#nessian fluff

Nesta Archeron.

The General of the Night Court’s armies wanted her to feel welcomed, to feel as though she wasn’t forgotten. That she was wanted. That he had wanted her to be there. Hells, he wanted her. Descending down to the lower levels of the library residing in the House of Wind, Cassian couldn’t shake the longing for the silver eyed, sharp-tongued female. Not paying attention, his body slammed into a cart causing the metal to rattle and a sharp gasp to come from the person on the other end. “Shit.” He muttered recovering quickly, “I’m so-

“Cassian, what are you doing here?” His hazel eyes met the eyes of Nesta, her gaze for once didn’t hold anger, more confusion with a hint of annoyance. In the time of being with the human turned fae, he had picked up on her expressions, being in such close proximity he learned pretty quickly what her moods truly were.

Cassian cleared his throat as he grabbed a few books that fell off her cart, “Can I not come down and see my favorite, Archeron?”

Nesta snorted, “We both know I am not your favorite.” Her soft tone caused Cassian to grind his teeth together. She turned to shelve a book and instinctively Cassian gripped her wrist. The statement grating against something in his chest, he pulled his lips in a tight line when her eyes met his once more. The silver of her eyes was becoming his favorite color, “Cass.” Her tone was not aggressive but there was a warning in her tone.

“Nes,” He retorted as he slid his hand up to grip her fingers with his own. “I enjoy your company. You know that right?”

“Doesn’t mean I’m your favorite.”

Cassian quirked a brow, a smirk emerging on his tanned face, “That sounds like a challenge, Sweetheart.” Nesta rolled her eyes, and he walked around the cart to close the distance between them. “Let me prove it.”

Nesta tilted her head to the side, contemplating the offer, raising a brow of her own she sighed, “What did you have in mind?”

“Come to Solstice and find out.”

Her face shifted into something cold and in turn he felt the temperature plumet as the soft features grew hard, “No.”

“Feyre wants you-

Nesta scowled, “Do you think I care about what Feyre wants?”

Cassian’s playful expression morphed into a wince at the quick shift in mood. Cassian released a heavy breath, “I know you don’t.” He pressed forward, until Nesta’s back was against the bookshelf, “What about me?”

Nesta opened her mouth only to close it her brows furrowed before she whispered, “What about you?”

“Would you care if I wanted you there?” Cassian looked at the female’s sharp features, beautiful when she was human, he couldn’t help but find her even more radiant now. He hadn’t realized he had cupped her face in his hand until he could feel her lean in slightly before realizing they were in the library and moving her face away from him. He dropped his hand back to his side.

“It would matter to me.” She whispered as she turned to face away from him. “Just not enough to make me change my answer.”

“Why?” He whispered. Nesta tried to move away from him, only to realize he had her caged in, “Nesta. Please.”

Nesta leaned her head back against the books, something he learned before the war was a comfort for her. Her love for reading had been a saving grace for her. She looked up above her and Cassian realized she was trying to blink away tears. “I’m sorry.” He said, taking a step back, “I didn’t mean to upset you. I am not entitled to your reasons.” Another step back, “I just wanted you to know, that you are wanted there. That I want you there.”

He turned and was about to leave when delicate, now calloused hands gripped his. Looking at Nesta, he realized he didn’t have a name for this look he gave him, until he reached her eyes and found the one thing, he had seen on the battlefield in the eyes of the enemies he slaughtered.

Fear.

“You don’t understand.” She whispered, letting go of his hand. He simply took it once more and placed it in the crook of his arm to lead her up to take her home and she gave little protest.

“Then help me understand,” Cassian curved his wing around her to keep away the chill. “Let me in.”

She tucked her lip once more between her teeth and remained silent until they reached the stairs where there were no one to listening before she said, “I can’t.”

“Can’t?” Cassian parroted. Nesta pinched the bridge of her nose with her free hand and the General noticed that her lip was quivering, and he placed his hand over hers on his arm giving it a comforting squeeze. “You can talk to me, Nes.”

“Solstice is a fae holiday.” She murmured.

Cassian nodded, “Yes. To my understanding the humans celebrated Solstice too.”

Nesta lowered her hand from his face, her sharp cheekbones highlighting her freckles in the low fae light. “We- They do.”

Nesta’s phrasing wasn’t lost on the General and in a matter of seconds it dawns on him. “Oh, I see” Cassian’s brows furrowed his mind moving at a rapid speed on all the times Nesta had distanced herself from everyone especially him. The realization that it was around fae centered events and holidays. So Cassian led her to her favorite place in the entire world; the place she felt most at peace in the House of Wind.

The library.

He sat her on the sofa and walked over to the fireplace where he extinguished the flame to her surprise. He turned and winked at her, “Come now, Nes, I’m not just a pretty face. I pay attention.” Cassian watched as he crossed her arms but that did not deter Cassian from taking the seat next to her, his wing curved around the eldest Archeron to keep her from getting cold. She inched closer to him as the library began to cool off the fire being out.

“How did you-

“It doesn’t matter.” Cassian whispered draping his arm around her shoulder. “All I needed to know was that it made you uncomfortable.”

Nesta looked up at Cassian gaze to which he saw nothing but gratitude in her silver eyes. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” The pair fell into a comfortable silence for a moment before curiosity got the best of him. “Tell me.”

He knew that he didn’t need to elaborate that the quick witted, sharp tongued Archeron could infer what information he was seeking. She smoothed the gray skirts of her dress as if her hands needed something to do as a form of distraction. Her eyes fluttered shut as the words poured out of her, “I have been trying to salvage what little humanity I have left. Embracing your culture, your family…” She peaked his way, though he schooled his features to show nothing allowing her to continue, “you, makes me feel as though I’m permanently parting ways with the human woman I once was.” She pressed her palm against her laced clad collar bone and rubbed at her chest, “I’m terrified of this new life, Cassian.”

Cassian placed his palm on top of the hand that was aggressively rubbing her chest, “Hey. Look at me.” Nesta refused, the general was not known to back down from a challenge “Sweetheart, look at me.” His tone held firm and Nesta couldn’t help but glance into his warm Hazel eyes. “You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Nesta scoffed, as she sat up but keeping herself close to the Illyrian male. “I am, Cassian, my sisters are perfectly content to move on from life as a human as if what we went through didn’t matter. That our traditions can be thrown out.”

Cassian pressed the pad of his thumb along her cheek picking up the stray tears she allowed to fall and trickle down her face. “They matter to me.”

Nesta blinked, as he met her gaze once more, “What?”

“Your traditions, your humanity. They matter to me. You matter to me.” He gripped her hand and pressed it to his chest,  “Sweetheart, all I ask is you let me in. Tell me about them. Give me a chance to make Solstice special for you.”

To Cassian’s surprise, she did. She told him all about her favorite memories from a child and her favorite traditions. The General smiled as Nesta babbled on making sure he noted anytime her voice squeaked from excitement. This was the most animated he had ever seen the Archeron sister. By the time she finished she yawned, she gave him a rare smile showing her perfect teeth. “Thank you for listening. I’m off to bed.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek, Cassian sucked in his breath as her lips pressed against his skin. “Good night, General.” She rose and exited the library before he could respond.

The Illyrian wasted no time and wandered the house until he reached the dark oak doors of Azriel’s room. Before he could knock on the door opened, his brother’s curls disheveled as though he ran his hands through his hair. “What?” Az grumbled.

“I need your help.” Az rolled his eyes that matched the color of the General’s as he continued, “For Nesta.” Cassian knew his brother had a soft spot for Nesta and wasn’t above using it to his advantage.

Azriel opened the door to let him in, “Where do we begin?”

Nesta awoke to a delightful smell wafting into her room. She slowly slipped out of her bed to get dressed, she opted for a pair of trousers and a red tunic that kept her chest covered, still not used to the culture of dress in the Night Court. Making her way to the source of the smell led her to the kitchen where she had expected to find Elain baking but instead found Cassian wings tucked tightly to his back, a black apron around his waist. Nesta watched for a moment admiring the flour across the Illyrian’s tanned nose and the focus he had on mixing whatever was in the bowl. Once he was satisfied, he poured the batter into a sheet with ease and placed it into the oven.

He turned to his piercing hazel eyes to her and Nesta straightened. A grin emerged on Cassian’s face and Nesta wasn’t sure if she was able to keep herself upright at the sight, “Good Morning, Happy Solstice, Sweetheart.”

Nesta gave him a small smile as she stepped deeper into the kitchen, “Happy Solstice. Are you bringing this to Rhysand’s big party?” Her tone held no ire despite her deep dislike of her brother-in-law.

“We’re not going.” Cassian’s words caused Nesta to whip her head toward to his once more.

“You mean I’m not going.” Nesta gripped a hand on the counter with the cool bite of the marble grounding her.

Cassian moved his face closer to hers, the scent of Leather and sandalwood infiltrating her nose consuming her. “No, Nes. We’re not going. You and I are going to be here.”

The eldest Archeron pressed a hand to her chest and rubbed as if to quiet the hum that tugged at her chest. “Really?”

“He means it, Nesta. Has a whole day planned out for you.” Azriel chirped in as he walked in pecking her cheek and clamping a hand down on his brother’s shoulder.

Nesta worried her lip before blurting, “What about you?”

Az tilted his head to the side. “I am going to be town. I promised everyone I would be there.” Nesta frowned disappointed that he wouldn’t be here, but Az proceeded to say, “I am planning on coming back though, Cassian asked me to join for Bread of Ginger making?” Azriel looked confused for a moment before waving and winnowing into his shadows.

Nesta’s face lit up and looked back at Cassian a grin pulling at her cheeks, “Gingerbread houses?” The General nodded. “You remembered?”

Cassian chuckled, “Of course I did.” He proceeded to stack the cool cookies that Nesta now understood looked like the foundations of the house with excitement in her chest to see that icing of different colors and sweets of all kinds were placed into bowls. “Cass?”

“Hm?” He didn’t look up as he took the hot pan out of the oven and set it down to cool.

“These are sweets from the human lands?” Cassian nodded his confirmation, “Where did you get these?”

“You can thank Lucien for tonight’s meal and the ingredients needed for our activities.” He winked in her direction, “He sends his regards by the way.”

Nesta snorted, “Only to get my blessing for Elain.”

Cassian sighed, “Not everyone has an angle, Sweetheart.” He grazes his hand by her arm, “Some people fae or otherwise are just kind.”

Nesta crossed her arms, “Not that I’ve experienced,” Cassian winced and Nesta instantly regretted the words as she said them, “Cass-

He raised his hand, “Don’t apologize Nesta,” He cupped her face his thumb stroking her cheek, “I know you haven’t seen the best of both humans and fae. You are valid in your opinion.” He pressed his lips to her cheek, and she stilled as though a doe in the woods heard a branch snapping. Once he pulled away, as he spun her around and gently pushed her out, “Go get changed into something warmer, I’m taking you to the mountains today.” Nesta turned her head in protest, “Not for training, Wear layers.”

Nesta clung to Cassian as they landed on the top of a hillside where a board, big enough to fit two people, with metal rails on the bottom seat. Nesta gasped, gripping Cassian’s arms, “A Sled.” She whispered, adjusting her red hat with a little fuzzy ball on the top to cover her ears.

“You deserve to have some fun, Nes.” Cassian whispered in her ear, his wing blocking out the winter wind. Cassian adjusted his own silver hat with matching ball to keep his ears from the frigid mountain air. He watched as Nesta admired the sled and placed herself at the front of the sled adjusting. Her Illyrian fleece lined leathers hugging her curves, her boots with fur coating the top, and the red that covered her nose and cheeks as the cold air met her cheeks.  Cassian smiled.

She was radiant.

Nesta met his stare and quirked a brow, “Don’t tell me you have cold wings now, General.”

Cassian smirked at her, “Nice try, Archeron.”

Nesta adjusted as Cassian placed himself behind her the wood creaking under his weight, he reached around her to grip the rope at the front of the sled. She gripped his thighs as they caged around her, “Ready, Nes.” His voice caused a shiver to run down her spine.

“Yes.” She whispered and she tucked herself closer to Cassian as the Illyrian used his force to slip the sled down the hill. As they descended the hill Nesta closed her eyes enjoying the bite of the mountain air on her skin. The rush of the sled dropping at a rapid speed exhilarated the eldest Archeron. She Opened her eyes as they were coming up a ramp, “Cassian?”

“I got you.” Cassian said taking on the hand of the rope to slide around her waist as they went up the snowbank and went air born. Nesta looked on to see the snow-capped trees and creatures in the forest running enjoying the winter. A call from a bird caused her to look up to the heavens, a snow-white hawk with markings on the side of it ascended into the sky, its cry felt like one of joy and not sadness.  Below she saw a stag and a streak of blonde hair as the bird descended to her the other creature. In a blink they were gone but Nesta took it as a sign. As the sled began to let gravity take hold Nesta released her grip on his thighs and threw her arms in the air. A squeal of delight erupted from her mouth, and she couldn’t bring herself to care.

Arms wrap around her waist as Cassian pulls them off the sled before it crashes into the soft snow and by not using his wings, he flings them into a snowbank. Nesta couldn’t contain her laughter as she laid her back on the snow Cassian joining her. Nesta sat with the feeling of joy for a moment before she began to spread her legs and arms and moved them in an upward motion and back down. 

“What are you doing?” Cassian asked.

“Making a snow angel.” Nesta replied with a grin on her face before she rose to look at her masterpiece, “Look.”

Cassian rose and looked down, to see the figure that resembled wings. “Its beautiful, Nes.”

Nesta looked back at the sled and looked over to Cassian, lacing her fingers through his, “What do you say, Cassian? Go again?”

Cassian smiled as Nesta and Azriel sat at the table working together on the gingerbread house. Azriel strategically picking out pieces that would make the structure stable for movement should there need be as Nesta held the bag of icing to keep the pieces together. After a full day of sledding the duo spent some time in the library sipping on Hot cocoa and reading in the parlor until the house had dinner ready.

The two then shared a meal of fun stories and laughter until Azriel appeared. Here they were the Archeron sister and Cassian’s best friend were working together to make…Cassian furrowed his brows, “Are you two making the House?”

Nesta and Az smiled at each other, “Yes.” Nesta said curtly before going back to what they were doing. During their time training her friendship with Azriel was something that surprised Cassian. The two just worked well, Azriel’s complex relationship and issues met Nesta’s and together they found solace in each other’s darkness. They both need the other’s friendship and for that alone Cassian thanked the mother for giving them the connection they both desperately yearned for. Nesta looked up once more and smiled at Cassian, she was giving those freely to him and Cassian was greedy for more. “Want to help?”

Cassian shook his head, “you two go ahead, I’ll go grab the presents.”

Nesta paused her teeth tucking her lower lip, “I didn’t get you anything.”

Azriel waved her off, “We wanted to do something nice for you, Nes. We don’t need anything. Your company is the best gift.”

Nesta nodded and went back to icing their sculpture of the House of Wind, while Cassian went to provide the Solstice gifts.

When he returned Nesta and Azriel had put the finishing touches of the house, Nesta held her hands out to show off to Cassian, “Tah dah.” She sang.

Cassian was blown away by the craftmanship the duo pulled to make the gingerbread he made earlier that morning into their home. They even included a balcony that had…two people one with seven red candies and one with a grey frosting dress. Then on the other balcony was one that had seven blue candies where Az siphons would go. “We’re in there.” Cassian said, swallowing the lump in his throat.

“Had to have my favorite people in it.” Nesta murmured enough for Cassian and Azriel to pause. Nesta looked at both and rolled her eyes, “Don’t make this into a bigger deal.”

Cassian smiled as he placed the presents down, “I wouldn’t dream of it, Sweetheart.”

He handed a blue wrapped box to Nesta, “This is from, Az.”

Nesta grabbed it from him and gently took the paper off the box. Nesta lifted the mechanism and Azriel stepped up, “It’s a reading light.” He tapped the mechanism and a small fae light illuminated her face. “So, when you stay up too late reading…again.” Nesta laughed and tapped to turn the light on and off.

“Thank you.” Nesta reached up and kissed his cheek. “For everything.”

Azriel gripped her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Of course, Nes.” He released her hand and stretched his wings, “I’m off to bed, you two have a good night.”

Cassian waved to his friend as he left. Leaving him with Nesta. “So, I got you three gifts. One was from last year I was never able to give you.” He handed her the tiny box in green wrapping paper. He watched with bated breath as she opened it to reveal the first book in the history of the fae in her palm. “That was the first book of our kind to be created. Only one of its kind.”  Nesta’s mouth dropped.

“I don’t know what to say.” She whispered. Pressing the small book to her chest, Cassian slid a bigger wrapped package to her. She gently placed the book down to open the second present. She tore open the paper and gasped once more, “How did you-

“Elain is a good snoop.” Nesta flipped through the pages of her favorite novel from the human author. A smile on her face as though she couldn’t wait to explore the world of this novel once more. She placed the book down after a few moments and stared at the final gift. Not wrapped simply in a box. “This one I’m pretty proud of.” Cassian opened the box to reveal a Symphonia and when he tapped the top music from her favorite bars began to play.  Cassian looked at Nesta as tears streamed down her cheeks. He placed the object down, letting the music play and he held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”

Nesta took his hand, and Cassian led her into a dance. Letting the music take over they spun around the dining hall. Nesta found herself laughing again and Cassian joined her, the two sharing a bout of laughter as the song morphed into a slower melody. Cassian slowed their movements pressing his hand against Nesta’s lower back to bring her closer to him, Pressing the hand with hers to his chest. He pressed his forehead to hers, “Happy Solstice, Nesta.”

Nesta’s eyes fluttered shut, “Happy Solstice, Cassian.” They let the music carry them before she spoke up once more, “Thank you for today. This was the best solstice I’ve had in a long time.”

“You’re very welcome, Nesta.” Cassian swayed and spun her around. “Your humanity?”

Nesta smiled brightly it made his chest tightened, “Intact. Thank you for that too.” She sighed, “Though, I feel bad I didn’t get you a present.”

Cassian smiled and kissed her nose, “You haven’t figured it out yet?” He asked, pulling his face away from hers to meet her eyes. Nesta shook her head, and he smiled, “All I want is you, Nes.”

Nesta smiled, and for once she allowed herself to embrace the pulling in her chest. “I’m Yours,” She reached up to his ear and whispered, “My Mate.”

Cassian blinked as she lowered herself down, “Nes-”

She pressed her lips to his to silence him and Cassian was quick to pull her as close to him as he could. He felt her hand against his cheek as she pulled away from him to look into his Hazel eyes. “Mine?” He asked.

“Yours.” She whispered, Cassian grinned and kissed her once more.

His Lady Death.

His Valkyrie.

His Best Friend.

His Mate.

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"I mean, If I was was writing this, I'd really want to drag out the despair, you know? At this point both you and Az are still alive. Which leaves a lot of hope for a final victory. You want to slowly erode that hope for maximal drama. So I would have killed you a few chapters later, and Az towards the end. It nails down the heroic climax for Feyre to bring down Hybern. This pacing is off, what are they even doing?"

Nesta and Cassian have carved out an intimate, domestic habit for themselves. They read the same book together, while she nestled in his lap. When she finished a page, she lightly scratched his arm, and when he did, he'd leave the lightest peck on her temple. It wordlessly let the other know, to turn the page. They never agreed on it, it simply emerged as their sweet, yet practical quirk. It was a silly thing to keep secret, but she cherished it so much she never shared it with her friends or sisters. Nesta had now been scratching at his arm for at least a few minutes.

"You would… what.? Nes, they got so many details of the war wrong… and what kind of historical record is this anyway? I am alive and… and why does Azriel get to live longer?" "This isn't historical Cassian, it's fanficton" she said, clearly not fully invested in the conversation. "Fan.. fiction? what kinds of fans of mine would KILL me? "

"Oh it's all the rage in Day. I guess those nerds in Day Court blow off steam from writing, reading and research, by doing more … writing, reading, and well, research. Though, I have to admit, they are still some of the best writers out there" She said and returned her focus to the text. Feyre was just so good in this one, but the rest?

"So, you're saying, Day Court wants me dead?" His serious tone rattled her out of her head and back into their bedroom. Nesta was unsure if she had heard him correctly, they didn't typically discuss politics in bed … wait, didn't he mean Summer? "Oh no, Cassian baby, it's fanfiction." She gently turned around and give him a soft look. The confusion etched on his face was unmistakable and somewhat adorable. Was this really the first time they've read fanfiction together?

"They write speculative stories about famous fae and events in Prythian, with alternate endings, or even diverge from the facts entirely. And usually with completely made up romances, which is frankly half the point." she sized him up carefully, and decided more explanation was needed. "And nobody actually wants you dead, baby. This is just a common device from the Nestelion stans. They need to get you out of the way for the plot, so it's usually some version of you traveling to faraway lands in search of adventure, or sometimes just killing you" She was casually gesturing while talking, this was no big deal, but when she glanced at him, his gorgeous hazel eyes were as wide as saucers "…but you usually die in an honorable way… majestically…. in battle."

"I prefer to be majestic and alive." Cassian mumbled miserably. "So, what are they making room for anyway?" "Nestalion, Nesta and Helion? It's an imaginary, completely made up ship, baby" "Ha! Dream on! Fat chance! I'd like to see that pompous rake give it a real good shot" The redundant phrasing, the overblown swagger… Nesta knew that Cassian was still confused, but now mostly annoyed.

"So… do we ever get together in these stories? Do they write stories about a 'Cassta'?" he awkwardly used his fingers for quotations. "It's 'Nessian' baby, and yes, though usually as a start to Nestalion stories, or sometimes in a thruple with Az or Thesan. I can't say I encourage this, but people rarely ship anyone already in a relationship. This is just a specialty of those Dawn freaks, they really love a good poly story". Nesta threw her hands up defensively, though if she were a bit more honest, she had read a lot of works from the talented "Dawn freaks" and didn't exactly hate them.

"Where do they get these ideas? And Helion and you make absolutely no sense. Who even wants to read that?" He was looking quite a bit puffed up now. She glanced briefly at the manuscript. She really wanted to finish it this evening, but it was time for some damage control.

He looked so delicious, even when puffed out like a tropical bird. Though, his wings were fanning out further than she knew was comfortable for him while lying on the bed. Nesta could definitely help him relax, and she didn't mind this kind of reading break. Lying on his chest now, she tenderly traced her fingers on his jaw while peppering his neck with little kisses.

"Baby, it's Day!" she said as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. "They have been writing fanfiction of Helion for centuries in Day Court, it's nothing new. The only thing they love more than their High Lord is worshipping him in writing. They ship him with practically anything with a pulse. They are total, pathetic simps. There's even stories shipping him with the Suriel! The man is insatiable, everybody knows it, and that's how they like him. Do you know how many works of fiction begin, or end with the sentence 'Daddy's home' ? They could dedicate another library to that!" "A small, local library?" every word was punctuated with annoyance. No. "Sure."

Nesta locked into his eyes with a wicked smirk. She saw his lip twitch for a split second. So, he was going to keep pouting for a bit longer. That was fine with her, she could play this game blindfolded. As a matter of fact, she sometimes did.

"It's nothing to worry about baby," She kissed his cheek. "Ever since the war, me and Elain have been the newest hot fae in town" She kissed his jaw, humming with delight for good measure. "Of course we show up in freaky fanfics all the time." She sucked on the delicate spot right under his ear. "Besides, the whole Nestalion vs. Ellion shipwar will end the moment the next hot young babe arrives. An actress, a singer, a young princess coming of age. Tale as old as time." She traced her nose down his neck with a tiny bite and a long kiss at his base of his neck . "Wait, Elain?? Our sweet Elain? "

Really? Now? "There are Elain and Helion stories? Well, what the hells happens in them?" She looked up at him again, a little surprised at all this interest in fanfiction. Generally speaking, Nesta got a kick out of reading any type of story about herself, but she had absolutely no patience for badly written Elain stories. She might have sent anonymous, but strongly worded letters to the editors of the prythian fanfiction archive expressing her displeasure at the truly rotten ones. They might have guessed the identity of the disgruntled reader.

"Well, some version of a magical long forgotten spell frees her from her mating bond, or sometimes Helion finds it in a scroll in a secret room in a library, then he and Elain fall in love. Usually because by accident they both go swimming in the moonlight in the same waterfall, or river, lake, lily pond. People love a lily pond in romance." As did she.

"That's utterly ridiculous. There's no such magic!" Correct, that was the ridiculous bit "Ok, so what about these Nestalion stories? Does he sweep you off your feet at some fancy ball? " he pursed his lips as he pointedly looked at her. "Oh no no, there's no balls. Usually we go on a secret quest to find a scroll or some eldritch magical artifact, and then it rains one night, and we have to stop at an inn. Of course the last remaining room has only one bed. And well… "

"ONLY. ONE. BED!" For a brief moment, Nesta panicked at her shortage of tact. Though, before she could even protest, Cassian burst out laughing. "So you're telling me, the only reason big Daddy Helion has a chance with even a fictional you, is that through a complicated series of events, you accidentally end up in the same bed?" "Well… yeah" She couldn't decide if she was more amused or relieved at this turn of events. Was Cassian actually enjoying this? She felt his roaring laughter through her entire chest, and it would have been comforting if he wasn't shaking the bed. Though she warmed up to the idea of shaking the bed more. Fingers slowly sliding down towards the buttons on his tunic, she kissed the top of his chest.

"So, Elain and waterfalls, huh" She passed her tongue along the swirl of an inky black tattoo, as she fiddled with the first button. "Oh yes, that one is very poplular. Elain and Helion have made love under every waterfall in Prythian." The second button relented. "What? Even in Winter?" Cassian scoffed dramatically. "Especially Winter." she sucked lightly on the skin of his chest. She was leaving blooming marks tonight. "Ok, how do you make love in a frozen waterfall?" Cassian lifted his right arm behind his head and got that adorable quizzical look on his face. She could take a moment to explain that, afterall she secretely loved the waterfall trick.

"You see, Helion has this spell, to allow the frozen water to pass around them, in these crystalline blue ice flowers and she's completely enchanted by their beauty. Also Elain nearly freezes to death, but is rescued by the warmth of his body and he's actually surprisingly romantic with her" Satisfied that the matter had finally been put to rest, Nesta resumed her exploration and hummed into his chest as she traced a hand along the muscles of his arm.

"Ok, but how did she get there?" "Cassian!!" I'm trying something here It was her turn to be annoyed, as she looked up to face him. "You said, they arrive and swim at the lake, or waterfall, separately, and accidentally at the same time. So, before the meeting, how was Elain hoping to swim under a frozen waterfall?" Was it her imagination or was she being… postponed? "I guess, … she was upset because Tarquin ends things with her for some reason of royal duty. She's heartbroken, and craves the opposite of Summer, so she goes exploring the glacial beauty of Winter's wilderness" The End. Can we move this along now?

"Tarquin now?" Nesta's sighed. "Yeah well, Summer is baffling. For a culture with no reason to wear many clothes, you wouldn't believe how prim and proper they are. Obsessed with courtly love and slow burn. Nothing good ever happens until promises are made. Bunch of prudes!"

"You know Nes, I've never pictured Elain with someone like Helion." Cassian mused, suddenly very pensive. Oh? "Really? Who did you picture her with then? " She sat up a bit trying to appear casual.

"Well I guess, if it weren't for her bond, maybe someone like Tarquin? He's uptight, but besides that they have a similar nature." Nesta wasn't entirely convinced this unusual pairing wasnt motivated by his desire to get back into Summer Court.

"But I guess to me it's always been Feyre and Rhys, and then you and me…", he looked at her meaningfully, "the epic legend of 'Nessian'. And then there's Elain and… ha! I almost said Az!" Nesta observed him with unusual quiet as he chuckled at his own slip up. In the unlikely event he knew something that she didn't, Nesta wondered how to pry it out of him. "Yes, that is silly." It was unconvincing, but Cassian didn't seem to notice.

"And what about my dear sweet brothers?" He gave her that naughty schoolboy look of his that she pretended not to adore. "Obviously people are kind of careful around Rhys. He's got a reputation after all. There's some dark romances from some anonymous writers. It's bold, but not as popular" "Aw poor Rhysie, not so many fans for him" Nesta shrugged at that.

"And Azriel? Are you telling me Prythian likes to write erotic stories about Az?" Gods yes, ALL of Prythian "Yes, some of Prythian" His gring grew in devilish proportions. "And this is popular in?" "The lunatics in Winter Court. It's always about shirtless winter sports with them. Brutal skating competitions on frozen lakes. The lovers are always some sort of athletic rivals." Nesta rolled her eyes. Winter has really allowed themselves to become predictable. "Bizzarely, also Spring. The Calanmai stories are… vivid and elaborate. As are the ones on, Samhain, Imbolc, Lughnasadh , the solctices, the equinoxes, any minor feast. Really, any excuse for … large group activities." "And Autumn?" "Never met a kink they didnt like." Cassian's laughter boomed through the room, large and indecent. Nesta thoroughly enjoyed his contradictions; this giant, formidable winged fae, captivated and earnest about sharing her fanciful interests. She gave him a big smile as she slowly wound her finger around one of his raven locks.

"Does he know?" "Yes, but I wouldn't mention it to him." Cassian was positively giddy, and somehow looked more wicked than Nesta had ever seen. "Cass I'm serious. He's aware, but very touchy about it. Last time I casually mentioned it I didn't see him for a week. The first thing he said to me afterwards was a lot of mumbling, which sounded an awful lot like 'saucy wench'. " "From what I'm hearing, the only saucy wench in Az's life is Thesan and I'm guessing…. also Helion?" "Yes, there are Azlion stories as well. Did you even have to ask? No waterfalls though." Nesta sighed deeply. "I mean it, Cassian, he is very sensitive on the subject." "Why though? Unless they're killing him too, it's kind of, flattering no? " "Oh I don't know… It's Az. He has his reasons"

Nesta recalled that one day in Elain's kitchen, sitting on the counter and kicking her feet as she shared her thoughts on the most recent Ellion story. The plot annoyed her, the twist was utterly predictable, the pacing was wrong, and she was incensed. Elain deserved better storytelling than that. She didn't even think Elain was listening. Pretty sure she tuned her out completely whenever Nesta went on about fanfiction, making a sharp point to focus on whisking, folding, measuring and … whatever tinkering baking seemed to involve. Which was the whole reason Nesta was spending the morning in the kitchen. Sunday was for breakfast buns, and this week they were lemon cream, her favorite. She was damned if she was to miss out on her batch, knowing otherwise Azriel would swoop in and devour it without a shred of remorse.

And there he was, walking into the kitchen. Elain smiled shyly, as Az all but ignored Nesta. Sitting pretty on the counter between them, Nesta's head whipped from one to the other as they said hello. She observed nothing extraordinary, just polite, proper greetings, small, polite smiling, and polite questions about today's variety of polite breakfast buns. "They'll be cool in another half an hour" Again, nothing but the quietest smile from her lovely sister. Nesta narrowed her eyes hoping for some glimmer of recognition of Elain's tells. Nothing. There was either nothing to see or Elain had gotten even better at slipping through the cracks with her true thoughts and feelings undetected. "That's alright, I don't mind. I'll wait with you two"

Oh, so he did notice her. "Morning Nes!" He said as if she had been the rude one. Az moved to the little kitchen table and opened the Sunday Velaris Times. Nesta was more than happy to continue with her fanfiction tirade. And oh, they just had to hear about this incredibly well written, steamy story involving Az and a beautiful fae girl from Summer Court. She was downright obsessed, and hadn't even read formally published work as good as this in a long while. This was the kind of story that Elain deserved.Maybe she should reach out to the writer with an idea for a story about Elain, and "then we can finally read something of quality". She was already half way through the very salacious plot, working up to the bedrom scene, when she realized the uncomfortable quiet settling into the kitchen. Elain was pretending to wipe a bowl, that was clearly both clean and dry. It had still managed to slip her fingers and fall with several ungraceful clangs on the kitchen floor. "Oh my, well I guess it's a clumsy morning for me" Elain was rarely this ruffled anymore.

Az went professionally still, no longer flipping through the paper. And while his expression didn't reveal a single change, his shadows swirled in what seemed like annoyance. As much as mysterious shadows could be annoyed, Nesta supposed. The rest was incoherent mumbling. After Az grabbed his share of the breakfast buns in a neat cloth covered dish, he thanked Elain at least twice and actually flew out of the kitchen. Elain threw her a look that was somehow both dirty and embarrased. "Get off the counter…" struggling to be unpleasant, Elain's attemp at a bark came out as more of a yip. "… please, Nesta." Elain promptly handed her a dish of lemon cream breakfast buns, and with some flimsy excuse about proper cleaning, tossed Nesta from the kitchen.

"Yes, so they both appeared annoyed. I wouldn't say they're into fanfiction" She had left out some curious details and her suspicions, but gave Cassian the gist of "Neither Elain nor Azriel cared much for fanfiction"

Nesta had wondered about that interaction ever since. Why did it always feel like there is some quiet, even unspoken conversation she wasn't privy to, going on with these two?

Nesta always felt that she knew her sister and her manner of soft, nuanced interaction with the world. Was she mistaken? She could only speculate Elain's feelings flowed deeper, and warmer than polite conversation would have you believe. She had her theories, but had made it a point to keep them to herself.

"Huh, strange that." Cassian didn't appear to give it much thought, because he finally looked down at her nestled in his chest with a different kind of grin.

"So Nes, I wonder, have you gotten any interesting ideas to explore from these… bracing stories?" Definitely, at least the first couple pages of a long collated list. "Maybe… I might have?"

"You know, Nes, I noticed this room has only one bed." Cassian raised an eyebrow and smirked at her.

"Did you, now?" She giggled and felt the kind of brilliant levity that a life with Cassian always promised. "Mhm" His voice lower now, for a moment he just sat perfectly still and smoldering.

Before there was any room for protest, he suddenly grabbed her and in one fell swoop, flipped them around. Nesta gasped at the pure stealth and agility of the move. The war general with the confidence that came from generations of training was hovering mere inches above her and every muscle, every inch of her skin burned with excitement. Her breath hitched in anticipation and she tossed the manuscript haphazardly into a corner of the room.

"You know something else? " He whispered temptingly in her ear. "Tell me" "Daddy's home."

The only thing left to decorate was the tree. Nesta started opening all the plastic boxes when the front door opened, Cassian’s cheery voice ringing through their warm home. When he appeared in the living room bags of different sizes decorated his arms, a large grin on his face. “Hey baby, I thought I was going to help you with those?” Nesta returned his smile unwrapping the book stack ornament Cassian got her last year. “I could’t wait. Did you get the stuff for our mega gingerbread house?” 

Cassian chuckled and held up a bag from their favorite bakery. “Oh yeah. Let me put this stuff away and we’ll decorate.” Nesta smiled at his retreating back. She couldn’t help but feel like the luckiest woman in the world. As a child her and her sisters never had a good holiday experience thanks to their parents. Their mother’s focus was throwing the best parties for Christmas and New Years. Always neglecting to get the girls presents or doing any holiday activities with them. 

When Feyre and Rhysand found each other that’s when the new holiday traditions started. The first time they all spent Christmas together Nesta was drawn to Cassian and the love he had for the holiday. He made sure she and Elain felt welcome, the brothers even made sure they had a few gifts to open. Ever since that day Cassian and Nesta were inseperable. 

Cassian laid out the gingerbread pieces on the island along with the icing and candy toppings. He swiped two candy canes for him and Nes before sorting gifts that could be wrapped today and ones that he’d wrap tonight when Nesta was fast asleep. Gathering the gifts, wrapping paper, tape, and scissors he headed back to the living room. 

Nesta was half done unwrapping the ornaments, humming along to the Christmas playlist lightly playing from the speaker. Cassian never knew why she insisted on throwing Justin Bieber’s Christmas album into the mix of songs but he went with it. He would never tell Nesta that he enjoyed it. Cassian would never hear the end of it from her or his brothers. Dumping the gift supplies on the couch Cassian started picking up ornaments, choosing which ones he wanted to hang on the tree first. 

As the hours passed Cassian and Nesta were giggling as they reminisced about the joke ornaments they had bought each other over the years. Cassian found a Santa hat in one of the decoration boxes and decided it was his, even though Nesta fought him for it. Her consolation prize was silver tinsel Cassian wrapped around her like a scarf. 

Once the tree was done, Cassian and Nesta stood back wrapped in each other’s arms. Cassian kissed her tinsel covered head and looked down at his girlfriend with deep adoration. She looks so beautiful with the colorful Christmas lights reflecting in her blue-gray eyes. Images of their future together ran through his mind. A few more holidays by themselves and one day, maybe, a set of twin girls with his hair and her features running around. They’re in matching Christmas PJ’s trying to sneak a peak at the gifts they spent hours wrapping after bedtime before being caught by mom and dad.  

Breaking him from his thoughts Nesta bumped her hip against his. “Alright you,” she said cooly, “Lets get to wrapping.” 

Getting settled on the floor Cassian started rolling out wrapping paper. Nesta turned on the TV immediately changing the channel. When Nesta saw Rudolph was on she let out a happy hum, watching with a childlike wonder Cassian rarely saw from her. They noticed most of the gifts are for Nyx. Yeah he’s only a few months old, but Cassian and Nesta wanted his first Christmas to be special. Since they were hosting, the pair wanted their nephew to be the center of attention.   

Moving to the kitchen Cassian put the kettle on for hot cocoa as Nesta took a seat at the island and began unwrapping the toppings, throwing a few gumdrops in her mouth. “Hey,” she said to get Cassian’s attention. He turned to see Nesta cocking her arm back, gumdrop between her fingers, nodding at him with a determined smile. Cassian smirks, opening his mouth wide, leaning his head back a little. Nesta launches it in a short arch landing right on Cassian’s tongue. They both raise their arms in victory letting out a twin ‘woo’.  

Mega gingerbread house had to look perfect this year since it would be the center piece of the mantel. So this year they actually tried to not make it a disaster that would collapse just so they could eat it. Once it was a sugary monstrosity Nyx was sure to grab at, the pair carefully transported mega gingerbread house to its pedestal. It was quite impressive. The house looked like it belonged on a mountain top, Nesta guessed it kind of was thanks to where it was placed.   

Looking at his watch Cassian grimaced, noting it was much later than he thought. 

Getting settled in bed Cass watched his show on his iPad while Nesta read Christmas book seven of the twelve he got her. She hated being behind on her twelve days of Christmas reads. This one was about a long distance couple finally meeting for a magically holiday in the city. 

An hour passed before Cassian heard Nes slightly snoring. He smiled to himself as he softly kisses her forehead, silently slipping out from under the covers. Two years ago Cass caught Nesta snooping through her gift pile during the day so he made the decision to wrap in the middle of the night.

Sorting through the gifts in the living room Cassian couldn’t help but feel proud of himself. This year’s haul for Nesta was perfect if he did say so himself. He even got her special wrapping paper with little books on it. 

After an hour of wrapping gifts Cassian crept back upstairs. There was one more thing he had to check on before he went to sleep. Tiptoeing as best he could to the closet he slipped inside. Using the flash light on his phone so he wouldn’t wake Nesta he quietly opened his shirt drawer, digging out the smal black velvet box.   

Checking on the ring he knew was tucked away in the perfect hiding spot Cassian grined. Everytime Cass looked at the engagement ring his heart pounded with excitement. It took all of his self restraint to not propose to Nesta everyday. No, he would wait and make this the best Christmas, better than the one they first met. He’ll never forget the surprised face Nesta made when he handed her that first gift. Cassian smiled thinking about the surprise that will grace Nesta’s beautiful face in just two days. 

"I'm fine Cassian. It's just a scratch."

Cassian chuckled and let his gaze fall to Nesta. "I think we'll let Madja be the judge of that."

"You're fussing. Put me down!" Nesta demanded, wriggling in his arms.

"Why would I do that? We're fifty feet in the air, and I've grown to like you."

Nesta huffed loudly and grumbled under her breath. Cassian wasn't entirely sure what she said, but it sounded an awful lot like overreacting Illyrian baby.

"If the bleeding stops by the time we land, then we can skip Madja and go back home," he offered. As if there was a chance that was happening. Nesta had been slashed good during training. He'd told her the young priestess was too early in her training to be using a real sword, but did Nesta listen?

Of course not. She never did.

Fuck him, it was one of the things he loved about her.

Nesta nodded and sighed, "Fine. But even if I am still bleeding when we get there, I'm sure Madja will say it's nothing."

He flapped his wings and propelled them forward. It wasn't a long flight, but with each beat of the black leather, his heart grew louder.

His mate was probably right. It wasn't an awful cut, definitely something that would heal overnight. But with the blood flowing down her arm, dripping into the air beneath them, his hold on her was the only thing keeping him together. That and breathing through his mouth to avoid smelling the blood. Seeing it was more than enough to drive him crazy.

Cassian landed gracefully in front of the Healer's practice. Nesta attempted to wriggle out of his arms, but he held her firm as he rushed inside. The blood was still trickling down her arm, she had no way out of this now.

"Madja?" he called, entering the small building.

"Can I get down now?" Nesta asked.

He let out a small chuckle and set her down on a chair just as the small Fae walked in from an archway leading to her medical supply room. "Yes-oh! I see." The female eyed the arm Nesta was holding up with her other hand and then rushed back into her supply room.

Cassian flashed Nesta a smug grin. "Told you so." Nesta stuck her tongue out at him and then went back to examining the gash that just refused to heal as quickly as most injuries. He'd have to go check the sword when they got back to the House, make sure it was clean and there wasn't something else on it that could be affecting her.

Madja returned with a small box and some bandages. She didn't bother to address them or speak as she pulled another chair and a table over and began to set up.

"It looks like you're going to need stitches, dear," Madja explained, already threading a needle.

"What?!" Both Cassian and Nesta shrieked the word, Nesta also hopping out of her seat so fast the chair fell over.

Cassian looked over to Madja as he said, "I thought you'd just be able to give her a tonic or rub something on her arm to help her heal quicker."

"I'm not getting stitches!" Nesta added, not waiting for Cassian to finish.

"Calm down, dear. It's completely safe. And the fastest way to ensure you heal." Madja leaned over to pick up the chair and motioned for Nesta to sit.

Nesta shook her head and took another step away from the seat. "No way."

That wasn't a look on Nesta that Cassian saw often. The way her eyes widened and refused to blink, how they focused in on the needle, how her jaw clenched - Nesta was…scared.

"Nes," he breathed, walking over to her, standing between her and Madja for a moment. He placed his hands on her arms and started to rub them gently. He whispered, "There's nothing to be afraid of."

"I'm not-" Cassian quirked his eyebrow at her and she cut herself off, pulling her lips thin. "I don't like needles."

"You were just slashed by a sword," he pointed out, laughing breathily. "I think you can handle a little needle."

He tried to hide the way the small frown broke his heart. That every moment she spent staring at the needle in Madja's hand with those big, grey eyes was torture. That wasn't what she needed.

No, Nesta needed a distraction, and a hand to hold. And maybe a reason to do this beyond herself.

"Can't we just let it heal naturally?" she requested, leaning into him.

She knew. Two years together, there's no way Nesta didn't know. Leaning against him like that, with so much of her body touching his…Cassian could practically feel his will melting away. That perfect scent of a winter's sunrise mixed with embers completely engulfed him, luring him away from reason.

And then the scent of the blood took over, and he was right back in that healing practice, an injured Nesta in his arms, a small healer watching them and waiting.

"The problem is that the cut is so deep, your body is struggling to heal itself," Madja explained. "You need something to help your body find its way, so to speak. That's what the stitches will do, just like they did for Cassian during the war."

"This wound is nothing like that."

Madja's expression didn't alter at the rebuttal. She simply patted the seat again and waited.

"Please, Nesta," Cassian begged. "You can still spend the afternoon recuperating. Maybe curl up with a book in the library. I'll have the House whip up an extra chocolatey cake for you."

Nesta rolled her eyes and huffed, "The House would do that for me anyway."

"Okay. How about you do this, and I'll join you in the library and read a smutty book of your choosing?" Nesta's eyebrows raised, her interest piqued. "And then maybe I'll draw us a bath after dinner?"

"With bubbles." It was an order as much as it was a request. She walked back to Madja and took her seat, and Cassian followed close behind, taking her hand so she'd have something to squeeze.

He lifted his other hand and pulled her face so that those crystal, blue grey eyes were on him. "Look at me, Nes. Don't watch Madja, it'll only make it worse." Nesta nodded, her eyes dropping to his chest as they started to shine. He pulled her head into him and kissed the top of it softly as he watched Madja work.

The healer broke the skin, and Nesta whimpered into him. He kissed her again, brushing his fingers through her hair and softly encouraging her through the process. Cassian wasn’t sure what else he could do, but this seemed to pacify Nesta. It was rather bittersweet, to be able to help her like this. It was nice knowing that he could. But he hated that he needed to.

She remained fairly still, only jerking slightly each time the needle had to pierce the skin again, but soon enough Madja was tying off the stitches and cleaning up the wound again before bandaging it.

"Is it over?" Nesta asked quietly.

"Yeah, it is. And you did so well, Nes," Cassian sighed, pulling back to smile down at her.

Nesta shook her head at him slightly, laughing under her breath as if she found his encouragement amusing now that Madja was done.

Using some fancy solvent, the healer sealed the bandage to itself so that it wouldn't fall right off and then cleared her throat to get their attention. "Now that you have the stitches, the healing will speed up quite a bit. The stitches should dissolve by tomorrow morning, and you'll be good as new by tomorrow night, no scar or anything."

"And I can train tomorrow morning?"

"Absolutely," Madja replied. "You may feel some pain tonight, but that should also be gone by tomorrow. Maybe a touch of soreness, but not much more than you're probably used to."

Cassian stood from where he'd been squatting. "Thank you, Madja. I really appreciate it."

She nodded and waved the gratitude off, focusing instead on cleaning and packing up the materials she'd brought out. "When you get the chance, can you please remind Rhysand he is no longer welcome at Nyx's check-ups? I cannot work with the way he hovers."

"I think you'd survive reminding him far more than I would," Cassian chuckled. He looked over at Nesta and found her wearing a restrained smile, as if she were trying extremely hard to not laugh. "Ready to go?"

She took the hand he held out for her. "Thank you, again, Madja."

"It's not a problem."

The two females nodded at each other. Nesta and Cassian made their way out of the practice and into the bright light of Velaris.

"So, where to next?" Cassian asked.

"We're going back to the House, to the family library. I'm going to pick out the filthiest book for you." Nesta's smile had turned into a conspiratorial smirk that had Cassian already regretting his offer.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and started walking down the street. "Yes, and we will do that. But I thought maybe we could stop by that bakery you love so much. Pick up some desserts for tonight."

"On top of the extra chocolatey cake?"

"On top of the cake," he agreed, pulling her in close as she wrapped her arm around the small of his back. He couldn't help but smile widely as they continued making their way to the shop Cassian spent too much of his money at these days.

Nesta looked up at him from the side of her eyes. "Sounds good. But I'm getting a snack for this afternoon, too."

"I figured."