#cassian x reader

azriel

> shadows and sunlight | fem!reader ; third person pov ; 2.5k words ; sfw ; @sweetpeaaquarius

> and the dreams are answered + our happiness | fem!reader ; second person pov ; two-part series ; sfw ; pregnancy ; @chillinini

cassian

> being mated to cassian | afab!reader ; second person pov ; headcanons ; nsfw ; @jeannineeeee

> oddities | afab!reader ; second person pov ; 1.4k words ; nsfw ; sex pollen ; @alicenchanted

> reader who’s native language isn’t english | gn!reader ; second person pov ; drabble ; sfw ; @ellecdc

> moments + part 2 + part 3 | fem!reader ; second person pov ; multi-part series ; sfw but nsfw references ; @tunetales

> size kink with cassian | gn!reader ; second person pov ; drabble ; sfw ; @ddejavvu

> different person | tagged as fem!reader but can be read as gn (i think) ; second person pov ; drabble ; nsfw ; wing play ; @inkedinshadows

> snow on the beach | fem!reader ; second person pov ; 4k words ; sfw ; @flickering-chandelier

rhysand

> murmurs of the abyss | afab!reader ; second person pov ; drabble ; nsfw ; mind control ; @velarisdusk

> moments + part 2 + part 3 | fem!reader ; second person pov ; multi-part series ; sfw but nsfw references ; @/tunetales

> the house loves to meddle | fem!reader ; second person pov ; 1.1k words ; sfw ; @/ellecdc

> grumpy rhysand | gn!reader ; second person pov ; drabble ; sfw ; @/ddejavvu

> this tempest, ours | fem!reader ; second person pov ; 11.7k words ; nsfw ; @/velarisdusk

nesta

> take a look at my girlfriend | fem!reader ; second person pov ; 4k words ; nsfw ; @daycourtofficial

With a splash of cold water to his face, the memories were gone. He locked the heavy wooden door behind him before he was airborne and on his way to the House of Wind.

He landed on a balcony and the framed glass opened up for him as a welcome, like the house waited for his arrival. He strode past the ballrooms and from the tall ceilings hung with massive chandeliers. Everything was polished and it still set him in awe. Not even a speck of dirt or the rural mountain feeling. When he came here first, he was taken aback by the size and comfort of the palace. But the years have passed by and he embraced the advantages. He didn't have to suck in his wings or bumped into random objects, thanks to all the wide doorframes that could easily fit him twice. The magically appearing plates of a savoury roast for dinner and the never dying river of wine that refilled by itself were very pleasing. How could he ever forget the first time the warm water was plunging into the tub, filling the bathing room with steam and falling into a soft and cozy bed after a long soak.

The paperwork that Rhys left in Cassians adjoined study was finished neatly before he flew down to the townhouse.

 Nestled between similar houses and warmly lit windows flower while the foliage of the willows and flowers swayed in the mild wind, as if calling him invitingly to enter. The heated air of the cozy foyer hit him right in the face. Beneath his feet, a lived and worn out rug. There was a rip in it from when he was fighting with Az when they were kids. Rhysand's mother made them resew the piece but with time, the threads loosened again, the hardwood floor lurking at him from the past like an old friend. Laughter pulled him into the sitting area in the dining room where everyone was already waiting for him. Feyre and Rhys, Az and Amren and Mor. The plush chair accommodated his wings and his High Lords smile greeted him as he handed him a glass of liquor. He always liked that house better than the House of Wind. Cozier and smaller, not having to walk miles to get to another level. Even the fires seemed to burn warmer in the townhouse. Even if he had to share a room with a snoring Az. Sleeping next to his brother set him at peace.

After another toast, they all slipped into their coats and headed out towards the town center. He smiled at Amren’s and Mor’s joined bickering at Rhysand while Az’s shadows tickled Feyre’s earlobes. Suddenly, Cassian stopped and stood rooted to the ground, so happy that those people were there. He was happy that they were more than just friends. They’re family. But a small cold spot in his chest remained…someone was missing. Speaking of the devil, Cassian heard the clacking sound of heels echoing off the empty streetwalls.

She ran around the corner, smiling sweetly at him with her arms stretched out wide. She sprung into Cassian’s arms and he twirled her around.

“You’re finally home!” She chirped and kissed his cheek. A hot flame roared inside his heart as he saw her wide smile. Then he set her down on her feet staring into his favourite set of eyes. She was glowing like the nights of starfall. “Yes, sweetheart. I’m home!”

I glance between them. “Latest number?” 

Rhysand chuckles as he counts on his fingers.

Azriel answers for his High Lord. “Let’s put it that way. He’s got a habit of going home with females. A lot of them. So many that in the end, it was easier for him to use numbers instead of names.” he pauses for a short moment. “But lately, he’s sleeping in his own bed. Haven’t seen him with anybody.”

What a prick. What kind of man… of male uses names for the females he sleeps with? They have feelings too for Cauldron's sake!

knock knock knock

“Speak of the devil!” Amren’s voice echoes inside the glass as she empties it.

I look at Rhysand and find him gazing at me already as if asking to open the door for his other friend. It only takes a subtle nod from me and the door clicks open. “I’m home!” The rich and rugged voice yells. The next thing I hear is a set of heavy boots and armour clanking and scraping the polished hardwood floor in the foyer. A gush of windchill clashes with the warm air of the crackling fireplace as a mountain of a male walks through the threshold, cracking his neck while thawing snowflakes cling to wild strands of his dark hair. 

“You must be Feyre!” He comes around the table. I extend a hand but he ignores it and hugs me instead. No sense of personal space! “Nice to meet you finally! Rhysie told us all about you.”

Rhysie? Hilarious! I’m totally using that nickname against him. “I hope he only told you the good things.” I raise my eyebrow at the High Lord.

“Sure. Said you threw a shoe at him. Good aim, by the way.” Cassian says with a chuckle as he fills a glass with ale to the brim and takes the seat right next to Arziel. “But I think I could teach you some more, if you’d like.”

I’m shook and my eyes go wide. I can’t read his face. Was he… was he offering to sleep with him? He must be reading the horror on my face and his eyes slide to Rhysand for a split second, seeing him glaring back.

“Come on!” Cassian holds up his hands innocently. “I mean, I could train her. I don’t bite.” He smirks again. “Not unless she wants me t–” he’s shut up by a napkin that Rhysand threw at him forcefully.

“If you keep that up, I’ll need to reestablish that kneel-rule my father favoured so much.” Rhysand snaps at him.

“I kneel to no one.” Cassians cocks mockingly, puffing his shoulders.

Untamed. Cocky. Brash. Unfiltered. Asshole. I could think of some more words but my train of thoughts is interrupted by a soft knock on the front door.

“Who is this?” Cassian asks. 

Rhysand snaps his finger. “You know who.” And the door clicks open. It couldn’t be Mor. She said that she was invited to Summer tonight.

I get up with Rhysand hot on my heels to greet the last member of his family. My parents raised me better than to stay rooted when saying hello to someone (but Cassian deserved it kind of). As I walk past him, I notice him drying his clammy hands on the napkin Rhysand threw at him. He gulps down his ale in one go before turning to the mirror hanging above the mantle piece, checking how he looks and driving his hand through his hair to comb down some loose strands like a feral cat. Then his chair screeches across the floorboards before he’s hot on our heels.

“Hello.” The softest voice I’ve ever heard greets me polite but shyly. “You must be Feyre.” 

She’s stunning. A special glow surrounds her and her skin is so soft as our hands meet. Then, there are her eyes…open and honest and glowing as if the stars gifted her with their shine.

“This is YN.” Rhysand explains. “The most skilled healer in Pryhtian. And the newest addition to my family.” Suddenly, his voice slides into my head. Remember what I told you about the raids of the temples? She was one priestess there and Cassian saved her. Since then, she found her new home here in Velaris. 

My heart breaks at that but I veil my face, to not let that pity bleed through. I know how it is. Being viewed as a victim all the time. Being viewed as fragile and being pampered. Perhaps that makes her as much furious as me, being pushed down into a mold that isn’t her anymore.

Then her eyes freeze as he looks behind me. “Hi, Cass.” the words are a mere whisper.

As if her calling his name unglued him from the point where he stood rooted to the ground, sets him into motion and he shoulders past me and Rhysand. “Get out of the way, you two and let that girl breathe.”

He pulls her in for a bear hug, his calloused hands suddenly gentle at the small of her back while he lifts her from the ground. I could swear I heard him whisper ‘I missed you’ into her ear, but my Fae body is still new and maybe I misheard. But I know for sure what I just saw: Her kissing his cheek and letting her lips linger just a thad too long. Interesting.

“I thought you would come back from your expedition next week.” Cassian helps her out of her coat and offers her his arm to lead her into the dining room. She explains that she pulled an all nighter to wrap it up to be here tonight. That earns her a concerned look from him, but she just pats his arms as if telling him that she’s okay.

While the other two get up to give her a quick hug too, Cassian makes short work of sliding Azriel’s glass across the table to make space next to himself for YN.

“Hey! I was sitting there!” Az protests and flings his hand out to hit Cassian’s head but he ducks in time. 

“Well, now you’re sitting over there. I’m not in the mood for our wings crossing. You know how big mine are!” Cassian chuckles and pulls out the chair for YN to sit next to him.

“Not this again.” Amren falls into her chair and begins to massage her temples.

“We all know who has the largest wingspan, Cass. Please Az, just sit over there, I’m too tired to argue with you two like bratty children. ” Rhysand coos to cool off the argument. I turn to Rhysand, leaning my head to the side like a puppy who doesn't understand the command. Then again, his voice slides into my head. Illyrian’s are very sensitive about their wings. They’re not to be touched by anyone. At least not outside of the bedroom and only if they allow it. There’s a saying, the larger the wingspan of an Illyrian the longer is his… I follow his glance to his crotch before he grins at me and peaks his brow. Oh god.

Rhys showed me his wings when we were in the dungeons under the mountain. They were beautiful and…big. My eyes wander sheepishly towards Azriel and Cassian. Their wings are powerful, silky and…huge. I don’t want them to notice me staring and comparing their wings but I’m sure Azriel’s are just some inches bigger.

I’m thankful that YN’s voice cuts the thoughts before anyone could smell what I think of right now. “I got you something.” She pulls out a flower I’ve never seen before. White and almost translucent petals crown over a dark green stem. “It’s a moon flower. It only blossoms when there is a full moon, like tonight. It’s very rare and smells fantastic.”

I offer my thanks as Rhysand conjures a fitting vase from the space in between before she slides the flower into the water. 

“Please no!” Cassian whines and pinches his nose as if the flower would bite him.

“Don’t worry,” YN soothes him, her hand reaching out to his forearm, forcing his hands from his face without any strength. “I enchanted them for you. We don’t want you sneezing all over our dinner.” 

Before I can turn to Rhysand for further explanation, Azriel chimes in with a smirk. “The head of the Night Court army, Lord of Bloodshed, King of Bastards, Enalius Reborn, frightened of a small flower because he’s allergic to pollen. Cute.” 

“Prick.” Cassian shuts him up.

That was a very nice thing to do of her. Her thoughtfulness bleeds into everything she’s doing and I can tell that there is not one bad fiber in her. I like her. And so does Cassian. I don’t know if the others noticed that too, but I do. Whenever she speaks, Cassian looks at her like she hung the moon, clinging to her every word. She’s wearing a white gown that’s just as translucent as the petals of the moonflower in front of me – Not revealing in any way, but hugging her features decently. Cassian’s eyes are roaming over her but not in a lustful way… but in awe. Her voice is small and as sweet as honey while her eyes glitter when Cass talks to her. The heat in her cheeks rises when their eyes meet and her face splits with happiness when he grins and winks at her. As the night moves on, we settle into the sofas around the fireplace, where Cass sits closer to her than necessary. By now, I’m not surprised that YN leans into his touch. I must say, they look very handsome together as he stretches his arm around the high over the sofa and around her shoulder. He plays with her hair, just out of sight of anybody else. Whenever they’re into one of their deep conversations, it’s like they’re inside their own little world and we all are far far away. The untamed beast was gone and he was putty in her hands. Her shyness remained when she was next to him, but the way she glanced at his muscles spoke a whole different language.

Maybe she’s the reason he hasn't been with anyone lately. It would make sense. When YN got up to prepare us another round of drinks in the kitchen, Amren mentioned him getting home with a female some time ago, he got snappy and even growled at her. It was frightening how his siphons glowed bright red, like a wolf ready to attack.

YN hides her yawn behind her hand and Cassian gently rubs his palm over her shoulder like a lullaby. “Would you like me to take you home?”

“You can crash here if you want. Your room is all set up as always and the sheets are warmed as usual.” Rhysand’s face is graced with a genuine smile. 

“That’d be great.” She stretches her arms out above her head and I swear Cassian is bathing in her coziness. With a huff she lets her shoulders sink down again. “I’ve been sitting in a carriage the whole day. I think I’ll take a stroll in the garden before going to bed, if you don’t mind?” 

“Garden?” I ask him. There were some flowerbeds lining the gate and the short walkway to the front door of the townhouse, but that's not a garden to stroll in. Like a stroke, the image of my younger sister invades my mind. I’m sure she’d like to see that one day. But how does this townhouse fit a garden?

There’s a door into the garden on the first level. Rhysand’s voice explained inside of my head. The house is partly carved into the mountainside. In the back of the garden there’s a slim staircase that leads to the next level and a hidden garden right behind the house, overlooking the city. I’ll show you tomorrow.

“That mind-talking thing is creepy, by the way.” Cassian remarks dryly and pulls YN up as if she weighed nothing. Then he turns towards her and brushes a strand of hair out of her pretty face. “Come on, I’ll walk with you.”

They waved their goodbyes before Cassian placed a light hand on the middle of YN’s back to lead her out of the room and up the oak carved staircase. Before they were out of sight, I saw the sweetest smile on her face as Cassian rambled on about his day to cheer her up.

I’m rooting for them!

“You said the city is best to be seen at night.” I remind Rhysand.

“Are you afraid of heights?” He asks. What does that have to do with the fact that he said the city is beautiful after sundown? 

“No.” I say it confused, like a question.

Without further words, he pulls me up and helps me into my coat, before hurrying me out like a child that wants to show off their new toy to their favorite aunt. One moment later, I’m swept off my feet and we’re airborne. And he was right. Velaris looks magnificent in the sunlight, but breathtaking at night. The smell of jasmine and salt is rafting through the air and my look falls down from the Sidra to the townhouse again. I can see the different levels of the house and gardens that they mentioned.

And there they are. Cassian and YN.

But he’s crouched down in front of her. I squint my eyes and see that he’s tying her shoe. So much for the male who kneels for no one. I can’t see her face, but the way he smiles at her as he looks up says more than a thousand words. The Illyrian stands again and they begin to stroll on the top floor of the manicured garden. Subtly, he takes her small hand into his and his thumb rubs small circles over the back of her hand. She stops in her traces and looks at him. It’s a mixture of shock and relief, I think. Rhysand is soaring too high for me to read their lips, but Cassian is talking to her, pulling small and gentle words from hers. The angle is right and I can make out that sparkle in her eyes as they pass inaudible words. A moment later he takes a deep breath just before his hand finds the back of her neck, pulling her in. Their lips crash and her hands fly around his neck. They’re desperate for each other as if taking the first taste of air after nearly drowning. Cassian’s brows scrunch as if he has to restrain himself as he pauses the kiss to lean his forehead against hers. Like in a dream , they open their eyes and smile at each other, like they’ve forgotten the years of struggling to find each other.

“Finally!” Rhysand laughs deafeningly in my ear.

Yeah. Finally.

There were more than I anticipated. Banners bearing the sigils of each camp fluttered in the wind, marking the clusters of all the different parties that have joined. 

Good. 

Today was the day of the Endless Sun, the Illyiran celebration of summer solstice. We Illyrians believe that the sun’s strength sharpens our endurance, clears our judgement and drives our courage. The books tell us that every battle that was won beneath the longest sun, was one that honored the Mother herself. She had gifted the Illyrians with wings to reach the sky and as much daylight to conquer the earth below. 

But it was not a day of war. Instead, the rival camps set aside grudges and met in contests of skill rather than bloodshed. We had competitions of all kinds: archery, endurance races and flights, wrestling matches with bound limbs and sword duels on cliffs. But not until death, but for glory and victory until every match ended with crossed forearms instead of spilled blood.

It was a day to remember that we were one people before we split into camps.

Thousands of them formed a perfect thick circle of leather clad fighters and left the center clear. I tucked in my wings neatly to drop down. The wind was howling in my ears as the ground drew closer. All heads tilted upward. At the last second, I unfolded my wings to soften my fall just a bit and landed with a ground shaking thud. 

As I straightened myself from the crouched position I landed in and rippled my wings, showing off my commanding power in spreading them wide for all of them to see, before snapping them in again. The murmurs died out . Everyone around me got in formation and saluted the Illyrian way.

I stilled for a moment, taking them all in.

And like they all rehearsed, they called in unison. “General.” Their one voice echoing off the mountains. 

I saluted them the same way before I spoke.

“It does an warrior’s heart good to see every camp standing together beneath the same sky.” I shouted loud enough for all of them to hear me, slowly turning around to address all of them. “Today, the sun grants us more light than every other day of the year. Our ancestors believed that every extra hour of light was a gift. Not for idleness, but to test ourselves. To fly farther!” They all shanted back every last word.

“To fight harder!”

“To become stronger!”

I let the stillness sweep in again before I got on. “Our ancestors understood something we should never forget. Strength is earned in training. Not in war. And honor is forged in discipline and not measured in opponents we slaughtered." The last word felt bitter on my tongue. Flashes of my rages tried to crawl up but I chugged them down. 

"So today, we do not spill Illyrian blood." I yelled with a firm voice. "We sharpen one another instead."

They yelled their approval, while drumming on their breast plate and a smile spread on my face as I began to end my speech.

"Beat your opponent fairly. Push your brothers until they curse your name. Win with pride. Lose with dignity. And if you lose to someone younger…" I shrugged dramatically and grinned. "Train harder before next summer."

A deep roll of laughter rolled across the field. 

"But when the last contest ends and darkness claims the mountains…" I took a moment and paused. "We eat together!"

Cheers erupted around me.

"We drink together!"

The cheers grew louder.

"And by the Mother, we remind every mountain from Windhaven to the northern peaks that no one celebrates like an Illyrian!" I raised my fist at the last words and drums began to echo as roars erupted.

Then I shouted over the crowd.” May today’s sun strengthen all of you. May today’s trials sharpen your spirit and may today’s fire remind us all that before we are warriors of different camps–”

I hit my fist against my chest. “ We are Illyrians!”

Like thunder the chants and roars struck the valley.

The games began and I was hassling around to spend some time at each game. Some invited me to a fight as a guest of honor. I didn't even have to try to win. 

The only exception I made was with the children… The time I spent there is precious to me as it reminds me of my beginnings in this camp. A bastard born, fighting every day for scraps, beating others for clothes and a better bedsheet to use as a tent, stealing embers to ignite my own little fire for some warmth to thaw my frozen limbs… They invited me for a fight and I stretched it, only using a fraction of my power and in the end…letting them win over me of course. 

I knew that the Illyrians were proud and never desired a win out of pity. But I’ve learned that they blossom from such small achievements. So, I let them overpower me and have their moment.

As the sun began its slow descent, the fires were lit again across Windhaven. The day of the fights was over. The night belonged to music, roast meat and overflowing casks of wine and ale. There’s storytelling and enough drinking games to leave even the seasoned warriors and captains stumbling. The camp would remain awake until dawn greets them once again. Then they’d have a good-days sleep.

I didn’t say goodbye to anyone before lying and saying I’m going for a loo. I headed for the nearest cluster of trees and soared through the sky soundlessly. The tension of the day subsided and I felt tired. This day wasn’t going to end.

My wings felt heavy and I thought I pulled a muscle while fighting the small ones. Usually, the way back felt as if time was passing faster. But that was not today. The length stretched on and on until I crossed the veil to Velaris again. 

The howling wind that froze my limbs was gone and the smell of jasmine, salt and the water of the glittering Sidra filled my nostrils. Only a speck of blue painted the horizon as I landed on the balcony of the House of Wind. I’d only got minutes left.

I quickly swapped my armor for a dress shirt and a pair of trousers. A quick splash of the well water to freshen up my face. Then I was jumping out of the window, letting my wings take the fall and swung through the warm air, heading towards the rainbow.

This day belonged to Illyria, this night belonged to Velaris.

The floorboards of the stage shuddered as I landed on it unelegantly.

“The last pint with your warriors was too much.” Rhysand mused as he was fixated on the small watch on his wrist. “Just in time. I have to give you that.”

“You know what day it is, Cassian.” Feyre sneered at me. Oh, we’re using legal names. She must be feral.

“Sorry, I got held up.” I huffed with slumped shoulders.

“Sorry doesn't cut it.” Az snapped from beside me, picking a feather from my shoulder. 

“We’ve all been waiting for you!” Mor scolded me. 

Mother save me!

The curtain in front of us was still closed, so no one saw me arriving late. The crowd in front of it must have been massive. Everyone in Velaris was here today. It was their day, too. Well...their night. 

Every year on summer solstice the Inner circle renewed their vows to the people of Velaris. The city had fallen silent as the curtains drew to the sides. Thousands were standing on the central place in the heart of the rainbow, along the banks of the Sidra and some were even perched on the ceilings of the houses. The wind ebbed down, letting the swinging lanterns still. The music had ceased and even the wind had stopped calling between the narrow cobblestone streets. 

Amren stepped onto the balcony first and held her speech. She vowed remembrance to the city. Fitting, I think, because of her age. How old was she again?

When she finished, Mor stepped forward and took Amren’s hand, like our self made ceremony demanded it. She promised Welcome to the people. She was the embodiment of freedom, joy and refuge and stood for a life without fear. After her, Azriel vowed to keep them secret, Rysand vowed to lead and Feyre vowed to nurture. 

She stretched out her hand, waiting for me to step into the stage light. 

I lined myself up with them and for a heartbeat, I simply looked at the people below. My people.

“My family beside me has each promised to guard Velaris in their own way.” I said with a small smile pulling the corners of my lips upwards.

“I’ve never been the one with beautiful words.” The people of Velaris laughed gently at my honest words. “So, I’ll give you the truth instead.”

Suddenly, the crowd grew silent. I hadn’t even prepared a speech like the others did. I was bad at this. Shit. They were all watching me…

“I was born in an Illyrian war camp where males were taught that strength was measured only by brutality and battles. But this city taught me different. It taught me that true strength is measured by compassion and the will to retaliate and love, even if the whole world’s screaming at you, telling you otherwise.”

I let my eyes roam to the kids on their parents shoulders, the teenagers on the roofs, to the woman that held her grandmother in her arms.

“The laughter in the streets. The music drifting from open windows and strangers singing alongside. The artists painting until dawn. The children who have never known war.” My pause let the eerie stillness settle into all our bones. “That is what I fight for. So tonight, before the Mother, before my High Lady and High Lord, before My Mate and my family… before my city and my people…”

I took another deep breath. “I renew the same vow I made decades ago. The vow that no enemy will reach these streets, no child nor elderly will stand alone! And should darkness ever come for this city again, it will have to fight me first. I vow to be your shield!” At that, I took Feyre’s hand to connect the Inner Circle at last. Joined as one again.

As my last words echoed off the streets, the crowd answered with roars of celebration. Firecrackers flew through the air and the music came to life again. The people cheered and clinked their glasses of champagne as they began to dance and sing. Strangers became best friends over a shared pipe, old enemies forgave one another and cousins who haven't seen each other in years clung together like they’ve never been separated. No one celebrated alone. 

After that, we ran down the stairs to throw ourselves into the crowd. I could tell from the faint expression on Azriel's face, that his wings hurt too from tucking them in neatly and protecting them from others falling and stumbling in our backs. But we sang along and celebrated with the people, listening to their drunken offerings of thanks and praises. I’ve lost the others more times than I’d like to admit but that was okay. I was amongst my people. Just a special one was missing.

Suddenly, I felt that distinct tug against my ribs. So gentle, so calm. I turned my head towards the street that would lead me away from the cheering crowds.

It was time to go home. Truly home.

I clawed my way through the sea of bodies to find a spot to swing my wings wide and soar through the sky.

The songs grew quieter, the lights dimmed behind me. And finally, I landed on the cobblestone street in front of the picket fence that I just painted last week. Fireflies bumbled through the bushes of blooming lavender that greeted me as I turned the knob of the front door to let myself in. I peeled out of my overheated shoes and abandoned my beer spilled shirt and trousers in the powder room downstairs. I washed my hands and turned the light on the porch off before I headed upstairs. Following the fragrance of gorse, I crossed the doorway into the bedroom, finding my beautiful mate inside our bed. Just as I left her.

My heart filled with joy, imagining her sleeping in, enjoying a cup of tea on the porch and reading until it was time for lunch and feeding the strays before getting cozy on the sofa. Maybe she went for a walk in the garden and the market to get some produce to cook a meal – I’m sure she left something on the stove – and then taking a bath and getting ready for bed. 

A single lit candle flickered on the nightstand as she was sitting against the headboard, smiling dearly at me.

“Hey sweetheart.” I greeted my mate, the mattress dipping as I sat down on my side. 

“Hey, handsome.” Her voice was like honey to a sore throat. “How was your day?” She reached out and cupped my cheek. I leaned into her touch.

“Fine. But never ending. I’m happy that I’m home.” I said exhaustedly and got under the covers. 

“How are you?” I asked, smiling at her. Then my eyes drifted lower. “You two?”

The duvet fell as she exposed her middle section, her hands falling on her belly. “We’re good. But it’s getting a little uncomfortable right now.” She smiled through the rambling inside of her.

I took her in my arm, my other hand sprawling across her swollen belly, the babe kicking against my hand as if scolding me for coming home too late.

“I’m sorry little one.” I crouched down to whisper to my unborn child. “Not long and I’ll have you in my arms. We can fight and dance together. Sounds good?”

A kick answered me.

“I’m due a week now. You promise you’ll be home next week?” She asked me with her cute scrunched nose as our babe turned and kicked inside of her.

“Yeah. I’m home.”

At first you'd thought Cassian's fixation on your stomach was purely practical. One of his large hands is always kneading at your belly while his face is pressed between your legs, and you imagine he's using it as something of an anchor while he goes down on you. You can't blame him- you do the same thing with his hair. But he starts there this time, his broad palms smoothing over the plane of your stomach and his thumbs lingering as long as possible before fitting themselves just above your hipbones. He hums deep and low in his throat, appreciative as he sinks to his knees at the foot of the bed, your feet dangling in the air until he shimmies his shoulders beneath them.

"You're so beautiful," He observes, his eyes alight with primal hunger as he stares at your sex. He drags his hands down your legs and back up again- rubbing the flesh there, memorizing the feel of it against his palms, squeezing the meat of your thighs, "You smell good, too. I could smell you from two floors down, y'know?"

You toss your head back against the mattress with a mortified groan.

"No one else can," Cassian laughs, leaning in to press a kiss to the juncture of your thigh and your cunt, a mere centimeter from where you need him, "It's a mating bond thing. I mean- if Az walked in here now he'd probably faint, but-"

"Cassian," You kick him halfheartedly, swinging your leg into the side of his head faster than he can block it. He laughs, though, anchoring it over his shoulder with another kiss pressed against the skin near your knee.

"I'm just teasing." He amends, and when he touches you again he settles his hands against the pudge of your stomach, kneading the flesh gently, "You know I like getting you all hot and bothered."

You feel especially hot and bothered because of the way Cassian's breath hits your core, his face close enough to ride if you just dug your heels into his back and pressed him into you. He'd probably love it if you did- he'd think it was feisty and demanding and all of the things he says he loves it when you are. But you turn pleading eyes on him instead, big round shiny ones as your lips part to mutter, "Please, Cassian, just touch me."

"Oh," He breathes, "Okay. Okay, honey, shh," He tuts, leaning in to kiss your thigh, then dragging his mouth towards your sex, hot and wet and sucking at your clit. The stimulation makes you jolt, and his nose grinds against it deliciously as he drops to lick at your slit.

He groans, open-mouthed against you, "Fuck, you taste so good."

His hands tighten their grip on your stomach, fingers pressing into your skin as he eats you. He treats it like a kiss, lips pressing and sucking and parting to mouth messily at your sex while his hands squeeze and massage at your stomach like it's your breasts. He smooths his thumbs across your belly, then down towards your hips and back again, hands never ceasing in their roaming patterns across your skin.

He kisses at one side of your sex, then the other, then your clit as he loses himself in the smell, the feel, the taste of you. He licks broad stripes up your slit, then breaches it to wriggle his tongue as far into you as he can go. The alternating sensations make you squirm, and you tangle your fingers in his hair the same way he grabs and squeezes at your stomach.

Cassian knows how to use his mouth, and he works you steadily up to an orgasm that washes over you in a thunderous wave, making your thighs tremble and your throat burn with keening whines, sounds that Cassian likes to lick out of your mouth when he's buried inside of you. But he licks you through your orgasm now, grunting and groaning against your sex as it pulses and twitches around his tongue. His fingers grip harder than ever at your stomach, squeezing like his life depends on it, and you expect crescent-shaped divots in your skin from his fingernails.

As you slowly come down, tugging at his hair to get him to back off, his fingers relax, loosening their grip on your stomach and smoothing out across your skin once more. They don't leave, though, they settle, pressed flat into you like he's trying to leave an imprint there. He drags his nose up towards your stomach, his mouth surely leaving a slick stain there as he hums appreciatively into your belly, "You always taste so fucking good. I could do that forever."

"I'd let you if you weren't so good at it," You laugh breathily, your thigh still twitching with overstimulation, "I- I can't take any more."

"That's okay," Cassian murmurs, puckering his lips to press into your stomach, "You did good- you did so good, sweetheart, I love seeing you like that."

He kneels there, cheek resting on your stomach between his hands, dragging deep lungfuls of air in until his breathing returns to normal. Yours does in tandem, and his head rises and falls against your belly at the same pace as his own chest.

You drag your fingers through his hair, and he brushes his thumbs over your tummy. They're soothing, tender motions that makes your eyes droopy and your mouth stretch into a yawn, one that pricks Cassian's ears and drags his head off of your stomach.

"Sleepy?" He asks, and you hum an affirmative.

"Let's nap," He grins lazily, rising to his feet and kneeling on the mattress, dragging you up towards the headboard. As soon as you're settled he ducks into the bathroom to wet a washcloth for you, gently and carefully cleaning you up despite your sensitivity. Each time you twitch or hiss he hums an apology against the smooth skin of your forehead, kissing it soothingly until you're clean.