Summary: The Inner Circle recounting when they figured out you and Az liked each other.
Warnings: Fluffy af
Word Count: 1,642
Notes: Day 3 for the win!
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Rhysand knew the moment you and Azriel met, that you were meant to be.
It was like time slowed down. You, injured but still spewing insults at the enemies, struggling in Cassian’s arms as he brought you into the medical tents, trying to get back into the fight. Blood stained across your abdomen and it hurt like hell but your anger eased the pain somewhat.
You were a fiery spirit who lit up the room when he set you down, the healers swarming around you, their hands warm and gentle. They’d asked Rhysand to hold down your shoulders while the warlord trapped your ankles from kicking up as they fixed up your lacerated stomach.
The shadowsinger swept in through the flap of the tent on a breeze of midnight, needing desperately to talk to his brothers about the information one of his scouts had told him, when he saw you bucking up on the table, teeth gritted as you struggled against the two Illyrians holding you down.
He froze in his spot.
Azriel watches as you fight against his brothers, doing your damndest to get back into battle. You’re wasted here, you need to be out there defending the people that you care for the most, not inside the healers tent, for you knew that they wouldn’t let you back out onto the battlefield once they were done.
Rhysand watches as you turn to see who’s entered the medical tent, body going slack as you meet the eyes of the shadowsinger. He’s the most handsome male you’ve ever seen, clad in his onyx leathers with darker hair to match. His siphons gleam a bright blue and the hand that’s holding his sword goes slack at the sight of you.
That was when he knew.
__________
It was a wild Saturday night at Rita’s. It always was when Mor had convinced the Inner Circle to go out, shoving drink after drink into your hands. You could only slurp them down so fast and you didn’t even notice Azriel’s worried gaze on you as you took another shot but Mor did. She shared a knowing look with her cousin who tutted in response, calling foul play into her mind.
They’d had a bet going as soon as she realized that one of her longest friends had fallen for someone new. She knew that Azriel was much too shy to do something about it – knew it from experience – and she thought that she’d give the both of you a little hand.
She brushed her long blonde hair over her shoulder, sauntering up to the shadowsinger and shoving a shot into his hand, her bright red lips in a cutting smirk as she told him to drink.
He didn’t. Azriel didn’t have to wait long for her to leave because her favorite song started playing as the glass was passed to him and she grabbed your hand and shoved her way to the dancefloor with you close behind.
He stared down at the liquor, grimacing before setting the glass down on the table. He sat with his brothers, who were busy talking about something his shadows would fill him in on later. He couldn’t seem to keep his eyes off of you, Mor noticed, as you and her danced together, the alcohol buzzing beneath your skin.
You threw your head back laughing and his heart stammered in his chest. The blonde watched secretly as a small smile crossed his lips, just from watching you have fun. Her heart warmed to see Azriel this way: sneaking glances over to where you were, keeping an eye on you and admiring you from a distance.
Her heart hurt for him, knowing that he didn’t think he deserved someone as good as you, who fought for what she wanted, who loved with her entire being. You were good for him, good for each other. If only he’d loosen up.
If watching the spymaster observing you wasn’t how she figured it out, it was when another male came up to dance with you when she knew for sure.
He wrapped an arm around your waist and you turned, peering up at the male with blurry eyes, grinning way too big from the drinks and the fun you were having with your friends, your cheeks would hurt in the morning.
You let him dance with you, wrapping an arm around his neck, your glass held out so as not to spill in the other, you were a single female afterall. Azriel watched, the smile thinning to a near frown, sharp hazel eyes glaring at the male who held you in his arms.
He wished that were him.
__________
Feyre and her nosy mate couldn’t help themselves at the murmuring coming from the library. She hadn’t believed Rhys when he’d told her that Azriel was definitely head over heels into you.
The High Lady hadn’t noticed anything different about Azriel, though her eyes were glued to her own mate everytime he was in the room.
It wasn’t like she couldn’t believe it, but Azriel had been so hopelessly in love with Mor for the past few centuries that she didn’t think his attention would be stolen away so quickly, and without her knowledge nonetheless.
But here the two of you were, Azriel scratching the back of his head nervously as you held the book he’d passed over to you in your hands, examining the cover of the worn book.
“It’s one of my favorites,” he admits, hands clasped together behind his back. It makes Feyre’s heart ache, for she knew that the shadowsinger tended to hide them as an anxious reflex.
He never shared his books with anyone, ever. So this was definitely a sign that the male was into you, as he watched you with soft eyes as you flipped slowly through the pages, only to avert his eyes when you looked up, a beaming smile all of your own that dimmed when you noticed he had looked away.
“Thank you, Azriel,” you respond, clutching the book to your chest, “I’m looking forward to reading it.”
“I could–” he cuts himself off, going stock still.
But you urge him on, brows furrowed, “What is it?”
The High Lord and Lady have already winnowed out of the library by the time the spymaster tells you that you hadn’t been alone.
Sneaky indeed.
__________
Amren notices as soon as she sees the two of you in a room together for the first time.
This mission was a big one, and it would be a nasty one too, she could tell.
The entire Inner Circle was gathered in Rhysand’s office, talking over strategy and plans for the upcoming war. Azriel had always been a silent shadow in the corner of the room, staring out the window at Mother knows what, but this time, he was at the table, staring you down as you offered yourself for a dangerous part of the mission.
“You shouldn’t be going alone,” he says, and Amren can hear the slight waver in his tone, “We should be teaming up at the very least.”
“Any more than one person could alert the enemy,” you respond, crossing your arms over your chest. You didn’t understand why Azriel was acting like this all of a sudden, you’d been on missions like this before.
His glance is pleading for a fleeting moment before his walls are back up and he’s retreating towards the window, his shadows swirling around him, covering his clenched jaw and balled fists. He doesn’t want you to go, put yourself in the middle of harm's way, not if he wasn’t going to be there to protect you.
The short female hides her smirk behind her glass of blood as she watches you glance off to the brooding Illyrian, confused as to why he seemed so upset.
__________
He couldn’t sleep, he had too much on his mind, so Cassian decided to go up to the training ring where he could let off some steam, clear his mind, or if he was lucky, his brother would be up there to spar against him.
He rubbed his tired eyes as he made his way up the stairs to the training ring, but paused when he heard your laugh.
Cassian wasn’t sure why you’d still be awake this late, but even he wouldn’t turn down a practice match with you. Maybe he’d confide in you instead, wanting to tell someone of what was on his mind, but not wanting to talk to his brothers.
He was about to make himself known when he heard the low, husky voice of Azriel, murmuring something to you that had you giggling again. The busybody warlord peeked his head around the staircase and watched as you and Azriel stood closely, not enough to touch, but close enough that he knew what was going on.
He mentally cheered for his brother, who was never the joking type, but here he was, making you laugh like it was the easiest thing in the world. It wasn’t. Cassian knew.
It’s nice and his heart warms as he listens to his brother making you happy, each jab of banter has you leaning in a little further into the spymaster, who finally picks up the hint and goes for it, brushing a strand of hair from your face and behind your ear, staring down at you intently.
You can see the vulnerability in his eyes, can hear his erratic heartbeat as he studies you. You can’t wait, you’d waited long enough for this moment, so you take the chance, grabbing the collar of his shirt and pulling him down as you press up onto your toes, capturing his lips with your own.
Cassian grins to himself, retreating down the stairs.
Can I request winwin and the fluff alphabet 💖 thank youuu
Winwin x Fluff Alphabet
Affection: Their love language & how affectionate they are.
Cautious about being affectionate in public or in front of others. Might put his hand on your lower back sometimes to help you feel secure. In private he’d be so affectionate. But then Hendery would walk in and he’d immediately take his arm out from around you and act like you weren’t cuddling.
Behavior: How their behavior is when it’s just the two of you vs with their other members around.
Wayyy more lovey dovey with you. Would be so embarrassed if the members ever found out how sweet he was with you. Calls you cute names but only to your face. If the other members found out about what you call him (idk some kind of cutesy name like booboo or something) they’d call him that all the time.
Cuddles: HC about cuddling with them.
Holds your hand. Rubs his thumb over the back of your hand while holding it. Wraps his arms around you.
Dates: First date & their favorite thing to do on dates as well.
First date he’d take you to do something interactive and maybe physical. Not a walk, maybe roller skating. Embarrassed about not being good at it but it’s adorable. His favorite dates would be arcade dates. Makes him feel like a kid.
Effort: The ways they put effort into their relationships. How they to the extra mile.
Little things. Has a thing for your hands, so he kisses them and holds them all the time. Buys you lotion and self care items, especially when you’re having a tough time.
Future: How often they think of the future, their plans, etc.
Doesn’t think about it too much, more of a take-every-day-as-it-comes kind of thinker. Might occur to him when things get serious in a relationship.
Gifts: What they like to both give and get for gifts.
Likes to give small and cheesy things. Things like photo albums, Polaroids of the two of you, or like a hand made ticket to a movie night in the dorms with him with your favorite snacks.
Habits: Any habits, good or bad, that they may have.
Fairly clean and has a great habit of cleaning a space after he’s done with it. As for a bad habit, he probably orders food too often cause we know he can’t cook.
Insecurity: Their main insecurity and how to comfort them about it.
Insecure about the shape of his body. I feel like he thinks he needs to work out especially being in a group with Lucas and Xiaojun. (This is not me saying he needs to get in shape!! We’ve seen proof he’s in great shape in the take off video)
Junior: What they were probably like as a kid.
Adorable. Really proper and respectful but with a really goofy side to him. Would crack a lot of jokes.
Kisses: Your first kiss story and their favorite type of kiss
First kiss would be the kind of thing when you’re on your first date at a restaurant and he leans across your table to kiss you and accidentally spills your drink. Favorite kisses are when you kiss his neck or jaw. Or cute little pecks.
Liquor: How well they handle it/how much they can handle.
Drinks casually and socially but not into the idea of getting super drunk. Likes the buzz of getting tipsy. Gets really goofy and fidgety when tipsy.
Mature: How mature or immature they are and the ways they show it.
Very mature. Might lose a bit of that around the members.
No: A dealbreaker for them. Something they couldn’t deal with in a relationship.
I don’t think he’s super picky or has a lot of deal breakers. Probably wouldn’t date someone with super high standards cause he’d be worried he’s not enough.
Online: How public your relationship would be. Whether or not they’d post about you online.
Doesn’t risk a thing publicly. Would create a secret private account and would only let his other members & friends follow so he could show you off to them.
Protective: How protective and jealous they get.
Can get really jealous. I feel like he loves it when you put your hand on his shoulder (he just melts) so he’d get lowkey angry if you touched someone else’s shoulder (especially another member)
Quarrel: What fights would be like with them, what they’d be about, etc. Might get a lil angsty.
I get the feeling he sticks up for himself in fights. Probably gets sad easily when he realizes what’s going on. But he’s definitely reasonable.
Room: What their room is like, living habits, etc.
Decently clean. He’d be a quiet roommate who would keep to himself most of the time. Probably the type to wipe down counters after using them (this king)
Social: Their favorite way to communicate with their s/o when they’re not around, how social they are, etc.
Will send Snapchats. They’re just selfies of different parts of his day. Hendery and Lucas probably photobomb the selfies which he doesn’t notice. He’d send selfies of him in the makeup chair, on set, mirror selfies in the bathroom, etc.
Travel: Where they want to go & what they want to do.
Obviously wants to go back to China (he’s there now!!) but also I feel like he’d want to go to (and this is really random) Scandinavia. I have a weird vibe he wants to go to Norway.
Unwind: What helps them relax after a long day.
Casually plays video games, maybe just mobile ones. Might listen to music or take a nap. Switches things up every day.
Vulnerable: What makes them vulnerable & why.
He’s pretty strong I think, but feels vulnerable when talking about his emotions. I’ve said this about a lot of them. He’s not even concerned about his masculinity, I think he probably just isn’t used to talking about his feelings so it’s a bit of a comfort zone thing.
Wedding: whether or not they want to get married, if/how they would want to do it, etc.
Has a dream wedding planned, doesn’t say a word about it until it actually comes up in conversation. Feels embarrassed by it and worried about rushing things with you.
X: an AU that comes to mind.
Hmmm this is a tricky one. I could see a college student AU or maybe even a single dad one. CEO!Winwin would also be hot.
You: Their absolute favorite thing about you & why.
Loves the way your eyes look when you smile. That’s super specific but he melts when he looks at you and you respond with a smile. Also loves your hands but not in a dirty way. Loves to hold and kiss them.
Zzz: Cute sleeping HC.
Sleeps with his mouth open so he drools the tiniest bit. Also grossed out by it so of course he changes the pillow case every time. Takes up room on most of the bed to the point where you’re squished.
Summary: Anon Request: heyy i’m the anon who asked for dad!az fics and i had an idea… what abt a fic where az spends the day with the kids like he has a day off and just goes around velaris with reader and his fam…
Warnings: None
Word Count: 1,372
Note: so not quite Velaris with the fam but still cute af
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You remember being in this exact spot with Azriel years ago.
After your mating ceremony you had gotten away from the chilly winters of Velaris and into Summer, tucked under your mate’s wing on the plush lounge on the beach. The setting sun casting its lovely pinks and creamy oranges across his tan skin.
You’d never seen him so at ease, shadows out of sight and wings hanging low, brushing against the soft sand of the Summer beaches as you curled further into his embrace, his thumb stroking across your sun kissed skin though he had told you to put more sun protecting salve on.
He’d thrown you over his shoulder and you had squealed as he ran into the night chilled water once the sun had gone to rest and that familiar night sky appeared, stars blinking awake. This was everything you had been waiting for your entire life, lovingly wrapping your arms around Azriel’s neck, cheeks hurting from smiling so hard. His hands slipped around your waist, holding you against him and staring down at you with sparkling eyes, pressing his forehead against your own.
“This is by far the best decision we’ve ever made, my sweet,” he whispers, kissing you passionately for a moment. Your hands wind their way into his salty hair, tangled from the ocean. The bond between the two of you glows golden and warm like the sun had set within you.
You hum in agreement, resting your head against his chest, looking out across the serene waters, the moon just making its appearance over the horizon. His heart is a steady beat beneath your ear, strong and comforting as it had always been.
“And someday, we can bring our children here, to experience Summer like we have.” Your heart swells and you hold him tighter in your arms, twisting so your chin is on his chest as you blink back the happy tears in your eyes.
“Yes Az, I want that with you so badly I can hardly wait,” you admit, and he smirks suggestively at you, his light.
“Who says we have to wait?”
__________
You can’t help but to smile, remembering the first time you’d been here.
You relax beneath the shady pergola on a lounge fit to fill your entire family, Jax settled and sleeping against your chest while you read, the shrieks of joy from your children and their cousins as Azriel, Cassian, and Rhys toss them up into the air above the water.
Nesta, next to you, admires her own mate, failing to hide her smile behind her fruity drink.
“One of these days Nes, you ought to have another,” you comment softly, watching how Cassian cradles your daughter just a little closer to his chest as he dips the both of them down into the water. You can hear the squeal of surprise at the cool water, then giggle as she splashes her tiny hands around.
He’d been hinting at having another for a while now, and always had Zuzu in his arms when she was around. It was so painfully clear that he wanted a daughter of his own.
“One of these days,” she agrees, flipping the page of her own book with indifference. You’ve been around the oldest Archeron sister now to know, can hear the mirth beneath her bored tone, the idea sparking in her mind.
Your heart swoops and you clutch your youngest tighter to your chest, jolting the small child as you straighten, watching Wren and his cousins – who had just learned to fly – getting as high in the air as they can, then tucking their wings in tight and freefalling into the ocean below.
You pass a whiny Jax into the arms of Feyre, who is on your other side, sunbathing, as you scramble up from the daybed, taking a few steps towards the rest of your family, “Not too high!”
Azriel’s head perks up at your voice, Baz sitting on his shoulders, his father and his own little shadows splash in the water around them. Your mates’ halt at the worry in your tone, immediately looking for danger, and you can hear him warning his son to be careful before he’s taking Baz off of his shoulders and tucking him against a hip, retreating from the water and jogging over to where you’ve settled back in on the lounge, Jax content in his aunts arms.
You can’t help but admire him as he comes to console you, your second son laughing as he bounces against his hip. His skin is glowing under the bright sky and he looks every bit as relaxed as he did all those years ago, happier now that he has his children, mate, and family near.
He places Baz down on the cushion and he immediately scrambles away for a refreshment of his own, Elain helping him drink from the straw of the coconut, Lucien’s chin hooked around her shoulder and beaming down at your son. Rhysand was always one to go all out when it came to important events, and this was no different. You were all staying in the most lavish of houses Adriata had, backing right up to the ocean with enough rooms inside for you all to have two.
Nesta and Feyre groan playfully as your mate climbs up on the lounge, immediately standing and retreating towards the water where the rest of your family is. The shadowsinger stops, kneeling between your legs, an easy smile on his lips. Hands planted on either side of your hips he kisses your swelling belly, not quite showing, the next babe inside.
He then moves to your lips, pecking you lightly and staring down at you, sprawling out into Nesta’s abandoned spot beside you, head propped up on his fist, other hand caressing your stomach lovingly.
“They’re just having a bit of fun, Love,” he says softly, and you give him a knowing look, “Just like we did when we were young.”
“Not all of us had wild childhoods,” you tut, brushing back his hair from his face as he rolls his eyes. You are utterly in love with him, and admire how much he’s grown since you’ve known him. How he’d come out of his shell over the years, finally finding his place within the Inner Circle. His shadows didn’t hide him as much, and though he was still quiet and sneaky, Azriel had really opened up over time.
“I’ve known you to get a bit wild, (Y/N),” he muses, tone suggestive.
You laugh, fingers dipping down from his hair to play with the shell of his ear instead, hazel eyes gleaming with mischief.
“I love you Az,” you sigh, closing your eyes and letting the sun beam down on your face.
He takes your hand, kissing up the inside of your wrist, “I love you too, my sweet.”
Baz takes the chance at a peaceful moment to jump on his fathers back, wrapping his little arms tightly around his neck, giggling with pure happiness.
“Daddy, sand,” your son cheers as Azriel wrestles with his son playfully, all while being mindful of where you lie.
“Okay buddy,” he agrees, “Give mommy a kiss first.”
Your son climbs off of Azriels chest and over to you, your mate keeping an arm around him in case he tries to jump on you, the little rascal. He presses a sloppy kiss to your cheek and you hug him close for a moment, breathing in deep. He smells like coconut and the strong sunblock salve and he sighs against you and you know he’s torn between wanting to stay with you and take a nap or go back and build sandcastles with his father.
He opts for playing in the sand again, and you watch as his father chases after him, screeching with laughter. You look at all of your family, smiling to yourself, knowing that the kids will be out like lights as soon as you get them cleaned up, a long day of playing under the sun with their family.
You couldn’t ask for anything better. This is the dream, and you rub your belly. You can’t wait to welcome the little one into this big, happy, family.
