who looked shocked at the dish.
“Where did you learn to make this?” he asked, puzzled.
“I might have asked someone” she glanced at Emerie who winked.
Pride shone on Cassian's face as he took his first bite. Nesta glanced over the rest of the table and almost laughed when she saw Rhys and Azriel’s faces. Their mouths were slightly open, with a look of longing in their eyes. She raised an eyebrow at them, and they quickly recovered.
“That’s one of the best Illyrian dishes,” Azriel mumbled, explaining.
“Cassian used to make it for us, but he hasn’t done it in over 50 years,” Rhys added.
Cassian glared at them as he continued shoveling the food in his mouth and they quickly composed themselves, but Nesta could still see a hint of longing in their eyes. When Cassian was finished, he pulled out his own dish and presented it to Nesta. It was a simple dish of chicken and rice, but the chicken had an ezra spice on it that smelled delicious.
“I tried to find a human recipe, but they were all extremely boring so I spiced it up a little.”
Nesta smiled at his pun, and took a bite. With the first bite, flavor exploded on her tongue. The chicken was moist and so flavorful, that Nesta immediately went in for a second, then a third bite, and soon, the dish was cleaned.
When she was finished, she set down her fork and glanced at Cassian who was staring at her with pure lust in his eyes.
“I think-”, she swallowed audibly. “I think it’s time to go.” Standing, Cassian grabbed her hand, their eyes never leaving each other. He didn’t say a word, but carefully scooped her into his arms and shot off into the sky.
hello @bookish-whore ! i am you secret santa for the @acotargiftexchange :)
This is a 4 part collection of one shots of Nessian throughout a span of years. This one takes place a few weeks after the blood rite and involves some fluffy morning in bed and mating ceremony humour. I hope you enjoy and happy holidays!!
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Through the Years: Part One
As the sun streamed in the window, Cassian watched his mate sleeping next to him. He still couldn’t believe that this was his life, that he had a mate and that she was sleeping peacefully in his bed. Their journey to get there hadn’t been easy, but in perspective, it all seemed worth it now.
When the sun shifted over her eyes, Nesta shifted as though beginning to wake up. Carefully, Cassian draped his wing over her to block out the sunlight. Let her sleep a bit longer, he thought. She deserved it.
**
Nesta stirred in bed, feeling the heavy stare of someone on her. She cracked an eye and saw a pair of hazel eyes staring back at her.
“Hey,” she whispered.
“Hello, Nes.” He gently kissed her forehead. “How are you feeling?”
Nesta smiled. Always so thoughtful.
“Fine.” she replied. It had been weeks since the blood rite, but Nesta was still recovering. Cassian knew better than anyone the toll the rite could have, so he had been diligently checking on her almost every morning they spent together. Cassian kissed her on the lips, and things quickly started getting more heated.
Nesta pulled away with a laugh. “We should probably get up,” she reminded.
Cassian groaned. “Are you sure we have to go?” He peppered her face with kisses, but Nesta pulled away with a smile, getting out of the bed.
“Yes, I’m sure. Rhysand asked us to join him in planning the mating ceremony.”
Cassian mumbled something about Rhys being over the top, and dropped his head back to the pillow as Nesta bustled around the room getting ready.
Nesta turned to him still on the bed and put her hand on her hips, giving him her most exasperated look.
“Get up, you big bat. We have to be there in an hour.”
Cassian groaned exaggeratedly again, but proceeded to get out of bed. Nest smiled in satisfaction.
**
When they arrived at the River House, the first thing Nesta did was check in on Feyre and Nyx. Her relationship with her sister was still on the mend, but Nesta was willing to work on it, and so was Feyre.
“He’s gotten so big,” Nesta cooed as she cradled the baby in her arms.
Feyre smiled. “He’s been keeping me up all hours of the night.” She rolled her eyes, but Nesta knew it was in a loving way and that her sister would do anything for this little boy. Nesta’s own relationship with Nyx seemed especially strong, as that thread of magic linking her to his life was ever present, and she was glad that she would be able to be a part of her nephew’s life. Nesta handed him back to his mother
“Rhys has some big plans for this ceremony.” Feyre said amusingly. Nesta rolled her eyes.
“I know. I’ve seen some of the plans.”
Rhysand had come up with all manner of things he could think of when it came to this ceremony. He was determined to make it the most “disgustingly ornate” ceremony, and although Nesta wanted that, some part of her also wished for it to be over so that she was finally mated to Cassian. Still, it had been Nesta’s idea, so she would play along.
Walking into Rhysand’s office, Nesta saw Cassian already in there glazing at the things that Rhysand was showing him. Nesta could see Cassian’s eyes glazing over, so she quickly hurried in to intervene.
Rhysand looked up when Nesta arrived at his desk and beamed.
“Nesta! I was just showing Cassian the flower arrangements. I personally like the blue hydrangeas, but I was also considering the pink ones.”
Nesta couldn’t help but laugh at how seriously he seemed to be taking this. Cassian had already slumped onto the couch the moment Nesta walked in to take over.
She pointed to the second arrangement. “I like the pink ones.”
Rhsyand made a note, and immediately pulled up another sheet detailing seating. Nesta looked over at Cassian who had zoned out, then looked back to the papers. For him, she would sit through a million of these conversations. For him, she would plan a million ceremonies if it meant that in the end, she got to be with him forever
just a little brain child I couldn’t shake off. Set a few years after ACOSF.
“What the fuck was that, Nesta!” Cassian snapped at her the way he only did when pure terror was coursing through his veins. Posture tense, fists clenched at his side, chest puffed out in that undeniably general-esque way of his. A stance and expression and throaty growl that brought fully grown Illyrian warriors to their knees.
But there was only one reason Nesta went to her knees in front of Cassian, and respecting his bullshit attempt to give her the general stare down was not that reason.
“I made the right call,” she shrugged, loosening a clip to slide the dagger buckled to her bicep down. “A little help?” She motioned to the intricate series of loops and fastenings that kept Ataraxia firmly sheathed down the column of her spine.
“The right call?” Cassian wretched his own twin blades easily off his back, wings splaying out to tear the buckles open.
“Showoff,” Nesta muttered.
“This isn’t funny.”
“I’m not laughing.” Nesta stared at him. “Im waiting for you to help me with my sword. Or do I need to find someone else?”
Cassian’s long legged stride ate up the meters of carpet between them in four strides. His hand raising to the side of her neck, head shaking in exasperation as his large thumb carefully stroked the column of her throat. “You could have died, Nes.”
“Yeah,” she nodded. “It’s a war, Cass.”
Cassian heaved a breath in, lungs filling with Nesta - crackling flames and honey toasted almonds. What would he do if he had to live the rest of eternity without that scent in his lungs?
“Hey,” Nesta said, a touch more gently. The ice-dipped flames in her eyes blinked out and were replaced with a brilliant, clear blue. She placed her hand on top of his, moving it down from her throat to the centre of her chest, just over her left breast. She took a deep breath in time with him and held his palm against her skin until the rhythm of their hearts slowed into one even beat. Not two hearts beating in sync with each other, but one single organ responsible for the lifeblood of two mates. “It’s ok. I’m safe. I’m right here.”
Cassian swallowed, nodding once before letting his forehead rest on hers. Golden-brown eyes ringed with emerald blinked slowly in time with blue-grey ones. So close their eyelashes fluttered against each other.
“You aren’t allowed to die before me,” Cassian whispered.
Nesta snorted in her attempt to cover up a laugh. “I do not remember agreeing to that.”
“It’s only fair,” he muttered. “I had to live 500 years without you.”
“That absolutely does not count,” Nesta scoffed. “I wasn’t even alive. And it’s not as if you were sitting around like a monk pining for your potential mate.”
“It counts,” Cassian nodded his head against hers. “I always knew something was missing. Someone.”
“Cute,” Nesta shrugged, “still doesn’t count.”
Cassian smirked, hands coming to wrap around Nesta’s waist. He let him thumbs wander naturally to the dimples on her lower spine, where she seemed to carry all the tension of Ataraxia’s massive weight. Slowly working relieving circles through the muscles. “Should we make a bargain?”
Nesta laughed out loud, forehead falling forward onto Cassian’s chest as she keened into her mate’s touch. “You really don’t get enough credit for how funny you are.”
“I’ve been saying that for centuries.” Still rubbing her back, Cassian rested his chin on her head and breathed her in once again. “I want the opposite of Rhys and Feyre’s bargain.” Nesta stilled. “I want you to promise me that you will keep living, even if it is without me.” Nesta’s mouth opened to argue, but Cassian continued speaking over her. “A few decades, even a few centuries … it isn’t enough time, Nesta. I love you, and I will always love you, but if something happened to me.” He swallowed, “Just promise me that you would still live. Not just survive, live.”
“I can’t promise that,” she whispered into his chest. “But I can promise that I will keep going. And that I will try.” She shrugged, the motion lifting his chin. “That’s the best I can do.” It was far more than she could have promised before the first war they saw together.
“Thank you,” Cassian whispered, pressing a kiss into her hair.
“It would be pointless to ask the same of you, wouldn’t it?”
Cassian took a deep breath in, “I’ve had my time, love.”
Nesta did not argue with him this time. She knew exactly what he meant. He had time to experience life, to learn and grow. To be young and reckless, to be wise and respected. He had time.
(I listened to Pointless by Lewis Capaldi whilst writing this and think it is a good nessian song, therefore play it right now)
Worrying was a part of love.
Cassian knew that, he had seen it. Truly loving someone meant worrying for them over small things, wondering how they were doing was purely second nature.
And Cassian worried a lot. Mostly because Nesta was . . . well, Nesta. She didn't really mind her health as long as she could breathe. She could be bleeding with an open gash, and she wouldn't even care. It drove Cassian insane.
But he also trusted Nesta. He knew if something ever did happen, she would tell him. As he would tell her if the situation was reversed.
And when he got the message, he had been with Rhysand.
Feyre, Elain, and Nesta had been on their traditional Sunday Morning Walk with Nyx, or at least they were supposed to be.
But that was when the door slammed open, immediately causing Cassian and Rhys to stand up.
Elain had tears in her eyes, speaking through labored breaths. "Someone . . . someone tried to attack Feyre--she's okay!" She quickly added, seeing Rhys' expression. "They tried to kill her, but Nesta got in the way and got hurt," a sob broke the sentence, "she's not breathing."
Cassian felt as if he was the one who wasn't breathing. He pressed a hand against his chest, leaning on the side of the couch to close his eyes. He--he couldn't breathe, suddenly the room was becoming smaller and smaller . . . there was no more air, where . . . where did the air go?
He tugged on the mating bond, trying to feel something--anything. And there was a small tug back in response.
Cassian gave a shuddered breath, so relived he almost fell onto his knees. He looked at Elain once. "Take me to her."
Cassian had never flown so fast, not even during the war. Because as terrified as he was then, nothing compared to the fear anchored to his heart now.
Rhys and him landed in sync, and Cassian spent no time running to Nesta's laying form.
"Where is the attacker?" Rhys demanded, shielding Feyre and Nyx's body with his own.
Feyre had tears in her own eyes, "I killed him. He tried to run off but bled out in the forest. I told Elain to take Nyx and run the moment it happened; he didn't see anything. He's okay, Rhys, I promise."
Rhys nodded once, the fear still in his eyes. "And you?"
"It's not me you have to worry about."
Cassian kneeled beside Nesta, gently picking her up. She winced at the contact, a painful groan falling loose from her lips.
"Shh, my love. I know. I'm here." Cassian felt tears prick his own eyes. She had a stab would in her side, she had already lost so much blood . . . they needed to get her away from here now.
"We need to take her home," Feyre said. "We need to give her stitches."
"We need to take her to a doctor." Cassian growls, not willing to put his mate's life in peril any longer.
"Cass, we need to get her home now. She's barely breathing. We don't have enough time to get her to a doctor." Rhys put a hand on Cassian's shoulder.
Cassian tugged on the bond again.
This time there wasn't a response at all.
Holding back his tears, he whispered in a quiet, broken voice, "Okay, brother."
When they returned to The Town House, Feyre and Elain rushed Nesta inside a room. Rhysand forced Cassian to stay out of it, telling him he wouldn't want to see what they were doing.
"This isn't your choice, Rhys."
"She's in the hands of her sisters. Feyre won't let anything happen to her."
Cassian's voice was anything but his own as he said, "Let me in."
"They'll be under more pressure than they already are with you in there. It's in Nesta's best interest, Cassian."
Cassian scoffed, "You think I don't know what's in Nesta's best interest?"
"I think you're scared and ready to tear me apart to get to her, and that's not what she needs to awaken too, is it?"
"Rhysand, let me in before I make you."
Rhys frowned, focusing his attention to the floor. "Cassian, I swear on the Gods, if I thought she was truly in danger right now you would be in that room. I need you to trust me."
Cassian clenched his fists, punching the wall next to him with such a force a picture almost fell. "Goddamn it, Rhysand, let me in!"
Cassian slid to his knees, all his anger fading away in turn for sorrow. Nesta, his Nesta, barely breathing. Almost dead. He almost lost his mate today. She could be lying dead in that room right now and he wouldn't even know. He felt tears stream down his face, not bothering to wipe them. "I can't lose her, Rhys. I can't."
Rhys kneeled beside him. "You won't. Feyre is updating me by the minute. If anything, bad were to happen, I would've told you."
"She could've gotten killed," Cassian whispers, ignoring Rhys completely. "She could have died."
He could have lost her. She could have been dead by the time they got to her. What if Elain had taken too long to get to them? What if Nesta had been stabbed closer to the heart? What if he didn't get to say goodbye?
It was too much . . . too much. Cassian felt like he was going to puke.
But suddenly a door was opening, and he was on his feet in an instant.
Feyre.
"The stitches look great," she looks exhausted as she steps closer. "She is awake right now, drinking water. She needs to eat something and get lots of rest, but she's going to be okay." Feyre is wearing a tired, but bright smile. "She wants to see you, Cass."
Cassian barely stuck around long enough to let her finish that sentence. It took him barely five seconds to be in the room. The second he saw Nesta he felt like he could breathe again.
Elain was holding her head up, helping her drink water. Nesta's face was covered in dirt and grime, but she was beautiful, so beautiful and okay and alive.
Cassian felt the tears fill his eyes all over again, the sudden reality of what could've been becoming so much more real. "How are you feeling, Sweetness?"
Elain set the glass on a nightstand, murmuring "I'll give you two time." before exiting the room.
"I'm an idiot, aren't I?" Nesta asked once the door shut, offering Cassian a weak smile.
It took everything in him to keep himself from tackling her in an embrace. He wrapped his arms around her gingerly, "You're my idiot."
Nesta winced, and he backed away, scared to cause her more pain. "I'm okay," she said quickly. "The incision is just a tad bit sore. Feyre said it should be feeling much better by tomorrow morning."
Cassian nodded, his vision blurry from tears. He didn't trust himself to speak.
"I'm okay," Nesta said, grabbing his hand. He lifted his head, meeting her eyes, only to see she was crying too. "I'm okay, you big oaf. You can't get rid of me that easily."
"You scared me." His voice was barely a whisper. "I thought I lost you."
A tear escaped Nesta's eye, traveling down her cheek. She was haste to wipe her eye, mumbling, "Just come kiss me."
And he did.
He kissed her like it was the last time he ever would, held her as if he would never be this close again.
And when the parted, he rested his forehead against her own, murmuring, "I hope you know I'm not letting you out of my sight for quite a while."
Nesta laughed, kissing him lightly once more. "I assumed so."
He closed his eyes, intertwining their fingers. "Promise you won't leave me."
She squeezed his hand, her voice heavy with the weight of ushered tears as she whispered, "I promise."
Feedback is greatly appreciated! Please message me any requests or head cannons you want my opinions on!
I wanted to ask for a bit more detail on what you said about not really being into AUs. Does that mean you prefer fics in canon? Or is it that you don't like really specific AUs, like putting them into other worlds, but using a generic modern world for a story is okay?
And how do you feel about holiday/Christmas fics? 🎄
hiya! i prefer fics in canon, but again am completely happy to read whatever you feel you wanna write 😊 im good with holiday/christmas fics if thats what you like!
I see you are interested in Nessian (which is great) I am a writer so I’ll be creating a fic for you! I wanted to check in and ask you a few questions so I know how to plan:
1. Is there a specific prompt you wanted to see?
2. Is there anything you prefer or dislike in fics that I should know about (canons, AU’s, themes, tropes, do you want angst/fluff/smut, etc)
3. Is nessian the pairing you prefer, because if you want I can also write it as a reader insert fic!
I cannot wait to hear from you and get started on making something special for you! <3<3
hello secret santa! i can’t tell if you are the same person as before, but i have no way of telling. if you are, i already responded on my feed since thats the only way to respond to anons 😭 i also have no way of tagging you when i post since you are anon. i really hope this gets to you but my previous message was that I am happy with whatever you want to make! nessian is my preferred and im not a huge fan of au’s but will honestly be good with anything so please be as creative as you want. i can’t wait to see what you make!
germansingergirl
theartofmadeline
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