#evalin galathynius

[aelinschild]

ONE

Holding Me Like Water In Your Hands

Main Masterlist | HMLWIYH Masterlist

Its time for the story to begin! Welcome to chapter one of HMLWIYH. The beginning of this story might be heavy with worldbuilding, but I hope it comes together in due time. I've seen lots of fics take certain stances on characters, and I've decided to switch some of them up. Hopefully its surprising, or shocking, or moving, or somehow emotionally dynamic.

SYNOPSIS:A cross continental move forces Aelin Galathynius to open her eyes wider than before, and at the doors of Terrasen's most exclusive and expensive private high school, she realizes her life is flowing through her. And if she wants to make the most of her life, she needs to grab onto something. Or maybe someone. WORDCOUNT: 1.5k GENERAL WARNINGS: Language, Drug use, Alcohol, Allusion to sex/intimacy, Brief descriptions of sexual assault, Domestic violence, Very severe angst, Messy Divorces (More to be added)

“The house came with two master bedrooms, which is a really strange notion, but I'm sure it adds the charm of this city. Maybe it's a new trend, like the people here now like multiple master bedrooms? Who knows! It's been so long since I was last here, I really missed Orynth, my love, but you know your father…” Mom has been talking for three minutes about bedrooms, and I'm beginning to wonder if she's running out of oxygen. “-But, of course, part of the reason I decided to get this house, I mean, me and your father decided to get this house, was that it meant you would have more privacy! Isn't that just the most thoughtful idea?! Now this one will be yours…” 

She makes a grand sweeping gesture to the room down the hall from the stairs we just climbed. 

It's a large room, larger than anything I've ever had the privilege of calling my bedroom. I poke my head through the door that we stand at. There's another door, leading probably to a washroom. At the far end of the room sits a gorgeous bay window, already fitted with a cushion and throw pillows. The windows look like they can open, as well. 

Mom and I stand at the threshold of my ‘new bedroom’. Neither of us make a move to enter.

It's like we’re both held back by some force. Going into the bedroom is somehow going to tip some scale on a quantum level, and subconsciously were both aware of how we proceed forward. 

“I…” I breathe out. 

Mom sighs. 

The four-poster bed in the centre of the room is something straight out of my dreams, and to the left of the bay window sits an antique wood desk. A green glass reading lamp perched in its corner. I can imagine myself doing homework there. Or to the right of the window, bookshelves ascend to the ceiling, waiting to be filled. The wood of the shelves matches the desk, which matches the wrought iron bed, which probably matches something else in this room, and I'm suddenly out of breath. 

This room feels like it belongs to someone else like I'm stepping into someone else’s life. Which pretty accurately sums up what's happening at this moment. 

“Mom.” I turn to look at her, finding her blue-gold eyes already on me. They look pained. “Why?”

“Why what, my love?” 

The air that left me rushes back in at full force. I feel the weight of our seven-hour journey wrapping around me like a boa constrictor. 

“‘Why what?’ Mom! Why are we here? Why are we in Orynth! Why are we here without Dad?!” My arms flail wildly, attempting to emphasize the conflicting emotions I feel beginning to rise in me. 

Her pained expression morphs to one of steel, the same look I've been getting from both my parents for the last few months. 

“Aelin, my love, there are things that your father and I cannot control, and job opportunities are one of them. I told you that this move was necessary, and I don't need your ceaseless questioning about this” She says. She straightens, gearing up for a fight. “Your father will be moving here with us shortly, now get settled, I have things that I need to tend to.” And with that, she turns and walks down the hall, down the stairs, and back into the bubble she has lived in for months, while I stand still, waiting for someone to pop it, and wake me back up. 

-

It's dark out by the time I've finished putting my things away. Through my ensuite bathroom, there's a full walk-in closet. And maybe if I didn't feel so lifeless, I would have been over the moon excited about all the new real estate for my clothes. 

After Mom’s ghost, as I have now dubbed her, ran away from my questions, I stepped through the door and into my new bedroom. Prior to us leaving Ardalan, I had been packing up my things for a week. My life was carefully folded or wrapped up and tucked away into cardboard boxes before being dutifully shoved into Moms Audi. Ghost mom’s Audi. 

I could lie and say it came as a shock when Mom stormed into our townhouse back in Rifthold, Dad hot on her heels, both shouting their heads off when she told me we were going back to Orynth. I was in the middle of a novel when that happened. Mom looked drained, like the life was sucked out of her, Dad was furious. And when I replay that moment in my head, my brain smoothes over the fact that his finely pressed suit was disheveled, and the red blotch on his collar was the farthest shade from anything I've seen my mother wear. 

The week following passed in a blur. 

I hardly saw the two in the same room, and evenings were no longer punctuated with slamming doors, or screaming in the luxury kitchen of the townhouse. Rather, it was silent. Which was more alarming than anything else. 

It was summer break, and so I really had nowhere else to be but the townhouse. I had graduated from my elementary years at school, and was spending the summer reading. But all the books in the world couldn't distract me from the suffocating feeling of that stupid townhouse. 

It almost makes me regret not taking a summer class to fill the void. 

My stomach rumbles, reminding me that I haven't eaten since the gas station pringles. Which were godawful. I roll over to face my clock, a brass analog piece that Dad gifted me years ago. Quarter to ten. I can hear Ghost mom banging around in the kitchen, maybe cooking, maybe smashing all of our kitchenware. I imagine that would feel cathartic. Rather than sulking over something I'm not quite sure of. 

I can't confirm that Dad was cheating on Mom. 

Which isn't something I ever thought I’d have to speculate about, but here I am. Wondering if the grand move across the continent was about another woman. My body curls up tighter under the covers. The silk pillow beneath my head lets the droplets of moisture roll right off. The tears come fast. I don't know why I'm sad. My parents have never been overly affectionate to each other. Maybe in the early days, before their careers took off, and they had a child. Or maybe never. And so this deep sadness feels unreasonable. Sure, I might have been dragged across the entire continent because my Dad was fucking another woman, and that was the final straw for my Mother. Not the years of verbal abuse or anything like that. 

A knock sounds at my door. 

I jump up, harshly wiping the tears off my face, and when the handle is tried the door doesn't open. A plus to my new master bedroom. 

“Aelin.” My mother warns. 

“What,” I croak out. Throat tight from the crying. 

I can hear her sigh through the door. 

“I was going to order takeout since we haven't had the time to go shopping. What would you like?” She asks, voice muffled by the locked door. 

I move to the edge of the bed, putting on my slippers. “Nothing,” I say. 

“That’s not on the menu, my love.” 

“I don't want anything, okay?”

“Aelin.”

“Mom.”

The sigh is louder this time, like the fight left her. 

“Im going to shower and go to bed. Goodnight.” I say, as I walk to my new ensuite washroom, and shut and lock that door too for good measure. 

-

The shower was hot, and I draw out my routine. Taking time to smooth my expensive lotion into my skin. Beginning my extensive skincare routine. Maybe a seaweed facemask as well. The vast majority of my toiletries are luxury items, bought by Daddy dearest after a night filled with drunken yelling and shattered crystal glasses. 

Rhoe Galathynius is a larger-than-life corporate lawyer with a raging drinking problem and an affinity for blowing money. 

And so when he fucks up, like telling his fourteen-year-old daughter that she’s a slut for spending an afternoon at the bakery comparing notes with her boy-best friend, he apologizes with a gift. 

Dorian was thoroughly entertained by the flashy three-hundred-dollar creams and gels. If only he knew why these ‘gifts’ manifested. 

Peeling the seaweed mask off my face and tossing it into the little trash can, I smooth the serum into my skin and reach for my moisturizer. 

I avoid the mirror when I can. Especially in moments like this when stress breakouts permeate my usually clear skin. But, unfortunately, I need a mirror for the eye cream I smooth onto the disproportionately large bags. It's comical almost, how much Evalin Galathynius’ fourteen-year-old daughter looks like her. An apparition. Slowly withering away under the hand of Rhoe Galathynius. 

I finish with my routine and turn the bathroom light off. 

I'm dressed in a cotton dressing gown, and I feel like the loose fabric is suffocating me. I slide into my new bed, pull the covers up to my ears, and flick the gold lamp off. The bay window lights my room with a perfect view of the moon, and I can't help but wish I was anywhere else. 

#rowaelin #rowan whitethorn #throne of glass #aelin x rowan #evalin galathynius #celeana sardothien #rowaelin fanfiction #rowaelin au #high school #aelin ashryver galathynius #aelin galathynius #aelin galythinius #HMLWIYH

[highqueenofelfhame]

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING. I didn't mean for this to go a whole year without an update. I'm so sorry. I hope this 4.5k chapter makes up for it somehow <3

masterlist // fafs masterlist // rowaelin

As soon as he took that first deep breath upon waking up, Rowan knew he was being watched. Maybe that was thanks to all his years as an agent for the bureau, or perhaps it had to do with the months he had spent with Aelin that had honed that instinct into a sharp blade. Regardless of what had made him develop the sixth sense, he knew that when he opened his eyes to the soft light filtering through the cracks of the curtains, there would be a golden gaze pinning him to the bed.

Instead of looking at her, he reached across the bed to rest his hand on her thigh. Rowan could tell she was sitting with her legs folded up like a pretzel, her hands in her lap while she watched him. He moved a fraction of an inch closer until he could easily press his lips to the spot just above her knee. 

"Rowan?" The tentative sound of her voice had him cracking open an eye to look up at her face. A deep crease was set between her brows while she worried her bottom lip in thought.

"What has you awake so early?" This soon after waking, the lilt of his accent was heavier, his tone deeper and more gravelly than usual. 

"It wasn't you, right?" 

"Baby–" he started, pushing himself up on his good arm to a sitting position. He shifted so they were sitting knee to knee, one of his legs dangling over the side of the bed so he could move closer to her. Aelin looked away as she licked her lips before shaking her head. "Look at me, love."

 "I know. I know you didn't; I just–" Her eyes found his again, and she huffed out a sigh. It sounded like she had been carrying it in her lungs for years. "Somebody found out. They found out, and they told her. But everyone I know is dead except for Elide and Gavriel, and they think I'm dead. Even if Gav put it together, I can't see him spilling everything to Maeve before talking to me to see what the hell happened to me all those years ago." 

Digging her palms into her eyes, she took another deep breath and exhaled slowly. Rowan counted the seconds, his thumbs brushing in soothing circles over her tan skin. It was something he had been thinking about non-stop since everything exploded in the bureau lobby. Even as the bullet pierced his shoulder, he tried to make sense of everything that had come to light. 

How had Maeve known? It definitely hadn't been Gavriel. At the very least, her uncle would have approached him before going to Maeve. It didn't make any sense for him to find his long-lost and assumed-dead niece and go straight to his boss. Rowan knew firsthand that the deaths of his sister-in-law and her husband had plagued him. He was one of the few people that Gavriel had ever talked about it with, him and Aedion never having fully given up hope that maybe she was out there somewhere. It wasn't something he voiced frequently. Those admissions came after everyone else had left the bar, and it was just the two of them sharing a beer in silence after a difficult case. No, it definitely hadn't been Gavriel. 

Who then? Aelin was right. Essentially everyone from her childhood was dead now. All her confessions had happened in places where he knew they weren't being recorded. By that time, he himself had become paranoid enough that he checked all the pens in his pockets, his cufflinks, and the buttons of his shirts, even to ensure nobody had slipped a device somewhere in his clothes. If they had been recorded, it would have been inside his apartment. But he would have known about that, too. He checked regularly and had frequency blockers hidden in every room.

If working for the bureau taught him anything, it was to always be on your guard and that a healthy dose of paranoia kept you from being surveilled. 

There was Elide, but Rowan had a strong feeling that any of her suspicions would have ended with Lorcan beating down his door in the dead of night in search of the truth. She wasn't even an option, not really. 

Who, then? Had Arobynn Hammel let the truth slip to Maeve before his heart had been ripped from his chest? Did Maeve have eyes and ears everywhere that whispered back to her, even when they were sure no one was listening? It seemed far-fetched, but he knew his boss had her moments of being ruthless. But if she'd known the truth since Arobynn, why did she wait so long to tell Aelin she knew? The window of when she found out and when she spoke with Aelin had to have been a small one. Nothing else quite made sense. 

Rowan looked back at the woman he loved, her eyes fixed on his face while he processed every bit of information they knew. All he could do was shake his head and rest his brow against hers. 

"I don't know. I wish I could give you more than that, but where it stands right now, I have no fucking idea. We will figure it out– all of it. Who told her, what kind of jeopardy it puts you in, what our next steps are. We will figure it out together."

There was a determination in her eyes that was admirable. And though he could tell she wanted to push back about something that he'd said– he had no idea which part– she nodded slightly and repeated, "Together."

 ~*~

Hours later, Aelin was sitting on the floor in front of the couch with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. Despite a warmer day outside, a fire flickered in the fireplace. Watching the flames dance and twine around one another was a welcome reprieve from the near-constant headache she'd had for the last few days while trying to make sense of everything. 

In the kitchen, Rowan hummed quietly while preparing dinner. The aroma of garlic, basil, and lemon was strong throughout the cabin. It felt bizarre that this felt like the most normal night she had ever experienced in her whole life. The sounds of dinner being prepared, a man she loved making everything with care. The reality was that it was the furthest from normal, considering she was on the run from the FBI. It was only a matter of time before she was found, captured, and dumped into a prison cell for the rest of her life. It made her stomach turn to know that the same thing would happen to Rowan for harboring a fugitive of her caliber and committing treason. 

"I don't understand how this has become my life," she said aloud, and Rowan ceased his movements. The water turned on, followed by the sound of him washing and drying his hands before lowering his body to the floor beside her. "I don't mean I don't understand exactly how I ended up here. I understand that part. What I don't understand is how my life got here."

"You mean how you ended up an assassin in the first place." He shifted to drop his arm around her shoulder, and Aelin quickly turned into him, resting her face against his chest. It always surprised her when he understood what she was trying to say, even if the words were twisted and confusing on their way out of her mouth.

"How did I go from living in a mansion surrounded by family and friends, my father gearing up for a presidential run, having tea parties with my very best friends, or running through bonfires on Beltane with flowers in my hair to this?"

"What do you remember about that night?" The night she'd spent so much time running from, one that her brain had blocked out almost entirely. Aelin sucked her bottom lip between her teeth, eyes still locked on the flames as she chewed on it for a moment.

"Not much," she admitted. "I've never talked about it out loud to anyone before, either. But it really isn't much."

"Do you want to go over what you do remember with me? Maybe something will spark, and we can work backward to figure out what is happening now." Only with Rowan would she ever talk about it, the night that ruined her life. Perhaps she had emerged from the ashes like a phoenix, but everything she had wanted to be before died that night. So she had become something else entirely. Something horrible that her friends and family would be ashamed of and would judge. But he wouldn't. 

Aelin turned so she was leaning against the couch, her arm propped on the cushion with her fist against her temple. Rowan mirrored her body language, reaching out to lace the fingers of their free hands. A silent reminder that he was there, he understood her, and he would follow this path with her to whatever end it may have. The thought alone made her want to cry, but she swallowed her emotions.

"The night that my parents were murdered, I was sleeping upstairs in my bed. Every night I went to sleep snuggled in a mountain of stuffed animals. Most of them came from when my dad went on business trips. He always brought one back for me. I had to have at least twenty stacked on top of my bed, dozens more littered around my room. I rotated them out frequently so that none of them would feel lonely having to sleep by themselves." Rowan's lips had curved into the smallest of smiles, his thumb making circles on the back of her hand. He was there. He had her. She was not alone, and she would not be afraid. 

"I remember having a hard time falling asleep that night. I'd been to my parent's bedroom twice because I thought I heard things. It was a big house; it made a lot of noise. My mom repeatedly promised me that everything was okay, and she and my dad tucked me back into bed. I remember still feeling unsettled and scared. Like something was wrong, but I didn't know what. I couldn't place my tiny finger on it then, but I would hold my breath to see what I could hear in the silence. Once, I heard soft voices, which my mom said I was just hearing the two of them talking downstairs. I heard footsteps, but again, they were still up and getting ready for bed. I was just hearing them." 

 Aelin paused then, tears already filling her eyes and threatening to slip down her cheeks. Not once had she said any of this out loud. Nobody had ever heard this part. With Rowan, she could do this. She could say it aloud despite her throat burning from trying to suppress her emotions. Maybe it was time she let them out. Had she ever really grieved? Those first few weeks at the keep, maybe. But Arobynn had quickly shut down her wildfire range of emotions some months into her training when he decided she should be over it by now. With a deep breath, she found it in herself to continue. 

"I slept a little bit that night, but it was that kind of sleep where you hear everything around you. Somewhere between being awake and dreaming. At first, I thought I was dreaming. But I heard my mother begging someone. Her voice had so much raw fear; I will never forget how it cracked when she said my name. As scared as I was, you think you're invincible as a child, you know? So I snuck downstairs, tip-toeing down the hallway to their bedroom. And then I just… froze. There was enough moonlight to see my dad completely limp on the bed. Something dark was on his skin and the sheets, running down his arm and pooling on the floor. His eyes were staring at nothing. 

A man had my mom's hair gathered in his hand; her head pulled back with a gun to her temple while she begged and begged. But she wasn't begging for herself; she was pleading that he let me go. Over and over, she just kept saying let my baby live, please don't hurt her. And then she saw me standing at the door, and the last thing she said was my name before the gun went off. I have never heard anyone's voice sound so panicked and full of terror. My mom slumped against my dad, and then I turned and ran. At some point, I slipped, banged my head on the ground, and I don't know what happened after that."

Aelin only realized she had fully begun to sob when Rowan pulled her into his lap and wrapped his arms around her tightly. While she was talking, she had registered the sounds of gasping, sharp breaths, and broken words, but it hadn't registered that it was coming from her. When she started talking, it all started pouring out. One broken word after another until her shirt was soaked with tears. On the one hand, it felt so good to finally get it out and tell someone what had really happened that night. On the other, it shattered her into a million pieces to recount those events. 

The papers had gotten it all wrong. Most of them said it had been a quick assassination. Aelin didn't know how fast it had happened for her father, but the man that killed her mother had stood there and listened to her begging for her daughter's innocent life for long enough that Aelin had made her way downstairs and heard the end of it. That she saw the end of it. That it was burned into her brain no matter how hard she tried to shut those images out. 

Aelin still had nightmares about it. 

Rowan didn't say anything for a long while, just holding her and stroking her hair while she let out every emotion she had kept locked in an iron cage in the back of her mind. Emotions she had been trained to keep a firm hold on for nearly her entire life. Arobynn used that against her, beating her down until she had become distant and cold. Only when she had met Rowan did any of it start to slip out, and she had spent months hating herself for it. Aelin had always known from the time she started to get to know him that he would be her unraveling one way or another. He would either throw her in prison or make her feel alive again. At the time, she couldn't decide which was worse. 

"I know that there were two men. I saw a second one when I turned to run. But after that, I didn't know anything else until I woke up in a bed in the keep. Arobynn never talked about how I fell under his 'care.' For a while, I thought it was just an orphanage. That I had been found and taken there while I was unwell. It didn't click until I was a few years older that it certainly wasn't the case because I would have woken up in a hospital before I got taken anywhere, and then I would have been taken to my aunt and uncle. I just remember seeing all these papers about how I was missing and presumed dead. Arobynn would show me news footage of Aerin and Gavriel begging for someone to just let them know where my body was so they could bring me home."

Her tears felt cool against her flushed cheeks, even as Rowan chased every one of them away with calloused fingertips. The memories of her aunt, uncle, and cousin standing on the porch of their home, desperately asking for her return. They hadn't known if it would be her alive and well, or if it would be her dead body. It had not mattered. Her family just wanted her back. Wanted to keep or safe or lay her to rest next to her parents. The image of Aedion's young, tear-streaked face floated to the front of her mind, followed immediately by his unseeing eyes the day she had shown up at the crime scene to find him dead. 

It was all too much. The murder of her parents, her upbringing to become the underworld's most deadly assassin, that she was now everything her parents hated about the world. All of her friends that now lay six feet under simply because they were tied to her in some way. 

The guilt had been gnawing at her bones since it all started. Aelin would give absolutely anything to trade places with them. The cost didn't matter. It would have been better if she were the one that was dead because if she had died that night, at least everyone she loved would still be breathing. 

Throughout the years, Aelin had kept tabs on each of them, knowing they would do incredible things. They all had done their best to put something good back into the world. Dorian was nothing like his father, doing what he could to speak out and back his words up with actions to pave a better way for the rest of the world. Aedion had spent countless hours working with underprivileged youth in Big Brother programs right up to his death. Even Sam was taking steps to better his life until he was killed for trying to run with her.

Nehemia… gods, the things she could have done if her life hadn't ended so shortly. She had been a beacon of hope to so many, her charity work speaking for itself. It was only about doing everything she could to help people in need, including raising money through the Lotus Foundation, one her parents had helped her create to build housing in underdeveloped parts of their home country, Eyllwe. 

Yet she was the one still living. She who had taken countless lives, that had so much blood caked onto her soul she would never be clean. It didn't matter what she did going forward; it didn't matter the circumstances of how it all happened. Aelin was the one that lived, and she had brought so much shame upon everyone in her life. 

There were no bright sides to her friends being dead. That she would never have to face them, never have to tell them the truth, though… She was too much of a coward to ever have looked any of them in the eye after the life she had been forced into.

"Do you remember anything about the men that killed your parents? What they looked like?" Rowan's voice stirred her from her thoughts, soft, deep, and lilting. His thumbs still brushed the tears that fell from her cheeks. 

"The men Maeve captured and convicted were the ones that did it. I know that for sure. I could never forget Cairn's face. His accomplice is harder for me to piece together, but he confessed after Cairn ratted him out to avoid the death penalty. I only saw him for a brief moment before I fell. If the wrong people had been convicted, I would have hunted them down and killed them myself." And she would have. Those lives would have been two of the few she held no remorse over, and it wouldn't have been quick. It would have lasted long enough until some of the grief had eased in her chest. Until she wasn't so scared to look back on her childhood memories anymore. 

"That case got her the appointment for FBI Director." Rowan lifted the bottom of his t-shirt to wipe the snot gathered in her nose and upper lip. 

"She deserved it for that. Even though I had just turned nine, I was hyper-aware of what my life was turning into by that point. And seeing justice brought down on them… it brought some relief. Not much, but enough to know they were behind bars. I would have preferred the death penalty for them both, but at least there was a confession." Aelin shrugged her shoulders. It was true. She would have killed them after her arrest if she had been in the same prison. Clearly, the gods had other plans for her, though. 

"Is there anything else you can piece together?"  

"Right now, no. But if I have any eureka moments, you'll be the first and only one to know." 

Aelin had been waiting for Rowan's apology. The one that came from a place of empathy, that made her feel like she was pitied. But it never came. Instead, he leaned forward and pressed his lips to her forehead. The gesture said more than words ever could. That he understood, that he hated the shitty hand life had dealt her, that he stood with her. That he was there.

And that meant more to her than any words ever could.

~*~

Whitethorn had been right. In the days after Sardothien's arrest, he had gone on and on about how it was too convenient. It didn't make sense that she was just a whisper in the wind and suddenly became so sloppy in her work that boxes of evidence had, literally, been dropped on the steps of the FBI headquarters. 

Raking through every piece of information that they had on her, he could see that clear as day. For years their department had chased a ghost, someone quick and silent. There had never been a drop of her own blood, a single hair that fell off her head. No fingerprints, no saliva. None of her DNA packed under someone's fingernails from a struggle. They didn't even have proof that it was her at all, actually. They only knew that the legendary assassin was a woman based on one witness account, and the woman had been so old and frail and unsure of her account that it would have been inadmissible in court. 

All of her alleged crime scenes had been scoured with a fine-toothed comb. They knew it was murder; that much was clear. But Celaena Sardothien had dozens of aliases, hundreds maybe. He was sure of that. Yet the "proof" they had received in a box full of her fake passports and IDs seemed too good to be true. None of them led them anywhere; it was like she'd never touched them, never used them at any point. Anyone could pay someone to make fake identification, and what they found in those boxes was so blatantly fake that it wouldn't fool anyone. 

Her case was a puzzle that he was dying to solve. Usually, he loved cataloging evidence that led to a trial. Sure, they would have to find and capture her again before she saw her day in the courtroom, but he enjoyed this part of the work. Except for right now, when not a single loose thread took him anywhere at all. The woman simply did not exist. 

With tired eyes, he pushed away the file he'd been reading and turned to another that kept him up at night. Lorcan wasn't usually so personally invested in the cases they solved, but the look in Gavriel's eyes when he found out his son had been murdered still haunted his nightmares. The sounds of the sobs that broke free from his throat were the sounds of a soul dying. Gavriel had loved his son with everything he had, and Lorcan almost couldn't forgive himself for having to be the person that broke the news. 

Flipping open the Ashryver file, he scanned the evidence log and accompanying photos. When he got to the images of Aedion's lifeless body, he started to flip faster, not needing to see the pictures to remember them in vivid detail. 

 Just as he was about to skip the last one, a close-up shot of his face and neck, Lorcan's fingers froze against the glossy page. In the photo, Aedion's glassy eyes stared at the cloudy sky. Eyes that were a bright turquoise, his pupil rimmed with gold. They were dimmer now than they had been while he was alive, but…

But he knew those eyes. Not just because they were a strong trait of the Ashryver gene pool but because he had looked into them himself. Yes, he had met Aedion several times at various get-togethers and holiday parties. But his eyes were identical to a different pair he'd become all too familiar with for the last several months.

Then there was his face. Gavriel's son favored him strongly, but there was a softness in his features that he had spent months looking at on a different face. A woman's face. The same shade of golden hair, though in these photos, it was sticky with dried blood. 

Lorcan pulled his laptop closer to him, quickly opening a tab and sending his fingers flying across the keyboard. It was probably the fastest he had ever typed, and he had never been so impatient for the single second it took to get hundreds of images back from the search result. 

He clicked on the third photo down, one of a small family standing on a stage. The man and woman waved to the crowd while the young girl beamed where she stood between them. No older than seven, her little hands clasped her mother and father's tightly. 

Rhoe and Evalin Galathynius pictured with their daughter, Aelin, on Vice President Galathynius's presidential campaign trail in Perranth. 

A few weeks ago a conversation of Lorcan arguing with Rowan about Celaena's involvement in Elide's attack had him pushing back from his chair. Ice slithered up and down his spine, blood turning cold as he recalled one specific thing that Rowan said to him that he hadn't caught in the moment because he was so upset and worried about his fiancee's life. 

Rowan had called her Aelin. Said that Aelin didn't have anything to do with what happened to Elide. He vividly remembered feeling bothered by the conversation afterward, that there was something between the lines that Rowan hadn't been saying plainly with words, but perhaps they were there. Whitethorn had been so fiercely sure that Celaena didn't do it, didn't have it ordered, had clean hands where Elide was concerned. He might be a raging dumbass for dating a woman with multiple charges of murder to her name, but the man was not stupid. 

Lorcan's eyes snagged on another image, a group photo of two dozen or so people. Standing in the front were five children. All of them were dressed in their holiday best, standing before a towering Yulemas tree covered in glittering ornaments and twinkling lights. They appeared to be gathered in a great hall of sorts. Everyone in the picture shared wide smiles as they looked at the camera. 

In the middle of the group of children was a young girl with long dark hair wearing a red and green plaid dress. A bright red bow gathered some of her soft curls from her face. A face that Lorcan would know anywhere because not only had he seen hundreds of childhood pictures of her, but he woke up to that face every godsdamn morning. 

Elide's arms were looped through two other girls, one with long golden hair and fair skin, the other with black hair in carefully woven braids, her skin dark. The three of them wore similar dresses, the color being the only thing different about them. The blonde girl on her right had a silver and dark green dress, while the one on her right had a dress of purple and silver. 

Aelin Ashryver Galathynius was on Elide's right. That was factual. Beside Aelin, Aedion Ashryver stood with his arm thrown around her shoulders. Dorian Havilliard and Chaol Westfall were on the other side of Nehemia Ytger. Behind them were their parents and friends of their parents. All of them gathered before one of the famous Galathynius family Yulemas parties. 

It wasn't just Aelin standing beside Elide, though. That thought clanged through Lorcan hard. He felt it in every nerve and bone of his body; he had never been so absolutely positive of something in his entire life.

Celaena Sardothien was Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, a girl long since presumed dead to the world and everyone that loved her. 

Holy gods.

#fafs #fafs 26 #far away from sane #hqoe #highqueenofelfhame #hqoe writes #my writing #fanfiction #rowaelin #rowaelin angst #hurt/comfort #lorcan salvaterre #elide lochan #maeve #tog #throne of glass #evalin ashryver galathynius #rhoe galathynius #aelin ashryver galathynius #rowan whitethorn #tog fanfic #tog fanfiction #throne of glass fanfic #throne of glass fanfiction #rowaelin fanfic #rowaelin fanfiction #modern au #fbi au #white collar au #allegedly

[acourtof-stars]

little baby fireheart

Rowan x Aelin baby headcanons!

Rowan is such an overprotetive mate and husband to aelin when she's pregnant and once their daughter is born, His heart is completly torn in half and will do anything to protect her

FIND ON A03

-over the nine months Aelin is Pregnant Rowan is super protective of her. he does everything for her and at first she hated it and then apreciate it once she could barely see her feet over her belly.

-they decided they were going to name their child after Aelin's parents. evalin for a girl and Rhoe for a boy. This was Rowans idea to honour her parents and their sacrifice and when he told her she broke down crying.

-The nursery is all set up, painted Terrasen Green with White mountains. Rowan Does everything. He spent all morning putting the crib together. he refused any help, saying that it was his job.

-Rowan accidently put the Crib together wrong and it fell apart. laughing Aelin and everyone else helped put the nursery together. Aedion helping Rowan with the crib. Rowan was a little pissed but was glad for the help.

-Lysandra brought so many gifts Aelin felt so spoiled. Her entire nursery was filled with only the best and newest things for the baby. Including a stuffed toy of a ghost leopard she got customly made. To protect their child.

- Rowan likes to Watch Aelin read by the fire, a hand strocking her severaly swollen belly as she sips tea and reads her book. sometimes, he swears he hears her reading to the baby when she thinks she’s alone. every time it melts his heart, knowing how good of a mom she's going to be.

-one night Rowan wakes up to Aelin standing by the window, looking over Her kingdome.. he asks her what's the matter and she confesses that she is beyoned terrified about being a mother. he hugs her and tells her that they will figure it out together and that she'll never have to do it alone.

-Everyone stays at the castle in orynth a week before Aelins due date that way they wont miss it. Everyone is excited, Especially Aedion Who will be an uncle.

-Rowan and Aelin make Aedion and Lysandra the godparents of their child. Aedion cries and says it will be the biggest honour and will protect the child with his life. Lysandra also cries and hugs Aelin before treating her to a spa day

-Aelin keeps doing work even while heavily pregnant. she says that her kingdome won't wait even if their queen is With child. Rowan insists she slows down but stubbornly she waves him off.

-she waddles all around the castle. The pressure on her back made it hard to walk but still she pushed through. Some days she was in so much pain but still she pushed through.

-She never let anyone see her in pain, even Rowan who asked her all the time how she was feeling. Though he could see past all that and see how much pain she was actually in.

-One day During the middle of the night Aelins water breaks everywhere on their bed.

-Rowan is Imedietly awake, running For Yrene. Everyone else comes rushing out of their rooms at the commotion asking if she's alright.

-Yrene examines her and tells her she still has a while to go. Everyone stops in once and awhile and asks how she is. Rowan stayed by her side the entire time.

- later that afternoon Dorian and Aedion offer to sit with Aelin so Rowan could have a break to go eat something and bathe since he'd been by her side since her water had broken early that morning. He refused, snarling at how they would think he'd leave his mate and Queen while in labour. Aelin tells him it’s alright and that he could go since they still had awhile.

-The labour was slow. Aelin had many painful contractions and each time Rowan was by her side, letting her squeeze his hand. he hated seeing her in pain.

-Rowan used his wind to keep her comfortable and each contraction he damped her face with a wet towel. Constantly reminding her how beautiful she was or what an amazing mother she’ll be.

-it was late evening when Yrene had checked over her and informed them it was almost time for Aelin to start pushing. Rowans heart raced as he held his mate and kissed her on the forhead. telling her, he would never, ever leave her side.

-so Aelin pushed and pushed and pushed. Rowan held her hand through the whole thing. he made sure a breeze constantly covered her so at least through the pain she'd be comfortable.

-Aelin never screamed or showed how much pain she was in. she constanly kept a brave face. Rowan admired her for it, holding her tight through each contraction.

-Finally Yrene Yelled at Aelin for one last push. Focusing all her energy, She gave a large push.

-A large wail filled the room. tears streamed down both Rowan and Aelins face as yrene joyously announced “its a girl! You have a daughter”

-Yrene handed the baby to Rowan as she checked over aelin.

-Rowan sobbed as he observed their child. "She's beautiful" He exclaimed. the baby with White hair like his and the Ashryver eyes like her mother. small pointed ears that were smaller than his finger. chubby little hands and toes. He could stare at her forever and never bore.

-Rowan hands Aelin their daughter. she cries over her daughter and welcomes her into the world. Evalin marion Elentiya Whitethorn Galathynius. each part of her name an important part of her mothers life.

-After the birth, Aelin slept while Rowan rocked their child. He held his tiny daughter in his arms as he sung her lullabies and told her stories about his past.

-Rowan has never loved anything this much in his life. His sleeping wife and mate, their gorgeous daughter who resembled the both of them perfectly.

-when Aelin has the strength to see people she let's them come in, a few at a time.

-Aedion Lysandra and Evangeline went first. Each of them Sobbing as they looked at Their godchild. Lysandra laughs and tells Aelin how spoiled their daughter is going to be and how she will never go a day without knowing love or comfort like Aelin and she experienced. Aedion is speechless, a stream of tears falling down his face as he held his niece and goddaughter. Evangeline Gives Evalin a kiss on the forehead before leaving.

-Next was Elide and Lorcan. Lorcan mainly kept to the back of the room as Elide hogged Evalin, crying when she heard that her middle name was named after her mother. She thanked Them both and Confessed that her mother would have loved to be here, along with Evalin and rhoe. Aelin thanked Elide for everything. She has done. Lorcan clasped Rowan on the back congratulating him.

-Dorian and Manon brough gifts for the baby. A Red and Gold baby blanket. a symbol that their child will always have a place in Adarlan. And Manon gave a beautiful dagger… “just for decoration” Aelin laughed. When they left Aelin swore she heard Dorian stifle his tears.

-chaol and Yrene were last. Yrene gave the babe a full check to make sure she was healthy. Chaol congratulated both of them, a large smile across his face. he told Aelin how glad he was to meet her. he also informed them that he passed the news to nesryn and Sartaq who were away on their honeymoon.

-after all that, finally they had time to themselves. to love and adore and drool over their newborn baby. Evalin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-A year later Evalin is just like her mother. already walking she has her mother's spirit and determintion. She has Rowans lethal calm. when upset she never goes into tantrums but staring at her parents like she wants to murder them.

- her entire family spoils her rotten. She knows that if her mummy and daddy said No, she’s simply go to uncle Aedion and Aunt Lysandra.

-they would sometimes visit Adarlan. Eva loves running around, and playing with her uncle Dorian. The guards all protect her, making sure nothing happens.

-she loves music and some nights the only way she can sleep is if her father sits with her while her mother plays the piano forté. Rowan would stroke her hair as Aelin played beautiful songs.

-her Auntie Lysandra loves dressing her up. she has a special seamstress just for eva, who makes all her gowns custome for her. Like Her mother, Eva loved pretty things. Her auntie spoils her rotten, sometimes too much.

-Her mother still sings her old terrasen lullabies even when she grows older and insists she is to old for songs. But still it never stopped her from falling asleep soundly.

-Evalin inherited Aelins passion for books. For her birthday Her uncle Dorian gifted her so many books that Rowan and Aelin built her,her own small library where she could go and read.

-she also inherited Rowan’s wind power. The first time her power showed she was so scared but Rowan was smiling, his heart secretly breaking as her daughter trembled.

-It has happened in the library, her wind flew all the books off the shelves. It’s scared her because she thought she’d get in trouble. He tells her that she would never get in trouble and teaches her how to use her magic appropriately.

-when Evalin grows old enough she helps people in orynth. her Aunt Yrene teachers her about healing and her parents teach her about her duties as princess of terrasen. they never stifle her or tell her she can't, only that she can.

-she cares about her kingdome deeply and everyone in Terrasen adors princess Evalin marion Elentiya Whitethorn Galathynius daughter of the queen and king of terrasen

#rowan whitethorn #aelin ashryver galathynius #rowan x aelin #lysaedion #throne of glass #aedion x lysandra #dorian x manon #elide x lorcan #chaol x yrene #evalin ashryver

[shallyne]

SJM NextGenWeek

Evalin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius

Evalin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius, daughter of Queen Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius and the Queens consort Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius. She is a character that is not fleshed out yet but one thing is for sure, she is a trouble maker and stubborn to the core.

#throne of glass #tog #rowaelin #Rowaelin children #sjmnextgenweek2023 #sjm next gen #Tog next gen #Rowaelin next gen #Evalin #Evalin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius #my ocs #My oc #ocs #oc #original character

[nymph-of-water]

Unpopular opinion: Aelin's parents weren't that good.

#tog fandom #tog #tog series #throne of glass #throne of glass series #aelin ashryver galathynius #aelin galathynius #aelin #evalin ashryver #rhoe Galathynius #terrasen

[mcrcki]

she'd seen a form laid out on the ground, a crumbled heap of limps catching her eye. she knew her security wouldn't be happy with her wandering up to whoever instead of waiting for them to catch up, but something drew her closer, closer and closer until she could make out the face. she was older than eva had ever seen her, and yet, she knew, instantly she knew. a choked gasp escaped her lips as she collapsed to her knees at her daughter's side, fingers brushing hair away from her features. "-- aelin?" she could barely get her voice over a whisper, fear and grief washing over her as she prayed somehow, the blood across her daughter's clothes was not her own. "can you hear me, fireheart? please--"

@rcvcrics for aelin galathynius

#rcvcrics #ev. interactions #evalin || aelin galathynius #death mention tw

[lizzywrites1]

My mum just tells me to pull my pants up and lectures about money and other decisions. Though she still is pretty cool and can be like Julieta with her squishy kisses. One of her phrases is "Be good, be nice, behave."

I LOVE THAT!! That would make a cute tattoo in your mom's handwriting if you were to ever get one! I have one that has a quote from my favorite book series in my mom's handwriting. It's something the main character's mother says to her so she finds her inner strength and reminds her of just who she is.

"You do not yield" is a constant reminder that Aelin had been through so much and in that she could face anything, supported by her mother's words. Just as Julieta tells Mirabel that she has nothing to prove and that she is just as special as anyone else in their family.

#Throne of glass #julieta madrigal #encanto #mirabel madrigal #aelin ashryver galathynius #sarah j maas #you do not yield #you have nothing to prove #Evalin Ashryver Galathynius #moms

[loyalsheart]

          ‘  declarations  of  love  amuse  me.  ’     -     @scealtire​.

     the statement doesn’t come as a surprise,   so his head only turns slowly towards his daughter.   a skilled warrior’s eyes,   now settled on the child he had with his mate,   their daughter.   a spirit of wildfire.    he flashes her a curved grin,   slight show of his canines as he leans back in his chair.      “   i’d love to meet who ever declared their love to you today.   give them the words of a  father  along with your amusement.   ”      a raised brow.

     maybe he was overprotective.   he had always told himself he wouldn’t be,   and then evalin had been born and his whole world view had shifted.   something deeply rooted inside of his chest roaring at him to protect her.   that included suitors that may come along the way.   many may want to wed a princess,   and it felt like his job to help sort the bad ones from the litters.      “   i assume your mother haven’t met whoever has done this yet  ?   ”      maybe it’s a hint of jealousy on his tongue,   laced with curiosity.    who would she include first  ?    both were severely protective.   he wouldn’t think it below his mate to bring a knife or two to meet a future in law.

#scealtire #scealtire ft. evalin galathynius. #⁽ ᶤᶰ ᶜʰᵃʳᵃᶜᵗᵉʳ ⁾ . threads. #⁽ ᵛᵉʳˢᵉ ⁾ . post books. #idk what im doing but im rolling w it and ily

[literare]

.

#re. nyx. #re. asterin havilliard. #re. evalin ashryver whitethorn galathynius. #re. camille jenkins. #re. rose solis. #re. nicolas de leon. #re. ryan edwards.

[kissofthemuses]

@littlxwitchling​​ asked:

“What’s the likely hood, that this will get us, into trouble?” (To evalin)

❝Oh, more than a bit, but, there-in lies the fun. Come on, you can’t tell me you’re not curious about what’s up there.❞

#littlxwitchling #{ muse: Evalin Galathynius }

[aelinschild]

PROLOGUE

Holding Me Like Water In Your Hands

Main Masterlist | HMLWIYH Masterlist

Hello and welcome to my first-ever fic! My idea for this is extensive and full of feels, featuring all the best ToG characters (AKA all of them) but mainly centering on Rowaelin. I really have no idea what I'm doing, but I have ideas, and I want to bring them to life, so yeah!

SYNOPSIS:A cross continental move forces Aelin Galathynius to open her eyes wider than before, and at the doors of Terrasen's most exclusive and expensive private high school, she realizes her life is flowing through her. And if she wants to make the most of her life, she needs to grab onto something. Or maybe someone. WORDCOUNT: 421 GENERAL WARNINGS: Language, Drug use, Alcohol, Allusion to sex/intimacy, Brief descriptions of sexual assault, Domestic violence, Very severe angst, Messy Divorces (More to be added)

The Audi glided into the gas station, rolling to a stop at the pump. 

“You have five minutes, Linny, and don't forget my pringles!” Evalin Galathynius trilled, before sliding out of the car and towards the pump. 

I rolled out my shoulders and stretched my legs in the limited space of the SUV. Google Maps was recalculating after our stop, alerting me that I only had two more hours of my mother's anxious ramblings before we would arrive at the Galathynius’ newest purchase. 

A house. 

Back in Terrasen. 

Orynth to be specific. 

My mother and I had set out at nine this morning to begin our journey to Orynth, northward of Rifthold, and my entire life. Dad wasn't even home this morning when we left. 

I prop open the door and step out of the Audi. I can smell the cigarette smoke from the other side of the car where my mother is filling the tank. Its smell is a constant reminder of the current state of my life. Swallowing my comment about the safety of fire-bearing items and gasoline, I secure my slippers to my feet and wander over to the convenience store attached to the gas pumps. 

The bell dings when I walk through the door, and I beeline for the washroom before I begin my stockpiling of snacks. The floors are sticky, and I can’t help but sigh at what will become of my slippers after this journey. When I make it to the obviously neglected washroom, I quickly shut and lock the door before I turn to the mirror. 

The girl that stands in the reflection looks hollow. 

Her golden blonde hair that reaches her elbows doesn't shine anymore, it simply hangs limp, void of the beautiful soft curls that once elevated it. The bags beneath her eyes are sunken, darker even than they were last week. There’s a breakout on her forehead that rose to the surface of her once sunkissed skin. And her eyes, those she can barely look at. The blue is dull, and the golden circle that kiss her pupil are barely visible anymore. 

That girl is me, Aelin. 

And after driving for the last five hours, I feel like shit and my bladder is on the verge of explosion from the four black coffees I've put down. 

I let out a defeated snort, one that slowly merges into maniacal laughter. The girl in the mirror laughs with me, but there's no joy in this bathroom. 

There’s no joy in the girl either. 

#rowaelin #rowan whitethorn #throne of glass #aelin x rowan #evalin galathynius #celaena sardothien #rowaelin fanfiction #rowaelin au #high school #aelin ashryver galathynius #aelin galathynius #HMLWIYH

[alice-bad-thoughts]

Can we talk about how much of a musical family the Galathynius were?

Aelin could play the clavichord, Aedion could play the violin, they often went to the opera (and I'm pretty sure Evalin sang beautifully and Rhoe could play something too). I really like to think that sometimes they would get together and just enjoy music. I think that may have been the thing that bonded them all and partly made them family.

#throne of glass #aedion ashryver #aelin ashryver galathynius #aelin galathynius #sjm #sjmaas

[leiawritesstories]

The Universal Rules of Mistletoe

a fun, hopefully cute, little fluffy fic based off this prompt from @rowaelinprompts "Our friends set us up under the mistletoe"

a gift for @sahana-draws!! happy @rowaelinscourt Rowaelin Secret Santa! it's been so much fun working on this little piece and I really hope you enjoy :))

Word count: 2,054

Warnings: none! (just clueless idiots in love)

Enjoy!

🎄❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️

Fifteen Years Ago

Shiny patent-leather shoes tapping lightly against the hardwood stairs, Aelin hurried downstairs as fast as she could while in her poofy red tulle Christmas dress. Five steps up from the bottom, she stopped, peering across the wide hallway into the main floor of the Galathynius home, which was full of beautifully dressed adults. Her eight-year-old imagination latched onto the sight of her mom and dad with their hands linked, smiling and laughing as they talked with their friends.

She wanted everything they had when she grew up.

Slowly, a little nervously, she moved three more steps down, stopping again as the nervousness flared up in her stomach. This was the first year she had been allowed to come to the Christmas party, and even though her babysitter would be there with her, she wasn't sure if she could do it.

"Hey." Another voice--a boy's voice--interrupted her scattered thoughts. Rowan Whitethorn, the boy from next door whose parents were longtime friends with Aelin's parents, stood on the other side of the staircase railing, looking at her with solemn green eyes. "I like your dress."

"Thanks," she said, smoothing her small hands down the fluffy layers of the skirt. "Mom let me pick it out."

Rowan grabbed two of the stair rails, using them for support as he rose onto his tiptoes to stick his head over the top of the banister. "Are you gonna come to the party?"

"I dunno." She stood on the last step, one hand lingering on the banister. "There's only grown-ups there."

"I'm there too," he said. "Hey, do you wanna play party tag?" Party tag was a game they had invented two years ago, when they were six and seven, during one of the many events Aelin's parents had hosted. Because Rowan and Aelin were so young, they would show up at the event for a bit to be cooed over by all of their parents' rich friends, and then be swept off away from the event. They'd invented a quiet, no-running form of tag where whoever was "it" would have to sneak up on the other person and subtly tag them. Nobody could run, and there had to be at least two minutes between tags.

It was more fun when one of their friends was also at the party, but they made it work with just the two of them.

Aelin cracked a small smile. "Okay." She stood up and stepped off the last stair, and he walked around to stand with her. "Are we gonna go now?"

"Yeah, we--"

"Oh, Enna, look!" Evalin Ashryver Galathynius's voice floated in alongside a cloud of her expensive designer perfume. "Our little ones seem to have found the mistletoe!"

Alarmed, Aelin looked up, finding a small bunch of mistletoe tied with a crimson ribbon hanging from the chandelier above the staircase.

"You know what that means," Enna Whitethorn beamed, setting her champagne flute aside and whipping her phone out of her clutch. "Rowan, darling, do you want to give Aelin a kiss?"

Rowan's whole face turned bright pink. "Do I have to?"

"No," Aelin whispered, blushing just as bright. "It's just a stupid thing the grownups do when there's mistletoe."

"Of course you don't have to," Enna reassured her son. "But it would make such an adorable photo, right Eva?"

"Oh, it would be precious!" Evalin agreed. "Fireheart, will you at least pose there for a minute? Yes, just like that! So cute!" She snapped a few photos in rapid succession as Enna did the same. "Enna, could you get a few of just me and Aelin?"

Relieved, Rowan hurried to stand next to his mother as Evalin came over to Aelin. "You look beautiful, little Fireheart," she said warmly, tidying the big red bow in Aelin's blonde hair. Enna snapped a few photos, and Evalin took Aelin's small hand in hers. "Are you ready to come to the party?"

Eyes wide, Aelin nodded. "Do I have to stay for very long?"

"Just long enough to say hi to a few people." Evalin squeezed her daughter's hand. "I promise. Then you and Nehemia can go have your movie night, right?"

"Uh huh." Aelin straightened her spine, a move she'd seen her mother do endless times. "I'm ready." Quietly, Rowan fell into step next to her, his mother on his other side. And, with her mother on one side and her best friend on the other, Aelin felt a little better about going into the grown-up party.

~

Present

Aelin was halfway through curling her hair, lips held apart while her matte crimson lipstick dried, when a rapid-fire knock drummed against her bathroom door. Before she could respond, the door swung open and Elide Lochan, her second cousin and dear friend, barged into the bathroom.

"I'm not dressed!" Aelin yelped, scrambling to pull her satin robe closed while still holding the curling iron in her other hand.

Elide rolled her eyes. "I can tell, Ae. Don't worry, you still have an hour before anyone is supposed to get here."

"You could've said that before you ran in here like everyone had already showed up," Aelin grumbled. "But thanks, Ells."

"No problem." Elide grinned. "Nice lipstick. Gonna get it all over someone's face tonight?" She wiggled her eyebrows.

Aelin snorted. "Gods, no. I'm the host, not some teenager who can run around all night kissing the boy she has a crush on."

"You're also twenty-three and you work too hard." Elide snatched the curling iron from Aelin's hands and took over curling her hair. "You deserve to have a little fun at your own freaking Christmas party."

"Yeah, sure," Aelin said sarcastically. "Bring me a man to kiss under the mistletoe and we'll see about that."

Elide smirked. "You're on."

An hour later, Aelin headed down the stairs, the same staircase she'd walked down every day since she was a little girl, and paused at the bottom step to take a deep, preparatory breath. You can do this, Galathynius, she told herself silently. Everything was all set up--the dining room table with a charcuterie spread, the silver-and-blue themed Christmas tree in the foyer, the large, open living room adorned with soft twinkle lights and decorative snowflakes and soft music piping in through the speaker system her parents had installed years ago. It's going to be just fine.

The doorbell rang.

Collecting herself, Aelin stepped off the stairs and went to the front door, a gracious smile spreading across her face. Her smile brightened when she found her cousin Aedion and his fiancée, Lysandra, waiting on the front step.

"Merry Christmas, Ae!" Lys squealed, hurrying inside. "Let us in, it's freezing!"

Aelin laughed. "Hi, Lys. I missed you!"

"You wouldn't miss me if you weren't working all the time," Lys teased, hugging Aelin tightly. "That dress looks fantastic, oh my god."

"Thanks," Aelin whispered back. Her crimson silk dress--of course her lipstick matched her dress--had thin straps, an elegantly scooped neckline, and was fitted in the bodice before flaring into a spill of floor-length skirts.

Aedion wrapped his arms around her. "You're not this tall," he teased.

She rolled her eyes. "It's called stiletto heels, genius."

"Sounds dangerous." He winked.

"Only for you boys who don't want to feel short." She laughed. "Hi, Aeds. How's wedding planning going?"

"Do not get me started," he groaned. "I'm so stressed, and our wedding isn't until another seven months away."

"Hey, relax. Have some punch. Just think about Christmas for a while, not the wedding."

"I'll try." He flashed her a grin.

The doorbell rang again, and Aelin opened the door to find four six-foot-plus men crowding her front steps, acting like small children with their elbows everywhere even though they were all at least in their mid-twenties.

"You can't all fit through the door like that," she drawled, beaming.

Fenrys elbowed his way through the others and broke into the house first. "I win!" he crowed, sweeping Aelin into a hug that pulled her off her feet.

"Good grief, Fen, you haven't even had any drinks yet!" she laughed. "Congratulations on winning whatever it is you think you won."

"He thinks it's a competition to get into parties first," Connall, his twin, explained. He affectionately tugged Fen's man bun. "Put the host down, Fenny."

"Don't call me that, you little--" Fen put Aelin down and went after Con, who'd sauntered away into the living room.

"They're all children, I'm sorry." Rowan pulled off his heavy winter jacket and shook the film of snowflakes off his pale hair. "Merry Christmas, Aelin--oh my god." He stared at her for a good long minute, his eyes wide and his jaw slack.

"Take a picture, it'll last longer," Lorcan drawled, nudging Rowan int he shoulder. He wrapped his own arm around Elide's shoulders; the two of them had been dating for just over a year and Aelin had never seen Elide so happy.

"Merry Christmas, Ro." Aelin restrained her giddy smile and did a little spin to show off her dress. "Thanks for--oh!" Rowan caught her, pulling her into a warm, pine-scented hug.

"You look stunning," he said softly. "I didn't know if I could say that in front of all the others, they'd never shut up about it, probably because they know how much I like you...uh, because we've known each other since..." He trailed off, blushing fiercely.

Shocked, Aelin looked up at him, her thoughts going a mile a minute. "You...me...what?" She shook her head. "I'm going insane. I need a minute--five minutes--I--" Abruptly, she hurried towards the stairs, only managing to get two steps up before Rowan's hand closed gently around her wrist.

"Hey." He stabilized her, his voice as grounding as it had been since they were little kids going to their parents' party for the first time. "I'm sorry, Ae, I didn't mean to scare you."

She turned around. "You didn't scare me, Rowan. You just...you said you like me?"

"I like you, Aelin." Warmth and a smidge of uncertainty flickered in his eyes. "But if you--"

"Stop that right now," she chided softly. "I thought I was always going to like you from the shadows, Ro. I've had a crush on you since we were kids."

It was his turn for stunned silence. "I should have said something years ago," he finally said, chuckling in disbelief. "I guess--"

"MISTLETOE!" Elide all but shrieked, completely shattering the mood. She--and everyone else, good grief--were suddenly piled into the walkway between the foyer and the living room, eagerly watching the couple on the stairs.

Aelin felt her face heat up, and she was on the verge of running upstairs to hide from everyone. Rowan was blushing again, even as he threw a glare that screamed "Traitor!" at Lorcan, who was smirking.

"Looks like you're together under the mistletoe, Ae," Elide repeated, beaming so wide Aelin almost thought her cheeks would split. "You know what that means!"

"That someone set us up?" Aelin asked, suddenly wondering how convenient it was that she and Rowan had had that moment together on the stairs.

Elide shrugged, her eyes bright. "There's universal rules of mistletoe, Aelin, and you're gonna have to follow them."

"We knew it!" Fenrys blurted, unable to control the secret. "Why else would we have gone into the living room as soon as we got here?"

"Fenrys!" came a collective groan.

"We shouldn't have told him," Lorcan half-mumbled, shaking his head but grinning. "Boyo has a bigger mouth than anyone I know."

"I know they're our friends," Aelin whispered to Rowan, grinning, "but I kind of want to kick them all out of my house right now." She looped her arms around his neck. "I want you all to myself."

"Me too, but we can hardly ignore the mistletoe rules." He gave her a secret, quietly joyful little smile. "Can I?"

"Please do." She tipped her head up and met his lips, his kiss soft and sweet and lingering. Completely perfect.

They only separated at the cheers and whoops of their friends, and they came into the party hand in hand, laughing, and hardly left each other's sides all night long, because sometimes, it took the quiet scheming of dear friends to get the couple who was quietly in love with each other to admit it.

~~~

TAGS:

@live-the-fangirl-life

@superspiritfestival

@thegreyj

@wordsafterhours

@elentiyawhitethorn

@morganofthewildfire

@backtobl4ck

@rowanaelinn

@house-of-galathynius

@tomtenadia

@julemmaes

@swankii-art-teacher

@charlizeed

@booknerdproblems

@earthtolinds

@goddess-aelin

@sweet-but-stormy

@clea-nightingale

@autumnbabylon

@darling-im-the-queen-of-hell

@llyncooljones

@silentquartz

#my writing #rowaelin #rowaelin secret santa 2023 #rowaelin secret santa #aelin galathynius #rowan whitethorn #rowan x aelin #rowaelin fanfic #rowaelin fanfiction #rowaelin fluff #shameless holiday fluff

[highqueenofelfhame]

a/n: i'm so sorry this one took so long to get out. it's very dialogue heavy and i struggle with dialogue and it was a tough one. i hope it was worth the wait.

rowaelin // 5k words // ciwyw masterlist // masterlist

The sun was barely above the horizon, and Aelin was already awake. Nothing but her ceiling fan and Rowan’s deep, even breathing filled the room around them as she reached for her phone and began mindlessly scrolling on social media. 

Cocooned within his arms and surrounded by his scent, her nausea hadn’t been what kept her awake.  It was just after eight and her body was so used to waking up for work that it refused to let her drift back into a land of sweet dreams. At least Rowan was still snoozing. He needed it as much as she did. 

Upon opening twitter, she opened trending topics to see what juicy gossip was making the rounds today. A few politicians were popular for no good reason, and a handful of celebrities were having their looks celebrated per usual. Third from the bottom, however, she stopped and stared. 

ROWAN WHITETHORN

His name glared at her in all capital letters, a bit of text beneath it reading: trending with Aelin Galathynius and Aedion Ashryver

Oh, gods. 

The trending tag was bombarded with articles from tabloids and fan tweets, the same few pictures circulating along with them. The photo of Rowan with the little boy at dinner was the main one, but she quickly understood why her name was attached when she saw the others. 

All of them were grainy, but Rowan and Aelin were no less identifiable. His arm was around the back of her chair in each picture. One he was leaning toward her and saying something in her ear. She could easily imagine that it was him asking if she was okay for the thousandth time. In another, she was pointing at Aedion with a fork, laughter dancing in her eyes while she gazed at Rowan, lips parted around words. 

Aelin looked down at the tattooed arm draped over her side and the hand that rested on her stomach. There was no way for her to know how he would react to this, especially not so early in the morning. It was starting to settle over her heavily as her phone began buzzing in her palm. 

MOM flashed on her screen, a picture of her and her mother from Yulemas last year bright in her face. Aelin sighed and began extricating herself from Rowan, lifting his arm and rolling out from beneath him. It would be quicker to just move over his body in order to avoid missing her mom’s call so she began crawling over him. 

So abruptly it startled a squeal from deep in her chest, Rowan launched into a sitting position just as her toes hit the ground. With his eyes still closed as he asked, a little too loudly, “Are we sick?”

The commotion had her phone slipping from her hands  and careening toward the ground. With reflexes no human man should possess, Rowan’s leg darted beneath the blanket and somehow managed to catch the phone with his foot before it shattered on the floor. Aelin gaped at him as he picked it up and handed it to her. His godsdamn eyes were only cracked open, what the f—

“Hi, Mom. One second.” She sandwiched the phone between her ear and shoulder, ignoring the huffy sigh from her mother. “I’m fine, spiderman. Go back to sleep.”

“I’m up,” he argued, throwing his legs over the side of the bed. Despite his words, Rowan was very much not awake. Squinty green eyes took in every inch of her body as she stood up and started walking backward to the door. She was still gawking at him as he followed after her and rubbed at his face. 

“Seriously, how did you do that?” A sleepy smile formed on his face and Mala above, she wanted to kiss it until it was a full blown grin. 

“It’s kind of my job, love,” he teased. 

“That doesn’t happen to be Rowan Whitethorn, does it, love?” Evalin drawled, clearly having heard what Rowan called her. That little pet name that tied her veins into pretty ribbons to make her heart pound against her bones. 

Shit. She was in deep fucking shit. 

“Yes. Yes, that is Rowan Whitethorn.” Aelin replied, Rowan towering over her as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pressed his lips to the top of her head. It was so short and sweet that she almost wondered if it had really happened as he slipped past her and padded into the kitchen. 

“And when were you going to tell me about this?” Her mother demanded. Aelin could vividly picture her pacing with one hand on her hip and the other whipping sharply through the air as she spoke. 

“Technically, I did tell you.”

“You told me you were sleeping with someone. There was no indication about who it was.” The name had been left out, sure, but she had only known him as Rowan and, at the time,  it was entirely too soon to tell her mother all the details. 

“I mean, we were? Rowan and I are in a… situationship.” The man in question turned to look at her, eyebrows disappearing into his hairline. Aelin grimaced. 

“What the hell does that even mean?!” Evalin cried. 

“Did I just get demoted?” Rowan turned and looked at her, eyebrows disappearing into his hairline. Aelin shook her head at him while biting back a laugh.  

“We’re seeing each other. We’re dating. He’s my boyfriend. Right?” She looked at Rowan amidst her rising panic over her mothers frantic, betrayed voice. He walked over, placing a glass of water in front of her, and leaned against the counter. Two fingers swept hair behind her ears and ran down the side of her neck. Something about his touch was a cooling balm to her nerves. “He’s my boyfriend. It’s just… it’s complicated. I was going to tell you—”

“What, when you got married?! I found out from news articles and your father getting questions about it this morning, Aelin.” 

“I was going to call you this morning after everyone woke up because like I said, it’s complicated.” 

“Don’t tell me you already eloped.” Rowan was grinning while he eavesdropped. Aelin reached out and punched his stomach only to be met with rock hard muscle. 

“No! Gods above, Mama. No. Not— fucking hell this is worse than I thought it would be,” she grumbled, forehead thumping against her boyfriend’s chest. Rowan’s hand stroked over the back of her head sympathetically. “Can we switch to video? This is too much to do over the phone while I can’t see your face.” 

The frustration in her words was evident when her voice cracked. When her mom accepted the video call, her features were soft. If she had been in Varese with her, Aelin knew her mother’s fingers would be stroking her hair to calm her down, the same way Rowan was now threading his fingers through the  golden strands. 

“Can you please put a shirt on before I put you in frame?” She asked, watery eyes turning onto his face. 

“I’m a bit more worried about you than I am about clothing right now, love.” 

“You can’t meet my mom like this.” Rowan’s eyes traced her face and body long enough that she sighed. “I’ll be fine for the thirty seconds it takes you to get there and back.” 

“Baby,” her mother cut in, worry clouding her features. Aelin looked away from Rowan as he jogged across the apartment. “You’re scaring me.”

“Because I’m scared. Of everything and your reaction and what Dad is going to say and— all of it is scary.” The worst part was that she wasn’t even entirely sure why she was crying. On a normal day, hard conversations were difficult, of course, but nothing she had ever cried over. Her parent’s gave her unconditional love. There wasn’t a worry in her mind that she would ever cease to be the center of their entire world. These hormones were going to kill her. 

When Rowan came back, he picked up her water and pulled on her hand until she stood, leading her toward the couch. Evalin was quiet and patient while he got her tucked in with a blanket and settled beside her. His face held no judgment as he brushed tears from her cheeks. 

“Everything’s okay,” he promised her, pointer finger bumping beneath her chin. Aelin smiled a little and shook her head before arranging her phone so her mom could see him. 

“Mama, this is Rowan. Rowan, this is my Mom, Evalin.” 

“It’s good to finally meet you, Mrs—”

“You’ll call me Evalin,” she interrupted with the wave of her hand. Rowan smiled and nodded once before looking back at Aelin. 

“It’s good to meet you, Evalin,” he repeated, trying her name out for the first time. Aelin’s mother beamed and the anxiety that was creeping and crawling over her nerves paused for the time being. 

“Is Dad around?”

“Right here, Fireheart,” Rhoe slid into view, immediately frowning when he took in her tear streaked face.

“Before you start, I’m not crying because of Rowan. I mean, technically I am, but it’s not anything bad. Rowan, my father Rhoe, Dad, I’m sure you already know him, but this is my boyfriend Rowan Whitethorn.” 

“We’ve met a few times actually,” Rowan chimed in, lifting a hand in greeting. “It’s nice to see you, sir.” 

“You too, son.” So far, so good. Both of her parents were smiling and Rowan was a steadying weight beside her. Somehow he felt more at ease than she did. Aelin just had to get the next part out without falling apart. A deep and almost cleansing breath filled her lungs as she looked up at the ceiling to keep the tears from rolling down her cheeks. Gods, this was ridiculous. 

“We um…” Aelin exhaled and looked at Rowan who nodded encouragingly. “I want to start off by saying that this is still really new. Our relationship and everything attached to it is really new. And I really was planning to call you today. I decided on that well before the news broke this morning.”

“Sweetheart. Just say it,” her mother said, giving Aelin a knowing look. Of course Evalin had it figured out before she had even tried to search her brain for a coherent sentence. Hell, she had probably known the entire time. 

“We’re having a baby.” Aelin’s lip quivered, and Rowan reached over to lace their fingers with the hand that wasn’t around her shoulders. She sunk into him, resting her head on his shoulder while gnawing on her lip. 

“Not planned, I take it,” her father tried to joke, and despite the tears that had sprung free, Aelin laughed. 

“No. Definitely not planned but not a bad thing either.”

“I knew it as soon as you spit out that piece of candy a few weeks ago.” Evalin beamed, dabbing at her eyes with the pocket square she had stolen from Rhoe’s suit. “Are you happy?”

“Yes. Scared as hell, but I’m happy. Are…” Aelin looked at Rowan, “You’re happy, yeah? Now isn’t the time to ask but we haven’t really addressed that.”

“I’m very happy,” he promised, leaning in to kiss her temple. Aelin let out a shaky breath and laughed again, rubbing at her eyes with her sleeves.

“I was an emotional wreck the entire time I was pregnant with you. I’m sorry that I passed it along.” To her credit, Evalin did look a little sorry. Aelin had grown up hearing about it off and on. Rhoe frequently reminded her that she was a spitfire from the moment of conception. 

“The hormones are a bitch. And the morning sickness? It’s all the time and it’s awful.” The only time she didn’t seem to be heaving the entire contents of her stomach was when Rowan was there to soothe it away. Sure, she had been sick a few times over the weekend, but something about the way he smelled seemed to keep it at bay for the most part. Human bodies were so bizarre. 

“You are supposed to come home in a few months,” Rhoe wondered out loud. Rowan seemed to stiffen a little beside her. “Are your plans changing in that regard?”

“I don’t know,” Aelin admitted with a shrug and a sigh. “I’m working every day that I feel able to. Except for today and yesterday because Lysandra put Aedion on a plane. The bastard is still asleep right now, actually, but I am keeping up with work. Usually just half days because I’m exhausted and sick all the time. And Rowan is so busy with the season we only see each other on the weekends. If I come home when I was supposed to, though, I’m sure his teammates and fans would be thrilled if he stopped getting red cards.”

“If you think I’m going to play better while you’re pregnant on another continent, you’re insane.” Her parents chuckled, but she knew how serious he was. Rowan tended to worry to the extreme and her being away wouldn’t help. 

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get closer to it. How’s that?” Aelin looked up at him and he nodded. It would have to do for now. There was too much going on with Fireheart for her to abandon her responsibilities entirely, baby or no baby. 

“Is there anything you need from us?” Her father asked, concern heavy in his brow.  Not that she could think of, and she said as much. 

“Between Rowan and Aedion, it’s all covered. Plus Lys is coming at the end of the week when Aedion leaves. I have my first appointment next week. I did have a blood draw that confirmed the pregnancy because I was so sick I couldn’t keep anything down. Lysandra berated me into an ER visit. They gave me some nausea medicine that seems to be helping, but we’ll know more about the baby next week. I’m not even really sure how far along I am aside from the basic math of when we met.”

“When you met?” Evalin’s eyebrows flew toward the sky and Aelin choked. 

“Sometime around then,” she tried to save her prior phrasing, but her mom saw straight through it. Rhoe, on the other hand, looked eager to think about anything but his daughter’s sex life. 

“What the hell are you already doing awake?” Aedion grumbled from the hall, rubbing his eyes as he stumbled into the room. 

“FaceTime with Mom and Dad.” Her manicured hand patted the open seat next to her.

“Oh shit, already? I thought it would be this afternoon.” Aedion dropped down beside her and leaned in, waving to his aunt and uncle. 

“Well. Mom found out about me and Rowan before I could even call her. Pictures of us from last night seem to be making the rounds all over the internet.” Rowan’s head whipped toward her, eyes wide and lips parted. His mouth was moving to form words, but before he could get an apology out she added, “It’s okay.”

The apology came anyway, and Aelin’s eyes jumped from his face to her mom and dad’s. Evalin’s lip quivered at the sincerity and Rhoe looked like he respected the man even more already. 

Aedion reached around to pat Rowan’s shoulder sympathetically. “It comes with the territory. Surely you know how famous you are.” 

“I mean, sure, when I’m playing.”

“Oh, you sweet child,” Evalin mused, causing Aelin to crack a wide grin. Their family knew better than anyone that certain athletes tended to sky-rocket into full on celebrity status. The tweets she had seen about all of them showed that tenfold. 

“Rowan, you are quite literally a superstar,” Aedion told him. “You aren’t just huge on the field. Surely someone has mentioned to you that you’re insanely famous.”

“My agent and PR team are always nagging me to go to events and get on social media but… no one has ever really…” Rowan trailed off at the looks on everyones faces. Aelin was holding back a grin, her bottom lip tucked between her teeth. 

“Baby, you’re kind of a big deal. And your face and body really don’t hurt,” Aelin told him, squeezing his hand. “Like people were so excited that someone saw you out and about.”

“I– what?” 

“Okay, I think Aedion and I need to give Rowan a crash course in his fame. I’ll call you later?” Aelin said to her parents, who nodded in agreement. 

“We love you. And we are absolutely thrilled about a grandbaby,” Evalin swore, a sentiment that Rhoe repeated almost verbatim. A weight lifted from her chest as she once again felt like fighting off tears. 

“I love you,” she choked out just before ending the call, and then she was fully slumping into Rowan’s side. Giggles bubbled out of her all over again as she looked up at him. “I can’t believe you don’t know how famous you are.”

“What are people saying?” 

“This one is my favorite.” Aedion showed Rowan a screenshot of his phone. It was a tweet that read: Look, I know we’re excited that 1. Rowan was out for once and 2. That he was spotted with sOCCER PRINCESS AELIN GALATHYNIUS??? But can we just talk about how good Aedion Ashryver looks?

A choked sound came out of Aelin before she could stop it, snickering following immediately after. Of course that would be his favorite. 

She quickly opened the app, letting Rowan scan through news headlines and fan tweets while she peered at the screen with him. Most of them were good. A lot of the fans seemed to be happy about their potential romantic link. A few expressed their distaste, saying that Aelin was chasing fame after falling into irrelevancy. Those made her laugh, but Rowan didn’t seem to find the humor in it. 

“They shouldn’t be talking about you like that,” he grit out. Aelin merely shrugged her shoulders. 

“You can’t win them all. I’ve always been a little polarizing amongst the soccer community, anyway.” Gods, if that wasn’t the truth she didn’t know what was. 

A lot of people accused her of nepotism and everything that fell under that umbrella. Yes, she was a nepo baby. But she was doing her best to make her own way in the world without relying too heavily on what her parents had built. Starting Fireheart was the first step of that and while they had contributed financially, it had been her idea. They just backed it with money when she needed the initial boost. Aelin liked to think that, relevant or not, she was using her name and generational wealth to put good back into the world. 

“I had no idea I was this… big,” Rowan murmured, finally handing her phone back to her. There was an innuendo that Aelin’s childish mind couldn’t ignore. Her teeth clamped down on her bottom lip to bite back a laugh. “I knew Fenrys was, but he feeds into it. He likes the attention. I just assumed that since I stayed out of everything that didn’t have to do with the game, I was just known for playing.”

“There are girls that are dying to be me right now.” Aelin was grinning, but Rowan still wore a displeased frown. “Hey. It’s really okay. It was going to come out eventually and we don’t have to confirm or deny anything yet.”

“The thought of having to publicly comment on my personal life is so irritating.”

“Your comments can just come in the form of agreeing with what I put on social media or whatever statements I put out. You don’t have to do anything that you don’t want to do, Rowan. People are going to speculate regardless, and while I would eventually like to talk about us, I don’t have to.” She shrugged like it was simple. It wasn’t, but she would make it as easy for him as she could. Rowan sighed and rubbed his eyes with his forefinger and thumb. “I bet you’re wishing you went back to sleep when I told you to, huh?”

“You shut up,” he murmured, a playful bite to his words. 

“People did find your instagram, by the way. And you’re only following me,” Aelin pointed out. “Maybe today we can post a picture or something and follow at least your teammates?”

“You’d help me with that?” Rowan looked surprised. 

“Of course. I’m really good at social media. We’ll get you all set up before you go home later. I’ll even help you with everything you want to post. It’s not like I won’t be around to help you out for the next eighteen years at least.” Rowan squeezed her hand in thanks, his lips finally tipping into a smile at her joke. A bit of relief flowed through her at his smile. “With that settled, I’m going to shower and I believe you promised me chocolates.”

“That I did.” Rowan pressed a chaste kiss to her knuckles as she stood and headed walked toward the bathroom. 

Everything with her parents had gone exactly as expected. The fact that they were happy about it despite the circumstances meant the world to her. Having that support in her back pocket at all times, no matter what was more important than she would ever let on. Rowan blended seamlessly in the conversations and she could only imagine how charming he would be when they officially met in person. 

Everything was still beyond terrifying, but she tentatively felt like everything was going to be okay. She hoped, anyway.

~*~

“I want to talk to you about something,” Aedion said, waiting to speak until the shower was on and the soft thud of the shower door indicated she was inside. Her cousin leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, rubbing his hands together as he looked over at Rowan. “She would kick my ass if she found out, so please don’t mention it for the time being.”

“I’m all ears.” Rowan had been expecting this. The two hadn’t spent any time together alone thus far, and since he was more like a brother than anything else, he’d anticipated the big brother talk. It had only been a matter of when, not if. 

“Aelin has… Gods, she’s been through some shit. I don’t know how much she’s told you about her last relationship, but it did a fucking number on her. For years she was a shell of herself and it was rare to even get her to smile. It would be a lie to say that she didn’t start acting like herself until she met you.” 

“What do you mean? She seemed in good enough spirits when I met her,” Rowan said, thinking back to the spitfire woman in the bar. Aedion’s head shook.

“Aelin has always been good at putting on a front. We call it her insufferable swagger. While it’s part of who she is, it lacks a certain edge. Being able to rile you up about soccer was likely just part of that,” her cousin explained, scratching at his jaw. “Once she started telling Lysandra about you, something was different. The first call they had after, Lys burst into tears as soon as they were off the phone. Normally she keeps Aelin’s secrets, but she couldn’t even keep it from me because she was so happy that she just seemed normal.”

“I can’t take credit for any of that.”

“Maybe not. But we all think you sparked something in her. You brought her back to life, Rowan. Even just being here, it feels like Aelin, not the person she tried to be to make us not worry about her. There were times when she told us she felt like dying. That she would never try, but she was drowning and dying sounded like the more peaceful option. Constantly she told us how tired she was, and she never meant physically. It was the kind of exhaustion you feel deep in your bones that feels suffocating. But once you walked into the picture, everything about her has been different.” 

Rowan turned the words over carefully, lips twisting while he considered. Aelin had always been the same to him, but he could see what Aedion meant in some ways. Now she was much sharper with her teasing tongue. It had him wondering if things would have been different without a troubled past relationship. 

None of it sat well with him. The idea of Aelin withdrawing into herself and withering away to fragile, dried petals made him want to hit something. That anyone had ever dampened her golden light was beyond him. It took a special kind of asshole to do that to a strong and brilliant woman. He didn’t know what to say. Thankfully, Aedion had a little more to give.

“I can’t stand to see her go back to that place. I like you, Rowan. I do. But if I think for a single second that you’re not good for her or the baby I will not hesitate in beating the absolute shit out of you.”

“If you come to that conclusion, I would probably be in agreement. I’d let you.” It was the truth. Might even outright ask for it. Rowan had always accepted the punishments that he deserved. 

“Glad we’re on the same page,” Aedion murmured, finally relaxing enough to sit back against the couch. The shower shut off moments later, the sounds of Aelin readying for the day filling in the silence. 

When she finally opened the door, makeup and hair done with a robe wrapped around her body, she chirped, “Chocolate?” 

“Yeah,” Rowan chuckled. “Chocolate.”

~*~

While they ate lunch at a little cafe downtown, Aelin had helped him make his first ever Instagram post. It was a picture of him leaning back in his chair, looking out at the bustling city around them. Despite feeling that he always looked awkward in photos, this one looked natural and candid. Aelin called him her boyfriend again and he was smiling when she snapped the winning shot. So far it had amassed several thousand likes and comments. Rowan wasn’t sure what to do with any of it. 

Three dozen chocolate truffles and several bakery items later, Aelin and Rowan wandered back into the apartment. Aedion had let them go out alone for some time together. Now that he knew people were eager to sneak photos of him, he noticed cell phones turned their direction all morning. It was hard to not be frustrated about it, but Aelin’s touch was a soothing balm to the rising anger. If she wasn’t bothered he would try his hardest not to be, too. 

“I probably need to go soon,” he said, sitting on the edge of her bed while she shucked off her leggings and pulled on a pair of little shorts. A sullen look pulled on her features as she stood between his legs, hands resting on his neck. 

“Would it work if I said that I want you to stay?” Nails lightly scratched at his scalp and it was an effort to keep his eyes from slipping shut. 

“It would make it harder for me to leave, but I do have practice in the morning. I can’t be late.” Never mind that he wished it weren’t the case. If she outright asked, he probably would stay and then hate himself for it tomorrow. 

“Fine,” she sighed, hands sliding down his shoulders. Rowan wasn’t sure what it was about her touch, but it drove him mental in the best way. The loss of her skin on his was a new kind of hell he hadn’t known existed until he met her. “I have a scan next week. Do you want to go with me?”

“Do you want me to be there?” If she didn’t, he wouldn’t go. It might kill him a little, but he would stay away if it was what she wanted. 

“I obviously want you there. Otherwise I wouldn’t have told you about it. That wasn’t my question. ” Ah, there was that sass Aedion had talked about earlier. 

“I want to,” he swore, fingers trickling up and down her outer thighs. A smile took over her entire face and damn him, he couldn’t help his own grin to match. 

“It’s Thursday afternoon. I can text you the details about where so you can meet me there from practice.” Rowan nodded as he collected the few things he brought with him and followed her out to the living room. 

“It was good to meet you, man,” He told Aedion, the two bumping fists casually. Aelin was smiling while she watched, her fingers covering her mouth like an eager child. 

“Hopefully I can make the trip over here again soon.” Rowan would genuinely enjoy that. Aedion seemed cool and cared so much about his cousin that he doubted he would ever have anything negative to say about the man. 

Aelin led him to the front door, their loosely linked fingers swinging between them. Unable to help himself, he pushed her hair back from her face. Her eyes hid a secret smile as she gazed up at him. Gods, she was so beautiful.

“I’ll see you Thursday, then?”

Rowan nodded, “And I’ll talk to you every day in between.” It felt a little cheesy to say it out loud, but Aelin’s smile was enough to chase away the self consciousness he felt.

She stopped him with a hand around his wrist as he turned to open the door. When he turned back to look at her, Aelin rocked up on her toes and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth. He had a feeling she knew it was a teasing move. Those brilliant turquoise and gold eyes confirmed it when she pulled away, mirth swimming in their depths. Such a cruel, beautiful thing she was. 

“Drive safe,” she said, one more little smile shared between them before he walked out the door and began his short trip back to Doranelle. 

if your tag is bold, it wouldn't let me tag you.

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[tomtenadia]

Detours to you - 24

hello all,

as promised here we are with ch 24 and a lot of fluff... there is just a very very smidge of angst but it gets resolved quickly.

MASTERLIST

A month had elapsed and February had eventually arrived bringing with it more of the usual snow.

Rowan had slowly improved and with the help of physio he had worked hard to get better to his old form as fast as possible. He could now move around with two crutches but was still off work. Although he was much better the doctor had not cleared him for work, even if it was just desk duty. His deputy was covering for him at the moment and he hated that he was not allowed to do his job. During his recovery the mayor had eventually requested a visit and he Aelin and Maya had driven to city hall and the mayor had appointed him with the medal of valour that he had been promised. Rowan had been reticent and had explained that it was just his job, but the mayor believed that he deserved the accolade.

Maya had been super smug at the fact that her dad was a hero and had been telling all of her friends at school about him. His mum was still at their place and Eiddwen had been a great help while he was recovering and she had become an integral part of their family. Evalin and Eiddwen had quicly become as thick as thieves and both Aelin and Rowan were positive that their mothers were secretly planning something that concerned them. 

*

Rowan was bored at home. He was not used to being idle and was driving his mother crazy because he constantly wanted to help in the house. On top of that, Maya was at school so he had asked, no begged, Aelin to join her at the shop. 

Aelin had agreed and now he was happily sitting at the counter and his job was to take payments from customers. It was a brand new world to him. He knew how to deal with raging fires other type of catastrophes. He was not good with people. Rowan had almost strangled a woman who wanted to order a book but had no idea of the title or the author, but only knew that it had been released six months before and had a blue cover. He had explained to her that he needed a title and that blue was not a searching parameter but the woman was not listening to him. All of a sudden he had a total new respect for Aelin’s job.

Elide walked at his side “How are you coping?”

“Give me a five alarm fire, I can deal with it. Needy customers?” He shook his head “How do you ladies survive this?”

Elide laughed “we love this job.”

Rowan chuckled “Does Lorcan know you are a masochist?”

Lysandra and Aelin joined them a moment later and Aelin kissed his cheek “how’s our chief?

“Better now,” he sneaked an arm around her.

In that instant a tall blonde woman walked towards him “Hi,” she said in a very sensual way “I heard you give a good recommendation to another woman,” her hand moved on his on the counter “I am looking for a good book too.”

Rowan pulled the hand back “My colleagues here have far better knowledge than me.” He added while pulling Lys forward. 

Dejection fell on the woman’s face and Lysandra grabbed the woman, taking her away.

“Oh Rowan, you broke the woman’s heart,” joked Elide.

“Well, Lysandra knows more than me, it was only logical.”

Aelin hugged him again and hummed in his arms “I need to buy you a t-shirt reading property of Aelin Galathynius.”

Rowan looked Aelin in her blue eyes with a stare that said I am yours.

They were about to go back to their job when Eiddwen entered the shop and Rowan got ready. Because of the injury he sustained and the trauma he went through, the department had requested that he’d go through therapy. It was one of the conditions to allow him back to work.

“Hi Ro, ready for your appointment?”

He stood and grabbed his crutches. Aelin walked to him “are you coming back here then?”

“Yes, this is fun, albeit a bit scary.”

Aelin kissed him “Go,” a caress on his face “I will see you later.”

Rowan was in the car with his mum and was silent while driving.

“Ro, are you okay? Have you been sleeping?” She asked out of the blue.

He hadn’t. Rowan had a few bad nights when he woke up with the sensation of burning or suffocation. He then would roll around and hold Aelin in his arms. That would usually help him, her scent and the feeling of her body against his would always calm his soul. And if Maya joined in as well, he usually had the most blissful night. His girls were better than any medicine or therapy session. 

“I had a few bad nights.”

Her hand grabbed his “Mum, hand back on the wheel, please.”

“Is therapy working?”

“I think so. I just…” he paused “Mum, I almost left Aelin and Maya alone. I just found them again and I almost lost them. And it scared me, even more than the fire.” He explained “I know fire, but this fear, it hurts.”

“Maybe you should change job?” She asked.

“No mum, I was not meant to go inside. I did it because I knew the factory and it was the only way to save those people.” He told her “I usually stay outside and ran the fires, I can help change things. I love my job.”

“Talk to Aelin then, tell her how you feel.”

He was silent.

“Rowan, I know what not talking does to you.” Eiddwen was silent for an instant and let it sink in  “I had a panic attack one evening while I was at the supermarket. The police had to call uncle Ellys to come and get me. I kept saying that I was fine. I lied to myself until I broke down.”

Rowan grabbed his mother’s hand on the wheel and they both remained silent until they reached the building.

Eiddwen helped her son get out of the car and slowly walked to the office “I am running some errands in the meantime. I will see you in an hour.” Rowan nodded and followed the therapist inside the room. Therapy had been strange to him. He was not the greatest person to talk about his feelings and the first few days he had struggled to open up but slowly with the help of his therapist he had managed to finally unlock his emotions. They had covered about everything, not just his job.

“Welcome back, Rowan,” said Yrene while offering him to sit down “how are you you?”

A deep sigh “I love being back at home with my girls but I hate being stuck and not being allowed back to work. I am not good at feeling useless. I can work at a desk. This is nonsense.”

The woman nodded “you do know is department regulations?”

He groaned “Yes, I went through a serious accident and blah blah blah so now I have to wait for a shrink to tell me that I am fit to do my job.”     

“Rowan, you almost died and you have admitted that you have been struggling to sleep. That is not a good sign.”

“Of course, it friggin PTSD. I am working on it.”

“How?”

He looked outside of the window where the snow was falling heavily “Aelin and Maya, it’s all for them.”

The woman scribbled something down “what about you? Do you do it for yourself too?”

He snorted “of course, but they are my priority.”

“How is it going with them?”

Silence “I love my daughter. She is funny and intelligent and a little tornado. I adore teaching her things and discover almost every day new aspect of her personality.” He paused “I love Aelin and I want to be with her,” he nervously played with his hands “my mum gave me her engagement ring and wants me to give it to Aelin.”

“And how do you feel about it?”

He chuckled “I would have married her a long time ago. Now…”  a deep sigh “I love her madly but a part of me, a very small one, still resents her for lying and it’s affecting my full trust in her and driving me insane at the same time,” his hand raked through his longer hair “I love her so much and I really want to call her my wife. What’s wrong with me?”

“Have you talked to her? Have you voiced this problem to her?”

He shook his head “We have finally stopped fighting and Maya is thriving I cannot mess it up.”

Yrene wrote down a few more notes “that is a great progress, but this is something you have to discuss with Aelin or you risk that your relationship can never blossom properly,” she explained “She is also key in helping you deal with the job trauma. You need to talk to her.”

He nodded.

“What about sleeping? You mentioned in your last session your recurrent nightmares.”

A nod “Always the same. Burning, suffocation, the unyielding fear of being trapped. I usually wake up gasping for air.” His hand gently shook in his lap. 

“How have you been coping? Do you take the sleeping tablets the doctor prescribed?”

Rowan shook his head “Holding Aelin in my arms helps, and some night Maya jumps in bed too. Their presence keeps the bad dreams away and I can actually sleep.”

“Does it mean that without her you can’t sleep?”

“No, I can but it’s not as relaxed. I toss and turn a lot more.” A pause “It has always been like that. Aelin always managed to calm my soul.”  

The woman nodded. 

When the hour was up he said goodbye to Yrene and walked out of the office where his mother was waiting for him, reading a book. She looked up and closed the book “Ready to go?”

He nodded and slowly they made their way back to the car and the shop.

Later on that night, Rowan was already in bed, his back against the headboard and a book in his hands while Aelin was getting ready for the night. When they were dating she used to wear scandalous nightwear that would drive him insane with need and lust, now her nightwear was more modest and mostly consisted of his t-shirts that looked gigantic on her. A habit that apparently she had not lost. 

“That book seems interesting,” her voice reached him and he closed the book and placed it on the nightstand. Aelin smiled, it was a fantasy that she had recommended earlier on while at work.

“Oh yeah, this annoying bookseller badgered me all afternoon and convinced me to buy it.”

Aelin climbed in bed and crawled at his side “Well, she has great taste.”

Rowan looked at her and was about to kiss her but then he remembered he wanted to have a chat “So, therapy today was good.”

Aelin sat at his side and snuggled against his chest.

“We talked about us,” he looked down at her.

“I thought it was just about your job.”

He nodded “but Yrene is a wizard and we did some digging and we ended up talking about our relationship. She thinks it’s key to my recovery too.”

Aelin grinned proudly.

He was silent for a moment trying to find the best way to tell her his feelings without hurting her “she thinks that I need to reach closure before you and I can properly move to the next stage.”

Aelin turned to him “Closure?” Hurt in her voice “I thought we went over this.”

Rowan paused and folded his hands on his lap “Yes, but I think a part of me still resents you and I can’t shake it off.”

“Haven’t I apologised enough? What do you want me to do?” She growled irritated.

“I am working on it, it’s my issue, Aelin.”

Frustrated, Aelin got off the bed and started pacing the room “Is this an excuse to dump me once and for all?”

“No, Aelin. Yrene told me to express my feelings to you too and that’s what I am doing.”

“And blaming me in the process as usual.”

Rowan let out a frustrated growl “Fuck Aelin, I love you.”

“No you don’t.” She shouted back “If you did, you would finally trust me. How can we build a life together like this?”

She turned her back to him and sat at the bottom of the bed “I am tired of apologising, Rowan.” Her voice betrayed the sobs that had started to break through her “I don’t think we can do this if you continue in your crusade of hate towards me.”

He sighed and leaned back in the pillow “Aelin, I was ready to go to battle in court and I decided not to because I wanted to give our family a better chance,” he explained, looking away from her “but every time I find out something about Maya that happened a long time ago, I get so angry. I missed five years of my daughter’s life and it hurts, Aelin. It makes me feel like an incompetent father and it sting so much.” he paused “A while ago at hockey practice the other fathers had started talking about their kids and ended up chatting about their first day at school. I was silent, because I have no idea. I felt like a part time dad.”

Aelin finally turned and looked at his pained expression. On that he was right, he could have unleashed lawyers on her and instead of living together, they could have been in the middle of a destructive custody battle. He had backed down and given them a chance and for that she was grateful. Slowly she climbed back to him and her hand caressed his face tenderly “All the other kids were crying, but Maya wore her backpack and walked proudly inside the school and before leaving she told me that she was a big girl.” His arm sneaked behind her back pulling her closer and Aelin basked against his strong body.

He chuckled “Sounds like her.”

“I was almost offended when I picked her up and she told me she did not miss me.”

Aelin looked up at him and saw a hint of sadness on his features. She knew that having missed that part of their daughter’s life still upset him, but he was back and they had so much more to look forward to. She snuggled closer, letting him cage her completely against his chest “Ro, I know you missed a lot, but you still have so much to experience,” a kiss on his pecs “Aren’t you looking forward to her teenage phase? The first boyfriend or girlfriend?”

Rowan chuckled “Oh yes, the scary milestones.”

Her face turned upwards to look him into his eyes  “In your position, I’d be pissed too.”

Rowan’s nose landed on her head, buried in her mane of blonde hair “I am sorry, but I swear I am working on it.”

She kissed his cheek “I believe you, chief.”

Rowan pulled her down and let Aelin be the big spoon, her arms enveloping him, her face nestled in the crook of his neck “You are such a cuddler, aren’t you worried about your street cred?”

He hummed happily “Just with you and Maya. I am happy to keep my grumpy status with the rest of the world, but you two make me happy.”

Aelin smiled “good because we are not planning on leaving. We love your house too much.”

Rowan turned to face her and pulled her tight against him “To whatever end, fireheart.” A kiss.

“To whatever end.” She replied, then a smirk appeared on her face and pushed Rowan on his back and straddled him “Now, let’s see what can we do to make you sleep a bit better.” She removed her jersey and stood bared in front of him. She leaned closer for a kiss “I believe someone requested a sexy nurse.”

Rowan laughed and pillowed his arms behind his head.

“Let me take care of you, chief.” She added, while pulling of his briefs.

That night, with the love of his life in his arms, Rowan slept peacefully and dreamed of a future with the two most important people in his life.

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[shyvioletcat]

Set Up - Part 6

A/N: Well, well, well... here we are again. I won't ramble, but let's thank Rowaelin Month and @rowaelinscourt for prompting the completion of this chapter. BUT PLEASE NOTE TAGS ARE NOT WORKING

CW: Mild swearing and smut, of course

~ Set Up Masterlist ~

~~~~~

This time being apart felt different. Maybe seeing so much of each other had ruined what had been enjoying in such a carefree way for so long. Now, whenever Aelin thought of Rowan something twisted in her chest. That week brought them closer than they’d been in a long time and highlighted some things Aelin was missing in her life. 

A boyfriend was the simplest way to put it, delving further would only lead to questions Aelin did not want to answer. She was being dramatic, due to her recent bout of being alone no doubt. Spending all that time together had left her spoiled and craving more. Rowan wasn’t the answer and not a consolation for her loneliness. He deserved better than that, better than her. He’d always talked about wanting a perfect little life, with a family and white picket fence to boot. Aelin couldn’t give him that. Their lives had split down two different paths that only crossed whenever fate was kind. For all parties involved it was the best way to leave. It was just fortunate that they had been found out. 

Aelin had spent nearly a month screening her calls and messages from nearly everyone outside of work. Even though she had explicitly told her mother she didn’t want to talk about the situation between her and Rowan, Evalin Ashryver Galathynius was never one to give up. The innocent calls and texts that asked about work and how Aelin was doing always seemed to take a turn in his direction. It had got to the point that she just completely ignored any mention of relationship related things. Even her dad who tended to keep neutral ground had dropped a few hints here and there. 

By far Aedion was the worst, mainly because he had gone and opened his fat mouth and blabbed to Lysandra about what he had seen. Her best friend turned cousin’s girlfriend had been begging for details, some of the obscene kind. Aelin had given over a few, just to placate her but then refused anymore. The more information she gave, the more likely it was to be used against her. 

The hardest contact to filter through had been Rowan’s. There had been an obvious shift when it came to him and it was confusing to say the least. Aelin didn’t know if it was because they had been found out or if there had been a change in their dynamic, or if it was as simple as her missing him. Whatever it was, Aelin found herself pulling away. Rowan’s texts weren’t anything out of the ordinary. He sent through casual enquiries about how she was doing, frustrations about work and funny pictures to make her laugh. Aelin wasn’t replying as much as she usually did, but hopefully Rowan didn’t notice. He didn’t deserve to suffer for whatever was going on in Aelin’s head. 

What had heightened every uncomfortable aspect was that work had been godsdamned awful. They had launched into planning the peak event season and everyone was working their asses off trying to come up with fresh ideas for the companies who employed them. Aelin was exhausted and left with very little brain power once she left work. She was drained and didn’t need work fraying the remaining threads of her personal life. 

Aelin was in the middle of decompressing, sprawled out on her bed and eating an unhealthy amount of chocolate. Since arriving home maybe half an hour ago she had steadily paced herself and only eaten half a block while she mindlessly scrolled through videos on social media. If cute animals and spicy book snippets hadn’t been there to distract her she might have downed the entire thing by now and felt sick for her reckless efforts. When a call for a video chat flashed up on her screen Aelin nearly dropped her phone right on her face. 

Once the risk of injury was removed Aelin registered who was calling. It was Elide, someone who wouldn’t be full of prying questions which was a welcome relief. Aelin hit the accept button before it rang out.

“Hello, hello,” Aelin said, trying to sound cheerful but it didn’t quite get there. 

“Good evening, I need your help.” Trust Elide to cut straight to the point. 

“With what?” With her interest piqued, Aelin sat up.

“I have a date and I don’t know what to wear,” Elide said. 

“Ah, okay. Show me your options.”

This was a common occurrence and Aelin waited as Elide set her phone up to get a full body angle. She disappeared from the frame for a moment before returning, dressed in a fluffy robe and holding three outfits on coat hangers. 

“Option one,” Elide held up a knee length, dark purple dress to her body. “Two.” The second dress was all black and form fitting. It was one of Elide’s riskier outfits and she almost hadn’t bought it, and it took both Aelin and Lysandra insisting she looked drop dead gorgeous in it for her to buy it. “And three.” Dress three was in light blue with a fitted bodice and puffy sleeves.

“Okay, these are three completely different vibes. What are we actually going for?” Aelin asked.

With a heavy sigh, Elide sank onto her bed. “I don’t know.”

She tried the pragmatic approach. “Well, what are you doing?”

“Dinner first, and then we’re going to the movies. But the fancy ones with the recliners,” Elide explained. 

“Option two is out because half the night he won’t even be able to see it and it’s a waste of an outfit,” Aelin said.

“But I look so good in it,” Elide protested.

“Yes, that’s why it’s worth saving,” Aelin rebutted. 

“Okay, you’re right. So, purple or blue?” Elide held up the remaining options. 

Aelin thought for a moment, eyes darting between the two dresses. “Purple. The blue is a little short and you don't want that scratchy fabric on your thighs.”

“Gods, you’re right,” Elide said. “This is why we’re friends.”

Aelin laughed. “The only reason. So, who is this hot date?”

At this distance from the camera it was hard to tell but Aelin could have sworn Elide blushed. “We’ll see how this date goes and then I’ll tell you.”

“Elide Lochan, a woman of mystery,” Aelin teased. 

“Stay on while I get dressed,” Elide said, disappearing from view. “We haven’t caught up in a hot minute.”

“We haven’t.” The air left Aelin’s lungs as she heavily flopped down on the bed. “I’ve been so busy with work and stuff I just feel like I have no time.”

“Aw, sweetie. That sounds like no fun at all,” Elide’s voice was full of sympathy. 

Aelin left out the constant badgering of her family and the extra weight that was adding to everything, and also the weird sense of loneliness she hadn’t felt since she had first moved to Rifthold. Those were things she didn’t want her overly perceptive friend’s commentary on. 

“You’ll have to have enough fun for the two of us,” Aelin said. She was about to complain about work some more when a message popped up at the top of her screen. Her heart skipped, or maybe it was her stomach, it happened so suddenly Aelin couldn’t determine which part of her body was doing summersaults. The text was short and succinct, and so perfectly Rowan. 

>> I’m coming to Rifthold this weekend. See you then. 

He would be in her city, in less than 48 hours. Like always, there was no question of whether or not they would see each other. They had been at this for so long it was presumed without question for them to meet up and do what they did best. A text like this usually led to excitement and thrilling anticipation, and that was there. Except this time there was a little bit of trepidation sneaking in as well. 

“What’s that face?” Elide’s question cut through Aelin’s thoughts. 

“Huh?” 

Elide’s face took up the screen, a dark brow raised in question. “The face you’re making right now. What’s that about?”

“Nothing, it’s nothing,” Aelin tried to assure her.

“Spill, Aelin,” Eldie demanded. 

Aelin considered the benefits of divulging just a little bit to Elide. It might just relieve a little bit of pressure that keeping all this to herself was building up. She didn’t have to admit to what she and Rowan got up to, maybe she could just circle around the set up they’d been subjected to. 

“I just got a message from Rowan,” Aelin said. “He’s coming this weekend.”

“Oh, good,” Elide sounded downright gleeful. “Maybe getting laid will help with some stress relief.”

Aelin laughed until she realised what her friend had said. “What?”

“Work won’t seem like the worst thing in the world while Rowan is blowing—’’

Aelin shot straight up. “Wait, you know? How? Who told you?” 

Dark eyes stared through the screen. “You’re not as subtle as you think you are. No one told, I just found it really weird that at the bar Rowan came back from the bathrooms with a massive hard-on and you followed after him two seconds later.”

“I…” for a moment Aelin was at a loss for words. “You couldn’t have seen that.”

“True,” Elide said with a shrug. “But his face certainly looked like he had one.”

Aelin wanted to bury her face in her pillow. “Who else noticed?”

“Our friends, bar myself, are not as observant as you’re giving them credit for,” Elide assured her. “I was going to wait for you to tell me, but I jumped the gun because that look on your face doesn’t look like pure excitement.”

“It’s complicated,” Aelin admitted.  

Elide scoffed. “Yeah, banging your best friend usually is.”

“It was all fine and dandy until this last trip, we saw each other way more than we usually do and our mothers very insistently tried to set us up on more than one occasion. So things were different, and I don’t know… I think I miss him. More than any other time before.”

That was it, she missed him, that’s all there was to it. Saying it aloud solidified the thought in her mind. The hesitation came from the fact this visit was happening so soon. Usually it was months before they saw each other, their travelling for work between cities wasn't frequent. Too much time together on this last trip was to blame for everything. There were too many heightened emotions and now they were lingering and causing trouble. Why couldn’t they just keep things as they were? Simple, easy, no pesky strings attached. 

“So…” Elide hedged, “you’ll be telling him no this time?”

Aelin considered it for a moment. She could just say she already had plans because it was so last minute. That would give her the distance that she probably needed to start thinking clearly again. But with Rowan in the same city, could she really bring herself to stay away?

“No, I’ll see him,” Aelin decided. “It would be weird if I didn’t. And you’re right, maybe a little bit of recreational sexual activities will help with the stress.”

“And you’ll stop missing him,” Elide added. “For the time being, at least.”

Aelin nodded. “True. Well, I won’t keep you from your date any longer, but I want you to know I’m slightly insulted that you won’t tell me who it is.”

“You’ll get over it. I love you,” Elide said in that brutally succinct way of hers.

“I love you too,” Aelin said through her laughter. “Have fun.”

They both said a final goodbye and Aelin hung up. A new feeling of clarity settled over her. All this turmoil over Rowan was pointless. All it really came down to was that during their last set of rendezvous Aelin had been spoiled for company and now she was just dealing with going without. She was overreacting and she blamed work and meddlesome relatives not giving her a moment’s peace. Work she couldn’t do much about besides just getting it done. But she’d be having words with her mother about how butting into her love life was well and truly off the table. Especially if it was going to do a number on brain like this, not if it was going to ruin the friendship she valued most. What she and Rowan had was perfect the way it was—it was exactly what the two of them needed. It was up to Aelin to ignore everything else to keep it that way. 

~~~~~

Rowan was a desperate man. He had hounded his boss from the moment Aelin left for some opportunity to be sent to Rifthold. He was knocked back so many times that he’d been trawling through commissions himself to find just the slightest excuse. When he got the call that one of the museums in Rifthold they worked with needed a consult Rowan was thrown the job out of pity. Or maybe it was to get him to shut up.

In the end, Rowan couldn’t care less. He was going Orynth, and he was so caught up on the fact that he would be seeing Aelin again that work hardly mattered to him. Aelin was all he cared about. Telling her how he felt was more important than an upgrade to the mediaeval wing of the museum. 

Nearly every night since she’d left he had to talk himself down from booking his own ticket and flying out. That wasn’t the way they did things and Rowan had no idea what Aelin felt. if he showed up out of the blue there was a decent chance he would scare her or himself off. As tempted as he was to make some big grand gesture, there was too much history between them for that kind of action. There were obstacles and things they would need to sort out before they moved forward, none of which would be easily overcome. Their situation was complicated, and complicated required caution. Rowan had to convince himself more than once that keeping it business as usual was the best choice.

All those semi sleepless nights didn’t matter now, because at this very moment he was checking into his hotel room. It was late Friday evening, the trip was so sudden that he had to leave after work. Rowan would spend Saturday meeting with whoever it was at the museum he needed and then he would be able to see Aelin. His lack of focus was a serious indicator for how flippant he’d become over this particular job. Any other time he’d have the client’s names memorised, would have gone over his notes and designs a hundred times. Instead he’d spent most of his time looking at his phone waiting to see what Aelin had to say. 

She’d agreed to meet up but had let him know that work had been insane and things might be a little up in the air. Rowan didn’t mind in the slightest. All that mattered was talking to Aelin and he was determined that this would be the trip to do it. There was no more wasted time, he was in love with her and it was as simple as that.  

The daylight hours of Saturday were all but meaningless. Rowan managed to keep himself professional for when he needed to and presented his plans without flourish. After that he returned to his room and became no better than a teenager—phone in hand and eyes glued to it. He tried not to get too disappointed every time that Aelin pushed back their meet up time to a little later. At first they were meant to meet before dinner, and then it was for dinner. Rowan was about to leave for the restaurant when a text came in with a heartfelt apology from Aelin saying that she wouldn’t make it. His heart had stopped in his chest because he thought she was cancelling altogether, but she finished off with a promise she’d come to him and to just send her the address. 

Rowan had done exactly that and ordered in. He tried to watch TV while he waited. The channels were limited and he couldn’t be bothered to go through the whole process of logging into a streaming service, so he just let a renovation show play while he ran through everything he needed to say to Aelin. He debated back and forth over the merits of starting with I love you and going from there. This current round he was against it, a case of too much too soon. There was still the unanswered question of how Aelin felt and that was what the axis of his entire future existence spun on. 

And then finally there was a knock on his door.

Launching would be the best way to describe Rowan’s departure from the bed. It was a single room accommodation, with a bed, desk and small attached bathroom, so it was only a matter of seconds until he had his hand on the door handle. Rowan took in one deep breath to ready himself, swinging the door open and he found her.

Aelin stood there, a tired smile on her face and still dressed in her work clothes. She had a large bag over her shoulder that most likely contained clothes for the night. As Rowan looked at her now, taking in every inch of her, he wondered how he had been able to suppress his feelings for so long.

“You gonna let me in, hotshot?” Aelin asked, a hand rising to her hip. “Or am I booking my own room?”

“Yeah, sorry.” Rowan stepped aside, hoping he didn’t come across as awkward as he suddenly felt.

Aelin gave him a look like she might be questioning his sanity before walking into his room. Rowan shut the door behind her and withheld the need to hold her—to kiss her senseless and confess every little thing that had built up over these weeks apart. She stopped by the little table, picking at his leftover pizza. 

“Do you mind if I use your shower? I feel a little gross after such a long day,” Aelin said, chewing over a piece of pepperoni.

“Of course,” Rowan said, gesturing at the bathroom door. 

Aelin disappeared a moment later and once again Rowan had to wait. The buzz of the shower added to the sounds of the TV, and he didn’t bother to change the volume. He didn’t care about the clashing wallpaper or bedding choices. Rowan just lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling fan. Last time he’d seen one of these in a hotel room his pants had ended hanging over it. He didn’t know whether he should be hoping for a repeat performance or not. 

The shower shut off and Rowan’s body thrummed with anticipation. Soon enough Aelin would be here, in his arms, and he could admit to how he felt. They could talk and they would figure out some way to make their situation work. The door creaked open after what seemed like a lifetime and Rowan sat up. Aelin stepped out of the bathroom, dressed in an oversized t-shirt with her damp hair loose around her shoulders. She’d washed off all her make-up, but she wasn’t any less beautiful.

“Work has been the worst,” Aelin nearly groaned, heading to the minibar and pulling out a bottle of beer. “I know this will cost you like $50 so I’ll pay you back.”

“It’s fine,” Rowan said, he’d give her just about anything right now if she asked for it. 

Aelin took a few decent mouthfuls then left it on the table along with the pizza. Then she stalked over to him, stopping right in between his knees. Her hands rested on his shoulders, fingers playing with the ends of his hair. 

“Aelin,” it felt so good to just say her name, to see her face soften just the slightest when he did. “There’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

Rowan’s breath caught as Aelin brought her body flush against his. The fingers in his hair tightened, angling his face upwards so he could watch her whisper, “I don’t want to talk.”

She kissed him and Rowan could never deny her. After what must have been a hellish day this is what Aelin needed from him. To be touched and made to forget about the world outside this hotel room. Rowan could give her that—gladly. And he just told himself the same thing he’d been repeating over the last few weeks. He could wait a little longer. 

~~~~

Rowan’s lips were soft as they met her’s, and Aelin sighed at the feeling that swept through her body. His hands were a steadying and familiar weight on her waist. Sometimes it was a shock as to how big they were, it took her a moment to remember just how much of her they could touch at once. Those hands that were always gentle, always making her feel cherished in every caress, that was no different as he pulled her down into his lap. Aelin straddled his hips, thighs tightening as she felt him through his sweatpants. It was flattering that only a few kisses and fleeting touches were all it took for him to be so hard and ready for her. She was almost impatient enough to tug his sweatpants down to free his cock, riding him hard and fast. But then it would be over too soon and Aelin might just be too tired for another round. So, instead she’d let him draw this out like he’d like to do to make every moment count. 

This was exactly what she needed, a wonderful, all consuming distraction.

She whimpered as Rowan’s grip flexed on her waist, and then again when his hands travelled lower. In her overnight bag in the bathroom there was a nice little set she had planned on wearing but after a long soothing shower the idea was just too uncomfortable. So she’d gone without and as Rowan’s fingers dipped under the hem of her t-shirt he was about to discover how little she actually wore.

“Aelin,” he groaned as the pass over her hips revealed no trace of underwear. “You’re… I’ll never be able to explain it.”

He was rambling, and that was sweet, flattering even. But it wasn't nearly enough by a long shot. Aelin ground down on the hard length of him, using actions rather than words to beg for what she needed. Rowan got the hint. Holding her thighs he changed their positions, laying her softly down on the bed. They worked in sync, taking turns to remove each other’s clothes. Aelin ran her hands over exposed and heated skin, tracing over dips and curves she had memorised so many times before. 

“Touch me, Rowan,” Aelin said in between kisses.

Rowan didn’t answer, he only pushed up enough so that he could run a hand down her body right to the middle of her thighs. Aelin gasped as he teased her with sweeping passes of a knuckle over her centre, making her buck and writhe until his thumb pressed down on her clit. Her moan was next to nothing with Rowan’s mouth on her’s, only muffled and needy sounds escaped as they were smothered by kisses.  

Their first round after being apart was always frenzied, desperation dictating their actions. Aelin expected the same, but this wasn’t. Rowan was slow and thorough, with his lips and his fingers—it was a delicious kind of torture. One finger, and then a second, slipped into her while his thumb drew unhurried circles around her clit. Heat flooded Aelin’s cheeks as her body reacted to the touches that were both too much and not enough. He was keeping her right on the edge, waves of pleasure cresting but never breaking. 

When he did it again, her body tensed as it prepared to let go and Rowan stole it away, had Aelin nearly sobbed out of frustration. “Please, Rowan.”

Rowan kissed her lips, tongue sweeping into her mouth for a dirty kiss. “Please what, Aelin?”

There was a hint of sass to his voice, and by the gods did Aelin rise to the challenge. She hooked a knee over his hip, urging him down so their bodies were flush. When she returned the favour of a kiss she made sure to bite at his bottom lip. “Fuck me, Rowan.”

He didn’t need much more convincing than that. Moving his hand and with a subtle shift of his hips Rowan pushed in, taking his time. Aelin’s hips rolled, coaxing him deeper.

“You feel so perfect.” Rowan sounded relieved and a little overwhelmed. “Every time.”

He cursed colourfully as he pressed his face into the crook of her neck. Aelin couldn’t help it, she laughed, her reward was a bite—right where the juncture of her shoulder and neck. It had her moaning and arching into him. Rowan knew exactly where her buttons were and now she was panting with desperation for him to do something. Anything. 

Rowan didn’t make her wait, a hand high on her thigh kept her in place as he began thrusting. The angle of his cock was perfect, as it always was, and it led Aelin right into her greatest wish of the night. A beautiful distraction. Everything was Rowan, she was consumed by him. Their bodies moved synchronically, both wanting to give as much as the other. A hand that was not her own found Aelin’s breast, fingers rolling the hardened peak. 

“That’s it,” Rowan whispered into her ear, the softness of his voice raising goosebumps over her skin and heightening every sensation. “You want to come. You deserve it.”

That little bit of encouragement was all she needed. Aelin broke, pleasure overtaking every sense in her body. Rowan pressed soft kisses to the length on her neck and face. His hips kept moving, drawing out her orgasm as long as he could. After a few long, bliss filled moments Aelin’s awareness returned to her. 

“So beautiful,” Rowan all but hummed as his gaze swept over her, his next thrust sharper. 

She could feel that Rowan was close, so she guided his face back to her and kissed him. Rowan groaned, losing his rhythm but it still felt just as good, so much so Aelin could feel herself building up again. He pulled back enough to look at her face. Their eyes connected, Rowan’s green gaze holding an intensity that had Aelin flushing with something closer to embarrassment than desire. The eye contact—it was too much. There was something there she hadn’t seen before. Her brain was far too distracted to decipher it so she went with the easiest option to cope. 

“Gods, Rowan,” Aelin breathed, eyes fluttering shut, refocusing on how he felt on every inch of her skin.

“Open your eyes, love,” Rowan urged. He gave her a sweet kiss for extra encouragement. 

So caught up in him, Aelin couldn’t help but do as he asked. What she saw when she looked up at him had her heart pounding in her chest, a new wave of need crashing over her. It tipped her over the edge again, her body tightening before her core pulsed, bringing Rowan right along with her. He moaned deeply, the vibrations of it thrumming over her sensitive skin. Aelin clung to Rowan, waiting for her breathing to even out and sense to settle in her brain. She didn’t think she’d ever tire of sex with Rowan, nothing else even came close.

He had his forehead resting on her collarbone, just as wrecked as she was. Lips dragged over her skin and his next words were whispered right over her heart. “I love you,”

Aelin’s breath caught and those words registered in her blissed out brain, sobering her instantly. But it seemed Rowan hadn’t even noticed what he said, he just rolled to the side, letting Aelin escape to the bathroom. Her heart was pounding so hard in her chest that she felt it in her throat, making her want to vomit. Aelin held back the impulse and cleaned up as quickly as she could. Diving into the overnight bag she had conveniently left in here after the shower Aelin pulled out clothes to put on. It was just an oversized sweater and leggings, but it would be enough to get her to her car.

Because she couldn’t stay here, not now that Rowan had gone and ruined everything. The easiest option was for her to leave, and quickly. If she stayed there might not be anything left of their relationship to salvage. Missing him was one thing, and then there was this. 

This was not what they were, they couldn’t be. It didn’t make sense. Why did Rowan have to go and ruin a perfectly good thing?

I love you.

Those three words echoed in her brain and did nothing to console her. Rowan couldn’t love her, she wasn’t what he needed or wanted. Not really. If he had the sense to really consider it he would know this wasn’t the right course for them. Aelin would give him the opportunity to do just that. She packed up the rest of her bag, so all she had to do was grab her purse and shoes and leave. 

Swallowing down against the tightness in her throat, Aelin opened the door and swept out with the shortest of glances in Rowan’s direction. He was splayed out on the bed looking like he was still recovering after the mind blowing sex. Aelin’s stomach gave a pang of regret when she realised this would be the last time. It would be cruel to put Rowan through any more of this when she didn’t feel the same. 

Aelin gathering up her things seemed to shake him from his daze and he raised himself up on his elbow. “What are you doing?”

She snatched up her purse and stepped around the table. “Leaving.”

“Why…” Rowan trailed off, then realisation dawned on him. “Aelin, wait. Don’t go, let me explain.”

“There’s no need,” Aelin said, slipping a foot into her kitten heel. Rowan went to get out of bed but she stopped him with a raised hand. “Don’t. Just stay there.”

Gods bless him, he did. She could always count on Rowan to respect boundaries.

“Stay, and we’ll talk,” Rowan nearly pleaded. 

“We’re friends, Rowan,” Aelin said, forcing every ounce of bravado into as she could. She even added a strained note of laughter. “That’s all we are and can be.”

“Friends don’t do this.”

Aelin’s head snapped up, it was all too easy to read the look of hurt and disappointment on his face. It wasn’t clear if he was talking about her behaviour in this moment or the casual fucking that they’d indulged in over the years, ending in the subsequent drama that had entangled them. Any way they looked at it, Aelin wasn’t staying for the clarification. She just slipped on the other shoe. 

“I’m going,” she said, rushing for the door. 

“Aelin—”

A glance over her shoulder told her he was making his move to get out of bed, denying her order to stay where he was. But it was too late—her hand was on the door knob. 

“Goodbye, Rowan.” 

Aelin twisted the handle, ignoring the rush of movement behind her and stepped out in the hallway. She thought it would be harder to not look back, but with every step he took away from that hotel room it only bolstered her resolve. They were better off like this, it was now up to Rowan to realise it. 

~~~~~

*smiling in delight but also I'm sorry*

#set up #rowaelin fanfiction #throne of glass fanfiction #rowaelin month 2023