#on my knees for tswaney17
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I Do Bad Things with You - Part 43
It's aliveeeeeee!!! 🙌 I can't even begin to describe how off my game I've been trying to write. I've had the entirety of IDBTWY written for months, but I honestly hated my writing, and editing was such a chore. I'm still not completely in love, but we need to push past so we can finally close this beast. I am slowly working through my creative drought, and hope to have some consistent content coming soon!
Also, credit to @123moiaussi for the "superseed" comment. 😉
My fanfic account: @tswaney17fics
My ao3 account: tswaney17
Please let me know what you think about this update. I love getting your feedback. Constructive criticism is always welcome. 💕
Catch up here.
Credit to @featherymalignancy for Cassian’s nickname, Cash. 😘
Trigger warnings: violence, sexual assault , language, NSFW
Word Count: 6,187
Elain was sitting in the waiting room of the OBGYN office, knee bouncing nervously. This was her first-trimester check-up and she just wanted to make sure that everything was okay. Her nausea had been pretty awful over the last few weeks and she had grown excessively tired—to the point that she had to talk with Thesan about reducing her surgical procedures so she could keep a clear head.
She hated having to do that, not wanting to disappoint her boss just after she reached her attending level earlier that year. But Thesan took it in stride, helping to arrange her schedule to fit what she was comfortable doing and ensuring she had time to take proper meal breaks and rest when she needed it. He rearranged schedules and let her take on leading the resident interns full-time, allowing her to take some of the stress off by guiding them through procedures and running the ER.
He had come into her hospital room after she collapsed to check on her, and she knew she couldn’t keep it from him after what had happened in the operating room. Her boss had been ecstatic, congratulating them both.
It had been about a month since they found out they were pregnant, and she was now sitting at around seven and a half weeks along. She and Azriel decided to keep the news to themselves until she reached week twelve, just to play it safe, and Elain wished she could say they had been successful in their endeavors. But, her boss knew, and Viviane knew. The Moonbeam twins found out two weeks ago when she and Fenrys had exited the elevator of their building and Connall’s breakfast sandwich sent her hurdling for the nearest trashcan. Fen had been quick to slide her hair back, holding it above her head as she heaved. Stepping off the elevator a few minutes later, a startled and confused Azriel took in the sight of Connall and then heard her retching. He instantly was at her side, taking her hair from Fenrys, and running his hand down her back.
“What is in that sandwich,” he demanded.
Blind-sighted, Con rambled out ingredients. “Bacon, cheese, spinach, and egg.”
Elain gagged at the word egg, her stomach violently rolling from the name. “Get rid of it,” she moaned, still leaning into the disgusting garbage.
The dark-haired twin had swallowed the remains of his meal in three large bites.
It took effort to push herself off the trash bin, falling into the comforting embrace of Az’s strong arms that he wrapped around her.
He cupped the side of her face, tucking her under his chin, and let her thumb swoop over the apple of her cheek, the touch gentle and soothing. “Do you want your tea,” he murmured, lips pressing into her hair.
Unable to voice it answer, she dipped her chin.
Fenrys was already on the ground before them, pulling her coffee mug from her bag that she dropped and handing it to Azriel.
Her husband brought the mug up to her lips and allowed her to sip, the peppermint hitting her stomach and calming the raging sea. His hazel eyes glanced at her, a question simmering in them, and read the answer she didn’t even need to speak. “Elain’s pregnant,” he told the twins. “It’s still very early and we’re trying to keep it close to the chest for now, but please don’t bring eggs anywhere near her.”
Her body shuddered at that damn word again, but she managed to gain enough strength to pull herself from Azriel’s arms as she faced the Moonbeam brothers. “Sorry about that,” she said and felt her husband tense as she apologized for being sick. He’d been wildly adamant that she not apologize for the nausea, the cravings, or anything else she needed of him or anyone else. Not after having a meltdown because he went and got her something she asked for, only to start craving something else when he was out and feeling utterly ridiculous about it.
Connall seemed to snap from his shock first. “Congratulations to you both. And I apologize for the sandwich. I won’t bring anything around that has—”
“Please don’t say the word or I might hurl again,” she interrupted, fingertips touching her mouth like she’d hold it back. Fuck, even just the name of it sent her body quaking from the queasiness.
Fen chuckled. “Noted. Is there anything else that sets you off we should be made aware of?”
She shook her head no. “Nothing else that I know of yet.”
He nodded, a charming smile spreading his lips. “Let us know if anything changes. And congratulations on the pregnancy. I’m so happy for you both.”
And she could see it, the joy radiating on both of their faces. It made her heart swell with love for the two men who would likely become Uncle Fen and Uncle Con to their child.
The door opening caught her attention, pulling her from her reverie, and she met the gaze of the nurse who’d come to collect her. Elain glanced back at the elevator, waiting for her husband to show up. He was running late—something that was so very unlike him, which only added to her anxiety. She returned her attention to the nurse. “Can you give him another couple of minutes?”
It wasn’t the first time she asked to delay her appointment and knew it couldn’t continue much longer.
The nurse—Maria as her name badge read—gave her a sad smile. “We really can’t delay much longer. There are a few appointments behind you.”
“Just a couple of minutes,” Elain practically begged.
Maria hedged, shuffling from foot to foot, uncomfortable by the request, but was saved from having to deny her by the elevator door sliding open and Azriel rushing out.
He was at her side instantly, taking her arm to help her stand as if she couldn’t do it herself. Elain had to remind him on occasion that she was not yet showing and could still move about the house without his assistance. “I’m so sorry I’m late. There was an accident downtown and I got caught right in the middle of traffic. I’ll leave a half hour earlier next time.” He leaned down to brush his lips to her cheek.
His presence immediately calmed her and she leaned into his touch.
Azriel, always in tune with her feelings, didn’t miss how she settled into him as they followed the nurse back, his arm slinking around her waist so he could touch his mouth to her ear. “Are you all right?” he asked her. Nothing ever got by him.
She nodded but knew he hadn’t bought it. Still, he let it slide, caressing her arm in a soothing gesture. The nurse took all her vitals and then handed her a gown to change into before the doctor arrived. Az helped her slip it on, tying the strings together for her before assisting her onto the table.
“You’re nervous,” he commented now that they were alone.
Elain blew out a breath. “A bit.”
He swept his thumb over her cheek. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
She shrugged. “I don’t know to be honest. Just want to make sure everything is growing healthy in there,” she said, patting her still-flat stomach. “No surprises.”
Az chuckled, kissing her temple. “I have no doubts that we have a healthy baby, love. Try not to fret.” His words seemed to calm her as she relaxed back onto the table.
A knock on the door announced the arrival of her doctor and she took a moment to introduce herself to her husband, shaking his hand.
“Okay, let’s get started. Elain, if you wouldn’t mind putting your feet into the stirrups.”
She took out the ultrasound wand, spreading lube on the tip, and Elain couldn’t help but smile at her husband’s confused face.
“All right, my dear. You should feel a little pressure,” her doctor said.
“I’m sorry, but I thought she was getting an ultrasound. What is that?” Azriel questioned.
Elain snorted lightly. “Az, it’s a transvaginal ultrasound. It goes inside, not on my belly.”
His eyes widened. “Well, the three baby books I’ve read didn’t discuss the differences in ultrasound types.”
Doctor Chen raised her brows. “You’ve read three baby books already?”
He shrugged. “I just like to be prepared.”
“You’re going to be a great father.”
The comment seemed to startle her husband. “Just because I’ve read a few books?”
Chen’s lips turned up at the corner. “Mr. Archeron-Knight, I can barely get most fathers to read one, let alone three. And before she’s even through the first trimester. Believe me when I say that I can tell who’s going to be well-adjusted to handling fatherhood.” Giving him a wink, she slipped the wand inside, making Elain’s grip on Azriel’s hand tighten slightly.
“All right, here we are,” Doctor Chen said, clicking a few buttons on the keyboard to bring up the monitor. A pitter-patter sound filled the air as she located the baby’s heartbeat.
Tears sprung into her eyes as that beautiful, perfect, innocent noise washed over her and she glanced up at her husband to see him sharing the same look as her. He leaned down to kiss her softly on the lips, the special moment between them growing with the touch of his mouth against hers.
“And here is your baby,” Chen announced, pointing to a little blip on the screen.
Elain’s dark gaze stared at that spot on the screen, feeling like her heart was about to burst with happiness. But when her eyes slid to her doctor, seeing the furrow in her brow, that joy dropped like a rock in her stomach.
Her doctor let out a small noise of contemplation, enough to catch Azriel’s attention. “What is it?” he asked, voice laced with demand and worry.
A few clicks on her keyboard had the screen adjusting, zooming out just slightly. She repositioned the wand inside of her, making her body tense. “Well, I think we should discuss multiple births. Because that right there,” she said, pointing to another blip on the screen, “is a second fetus.” She clicked a button again and two very distinct heartbeats surrounded them. Chen turned to look at them with a smile. “You’re having twins.”
If Elain thought her heart was racing before, it was absolutely pounding now, the sound rushing in her ears. Because there was just no way, no way, right? Twins? Twins! Her head swiveled to look up at her husband. “You and your fucking superseed!” she snarled.
“Elain!” Azriel chastised, looking torn between being guilty of impregnating her with two kids and amused about her foul language in front of the doctor. Mostly the latter.
Chen just laughed. “I’ve told many expecting parents they’re having twins over the years, but that was, by far, the best reaction I’ve ever seen.”
She had the decency to at least look embarrassed as she apologized to her doctor for her outburst, but she just waved her off.
After snapping a few pictures, she pulled the wand out, cleaned her up, and set the printed sonogram photos on the counter for them. “Everything looks good, Elain. You’re growing at an optimum level. I’ll go ahead and prescribe you some anti-nausea medicine that you can take in the morning and before bed for as long as you need it. Unless there are any concerns, you’re free to get dressed. The nurse at the front will schedule you for your next appointment.”
The door clicked shut softly behind her as she left and Elain felt the silence between her and Azriel like a weight on her chest.
He helped her sit up, but before she could slide off the table, he stepped in front of her, finger hooking under her chin to force her gaze to his. “Hey,” he said softly like he was afraid anything louder might startle her. “El, love, I know this is scary, but we can do this.”
“Twins, Azriel. Two kids. As in one whole being more than we even were planning for.”
His mouth quirked up at her zealous explanation. “I’m well aware of how twins work, baby.”
She glared at him for the comment.
But he ignored it, leaning down to capture her mouth in a sweet kiss. “Twins mean two beautiful children of our own. Twins mean twice the amount of love we will have. Twice the amount of joy they will be bringing into our lives. If there is anyone who can take on the challenge of having twins, it’s us. Don’t ever doubt that.”
His words settled inside of her, soothing the jagged worries of her heart into something perfectly beautiful. His confidence, his strength…it was exactly what she needed at that moment and he knew it.
Elain let out a heavy breath. “You’re changing all the diapers.”
He barked out a laugh, folding her into his arms. “I’m okay with that.”
~~~
They decided to wait until she reached the fifteen-week mark before they told their family the news. Azriel was ready to burst at week nine, but she managed to hold him off until now with just a little bit of persuasion.
A surprise to both of them was when Elain didn’t have her head in the toilet, she was horny as fuck. Azriel was running hard to keep up with her impressive sex drive. And that was saying something.
He reached out and took her hand across the center console, thumb brushing over her knuckles. “Are you nervous?” he asked, bringing the back of her palm to his lips.
She glanced at him, a soft smile pulling at her mouth. “No. I’m excited. I want to tell everyone about them.” Her hand rubbed over her swollen belly. Swollen was probably the best way to describe her appearance. Truthfully, she looked like she indulged in a very large, carb-based meal of pasta and was extremely bloated from it. Which, to be fair, with Azriel’s amazing skills in the kitchen, it was a fair assessment.
Elain opened her purse and slipped out the sonogram she had a few days before. The one that told them what they were having. Her eyes welled up with tears as her fingers stroked the black-and-white image. She was so blissfully happy. “I’m glad that they’re healthy. That was all I cared about.”
Az kissed the backside of her palm again. “Me too. And I’m happy they’ll be close to Sutton’s age so they can grow up together.”
“Do you think Feyre and Rhys will start thinking about having kids?” she asked, curious if he thought their other siblings might be feeling a touch of the baby fever.
He shrugged. “If they weren’t talking about it before, I’d say they will be now. Rhys has been wanting kids since practically in high school. He always wanted to be a father; better than his, though he wasn’t anything compared to mine.” The words hung between them for a minute before he asked her, “Do you have concerns about me becoming my father?” His voice dropped to a near whisper. Almost as if he were afraid of her answer.
Elain looked at him in shock. “Azriel, gods no. I know exactly the kind of father you’ll be, and it will not even remotely look like what you were given.”
His lips quirked up at the corner. “Yeah? And what kind of a father do you think I’ll be?”
She twisted in her seat to face him better. “You’re going to be the most devoted father because you’re already the most devoted husband. You’ll dote on those kids until they never have a wish or dream unfulfilled. You will love them fiercely—I mean, you already do and they’re still in my stomach,” she giggled lightly, rubbing her belly. “They are going to be the most spoiled children.”
At that, he laughed. “I can’t say you’re wrong. I don’t think I will be able to say ‘no’ to them at all.”
“Azriel, you can’t even tell me no,” she deadpanned.
“It’s just not in my vocabulary when it comes to you.”
Elain shook her head, eyes rolling as she twisted back in her seat to face forward again. She could see the restaurant down the street where they were meeting their siblings for lunch to tell them the news. “Well, I’m not going to take on the mean parent role just because you can’t say no.” She fiddled with her purse, sliding the image back inside. “We may need to find an alternative—” Screeching tires caught her attention and then she screamed, “Azriel! Watch out!”
The car lurched, sending her head sideways to slam against the side window. The last thing she heard was shattering glass as another car collided with them before everything went dark.
~~~~~
Azriel’s eyes blinked open, ears ringing loud enough to make him wince. His body ached across his chest and waist from the seat belt and as he shifted himself, he could tell nothing was seriously injured. Thankfully. He looked over at his wife, fear locking his heart in a deadly force. “Elain,” he murmured, voice hoarse.
Her head lay against the back of the seat, lulled to the side. She had a gash on her forehead, blood dribbling down her temple, and most of her right arm was scratched up from the shattered glass.
He tried to unbuckle his belt, but the damn thing was stuck. Pulling the knife Ruhn had gotten him from his pocket, he cut the fabric, releasing him, then reached over and did the same to Elain’s belt. A scarred hand slid to her cheek, cupping it gently, and then moved down to her throat, searching for his worst nightmare.
The relief he felt when her heartbeat pattered against his fingertips was unlike anything he’d ever experienced. “Elain,” he tried again, moving his palm back to her face. “Elain, sweetheart, open your eyes for me.” His tone took on a desperate sound as he willed her to wake.
Movement caught his eye, the sound of tires crunching on glass flooded him and he looked out the window to see the car that hit them, pulling back and fleeing. “Motherfucker,” he cursed, realizing that this was an intended accident. He had managed to jerk the wheel so Elain didn’t take the brunt of the impact, but it still slammed into the back door, shattering all the windows on her side.
A burning rage built in his gut, one that could not—would not—be stifled without blood. Whoever ordered this hit…
They were as good as dead.
Azriel refocused on his wife, fingers sweeping over her skin. He shoved that wrath building inside of him down until it was a flickering ember, something for him to let rage once he knew she was okay. “Elain, come on. Open your eyes for me.” He gently tapped her cheek, trying to get her to look at him. “Please, love. I need you to open your eyes. Elain.”
A groan passed through her lips, sending tears of relief cascading over his cheeks as her eyelids began fluttering.
“El, baby,” he cried, swooping his thumb across her smooth skin. He collected the soft sounds coming from her parted lips like precious gems, thanking every god for each one.
“Az.” Her voice cracked on his name. “What happened?” she asked, still coming into consciousness.
He shuffled closer, leaning over the center console to kiss her temple with a gentleness he reserved only for her. “We were in an accident, love. I need you to stay still until help gets here.” He felt her pulse kick up under his palm.
Elain’s breathing turned short. “Azriel…” her voice shook in fear. “Az, the babies.”
His heart wrenched, hoping and praying that everything was all right. After all that they had been through, he didn’t think he could handle the world taking something else away from her. From them. But despite his fear, he remained calm, knowing she needed to as well. “Everything is going to be okay,” he promised. “I hear the sirens, love. Help is almost here.”
The words didn’t seem to abate her as she continued to shake. “Please,” she cried, tears gathering at the corner of her eyes and dribbling down her cheeks. “Check if I’m bleeding.”
Azriel knew she needed to know—would not breathe steadily until she did. He placed his hand on the inside of her thigh, sliding up until he reached her panties. Feeling her for any sort of wetness. Any stickiness that would confirm to him there was blood.
She was dry.
There weren’t words to describe how thankful he felt for that confirmation. “No blood,” he told her, pulling his hand out from underneath her dress to show her his clean fingers.
Elain released a sob, her tense body relaxing slightly.
He shushed her, kissing her temple again. “You’re okay,” he murmured, wanting to do everything in his power to reassure her. “Everything is going to be okay.”
Two firetrucks pulling up snagged his attention, as he continued to stroke her cheek soothingly.
“Sir, are you both okay?” one of the responders asked as he approached his side of the car.
He glanced at the man. “We’re conscious but she needs to be looked at.”
The guy rapped his knuckles on the top of the car. “We’ll get you out in a second—”
“Her first,” he told him in a tone that brooked no room for argument.
Another firefighter moved towards his wife’s window. “Ma’am, can you tell me your name?” she asked.
“Elain,” his wife answered.
“Are you in any pain?”
“My head hurts a bit.” Those doe eyes looked at the other woman. “I’m pregnant.”
She turned her head and yelled, “Get me the jaws!” Looking back at Elain, she reached in and wrapped a C-collar around her neck. “How far along are you?”
“Fifteen weeks.”
A nod. “All right, Elain. We’ll have you out in a jiffy and get you over to the hospital to have your baby checked out.”
Neither of them bothered to correct her on the number of babies. It wasn’t relevant, only that they needed to get her out. Once the door was opened, they began moving her onto a backboard. Azriel wrenched the driver’s side open, wanting to get to her as quickly as possible.
“Sir! You need to be checked by the paramedic,” somebody called out but he ignored them, rounding the vehicle to where Elain was being placed on a stretcher. Just before he reached her, another voice called his name—one he couldn’t ignore. He turned, finding Cassian running over to him, flashing a badge to one of the firefighters to get past him. Rhys, Feyre, and Nesta stood just beyond the scene at their cars, all watching his wife being checked out.
“What the hell happened?” Cassian demanded, eyes flitting over to where Elain was being hauled towards an ambulance.
“Hit and run. Fucker took off after T-boning us,” he snarled, tone murderous. They would not get away with this. Not with his pregnant wife in the car with him. Az glanced up and saw the street cameras, angled just right to have caught the entire accident. “Cash, get me the film from that camera,” he indicated with a nod of his head before swiveling on his feet and prowling toward his wife.
Cassian kept stride with him, took in the responders on the scene, and lowered his voice to not be overheard. “Az, the police will investigate. Just let them do their job.”
Azriel whirled on his brother. “You either get me that tape, Cassian, or I’ll get it my way. Either option, I will find out who did this to her.” There was no arguing when he stepped into this role. This wasn’t a brother asking for a favor. This was the head of the Velaris Mob Boss demanding it.
His voice turned deadly, taking on the dangerous threat he used to get what he wanted.
When it looked like his brother was about to argue, the female firefighter shouted, “Victim is fifteen weeks pregnant. She needs to be checked out by a doctor.”
Elain called Az’s name and he turned, striding towards her but not before he caught how Cassian’s face paled. Or the shocked looks from their siblings. Well, that’s one way to find out, he thought to himself as he reached his wife’s side and took her hand.
She clutched his fingers, her face still scrunched with worry. He gave her a reassuring squeeze, placing a kiss on her forehead before they loaded her into the back of the ambulance. Az climbed in after, sitting down on the bench and gripping her hand once more. He glanced back out the door and found Cassian standing there.
“I’ll get you that tape,” he said quietly; fierce determination blazed in his hazel eyes to help his brother wreak havoc over the person who went after his pregnant wife. Only Cassian could understand the fear of something like this, having already gone through a pregnancy with Nesta. Without another word, he shut the doors to the ambulance.
Elain looked up at him, his name falling from her lips. He brushed a thumb over her forehead. “Everything is going to be fine, love. Just try to relax.” It was empty words, they knew that. Knew neither of them would settle until they heard both of those heartbeats on a monitor.
He just hoped he was holding it together enough for her until they could confirm she was still pregnant.
And may God have mercy on the fucker who caused this, if she wasn’t.
~~~
They ushered Elain into a private room, hooking her up to a fetal monitor. The doctor moved quickly, shoving her dress up to reveal her bare stomach while a nurse covered her hips with a blanket.
She flinched slightly when the cold gel was applied to her skin and Azriel brought her fingers to his lips, kissing her across the backside of her knuckles.
It was like the world held its breath as they searched for those two heartbeats.
“Baby number one looks good,” the doctor said, clicking a button and sending the hummingbird’s wing pattern of a heartbeat into the room.
Elain squeezed his hand, a soft sound passing between her lips in relief.
The wand moved on her belly, searching for their other little one. “And, there they are. Hiding behind their sibling.”
When the second heartbeat reached their ears, Elain twisted, sobbing into Az’s chest with utter joy. He wasn’t very far behind her, letting tears of relief slip from his eyes as he cradled her against his torso. His hand rubbed her shoulder, lips pressing to the crown of her head, offering comfort to her through his presence and touch.
The doctor cleaned her off, smiling at the two of them. “Everything looks good on the monitor,” she started after giving them a moment. “We’ll keep you here for another hour or so just to be safe before we discharge you. If you have any bleeding in the next few days, come in right away.”
Elain seemed unable to answer, so he did it for her. “We will, thank you, doctor.”
“There also appears to be a group of people waiting for you guys in the lobby. Would you like me to send them in or give them a message?”
He crouched, putting himself at her eye level, wanting Elain to make the decision. Az cupped her cheek, thumb brushing away the tears under her eyes. “Love, do you want to see the family now?” he asked, voice low.
She sniffed, eyes still flooded with silver. The subtle shake of her head told him she wasn’t quite ready for the company yet.
Azriel rose, perching himself on the edge of her bed, and tucked her back into his chest. “Can you tell them that we’re okay, and I’ll come to get them when we’re ready for visitors?”
“Of course. Page the nurse if you need anything.” Without another word, she slipped from the room, the door clicking shut behind her.
Elain fisted his shirt, taking in his cedar and mist scent deep into her lungs. He gave her whatever time she needed, letting her get herself together. “I was so scared,” she whispered, burying her face further into his embrace.
Azriel was grateful that she seemed to find comfort in him, in his touch, his scent. He held her tighter against him, murmuring, “Me too.”
She held onto him for a few more precious moments before pulling back to look up at his face. “I didn’t see the other car when they pulled me out.” Her brows furrowed as she tried to put the pieces together. “Were we in a hit and run?”
“Yes,” he said, brushing his thumb back and forth over her cheek.
Her eyes flicked between his. “Do you think we were targeted?”
He wouldn’t lie to her—refused to, but also didn’t want her to be even more frightened than she already was. “I do.” Az saw that kid look directly at him, his eyes widening in understanding that he was, in fact, not dead, before taking off from the scene. He didn’t recognize him, but if he had to place a bet, he’d say it was one of Frankie’s lower levels who crossed to Elias’s side.
Az didn’t think either of his brothers would call a hit like that. Middle of the day, busy street. It wasn’t their style. But Elias was careless, greedy, and a poor decision-maker. He sighed, brushing his lips to her forehead. “The kid looked me dead in the eye before leaving. He was scared that I was still alive.”
“How old do you think he was?” Elain asked.
“I’d say we have at least a decade on him. Seventeen, maybe eighteen.”
“So, just a kid then.”
He cocked his head to the side. “You say that like it’s excusable.”
She shook her head. “I’m not excusing what he did, but we both know how young kids are trapped into joining those gangs. Through manipulation and fear. There’s a reason you won’t allow anyone that young to be brought in, Az, and you know it. I don’t think I’m going out on a limb to question if it was his idea or he was put up to it.”
His lips quirked up as she spoke like a true Mob queen. “If you had to guess who would put him up to it—”
“Elias, no doubt. We both know he’s been itching to strike at us since he showed up at the hospital. And you said he was trying to recruit kids from Frankie. Perhaps he offered this kid a way out from under Illyrian rule.”
“There is only one way out from Frankie’s Mob,” he told her, letting the words hang heavily between them.
Elain let out a deep breath. “I know. Either way, he’s dead. Elias is likely to kill him for failing, or Frankie and Nick will for attempting to leave.”
It floored him to just how similar her train of thought was to his. She observed and listened and picked up on every single thread laid down. Understood all of the connections and bloodshed as if she’d been a part of it her whole life. He couldn’t say that the revelation was thrilling, but it also made his chest ache. Az never wanted her to be so in tune with his world. Didn’t want her to have to think about the worst-case scenarios and determine ways around them. But here she was, doing just that and not shying away from it.
To think he couldn’t love her any more than he already did.
“I have to agree with your assessment. Elias will not get away with this; with what he’s done to you.”
She didn’t balk at the threat in his tone, simply took his hand in hers and squeezed. “Despite what he’s done, is going after him the best idea? Things could escalate.”
“We can’t let this go without repercussions, love. Others will hear about this and wait to see how I respond. If it’s not a show of force, they’ll think I’ve gone lax and more will come. I need to be aggressive with my actions.”
It looked like she wanted to argue some more, but decided against it, bringing his hand up to her mouth to kiss his scars. “Do you want to go get the others now? I’m ready to see them.”
He smiled down at her, cupping her cheek one more time. “I’ll be right back.” Az pressed his lips to her forehead before he slipped from the room, knowing that that conversation was far from over. But he’d let it go for now. She had been through enough today without him pushing her on it. But this was one thing he would not, could not budge on. Not if he didn’t want to keep her safe. Especially now with their growing family.
Azriel wasn’t even to the edge of the lobby when Nesta shot out of her chair.
“Is she all right?” his sister asked, face drawn with worry.
His eyes glanced to Cassian behind her, cradling a sleeping Sutton in his large arm, Feyre and Rhys next to him. “She’s fine,” he told them, sensing their relief. “They want to keep her here another hour or so, just to be safe, but you guys are welcome to come back with me if you’d like.”
“Does she want company?” Feyre asked, edging to her eldest sister’s side. “We don’t want to intrude—”
“She asked for you all. No intrusion,” Az interrupted her.
Cassian swallowed, his eyes looking down at the small thing in the crook of his elbow. “You know we all heard the firefighter…is the baby okay?”
He had a feeling one of them would ask, but he wanted to make sure Elain was present for it. So, he said instead, “Everyone is fine. We can talk more in her room.” Turning on his heel, he headed back toward Elain’s private room, knowing they’d follow him closely.
Opening the door, he caught Elain looking intently out the window, seemingly oblivious to the world around her. “Love,” he called out to her, making her snap out of her reverie and turn to face him. “Our siblings are here.”
Her smile lit up his entire chest, despite the current circumstances. Gods, she was radiant when she smiled at him like that.
He held the door open, letting their family shuffle in. Nesta and Feyre made a beeline right to either side of her, gripping her in a firm hug.
“Are you all right?” Nesta asked again, cupping her cheeks in her palms.
Elain laughed slightly. “Yes, I’m fine.” Her eyes landed on his at the foot of her bed and he nodded at her, answering her silent question. One small hand swept down over the slight swell of her belly. “We’re all fine,” she added, a bit more shyly.
“I can’t believe you two are pregnant already,” Rhys stated, resting a palm on her lower leg.
Az laughed. “Strong swimmers,” he boasted.
“Asshole,” Cassian muttered. It wasn’t a secret that he and Nesta had struggled a bit to get pregnant. His wife was, apparently, just incredibly fertile.
Elain just shook her head, eyes rolling at the exchange.
“How far along are you?” Feyre asked, interrupting what she knew was going to be another ridiculous argument.
“Fifteen weeks. Or just over,” she answered.
Nesta blinked in surprise. “Do you know what you’re having?”
Her lips quirked up in the corner as she eyed him. “A boy.”
Their family erupted into congratulatory shouts for them both, grabbing them into hugs. Az waited until they quieted down before announcing, “And a girl.”
All four heads swiveled to him.
Silence descended upon their family for a few tense moments before Rhys finally demanded, “Explain!”
“We’re having a boy and a girl.”
He could see the lightbulbs going off above their heads. It was rather humorous to watch them connect the dots.
“You’re having twins?” Cassian breathed, eyes wide as saucers.
Elain chuckled at their expense. “Yes, my husband infested me with his superseed for two babies.”
Azriel barked out a laugh. “You’re one to talk miss fertile as fuck.”
Their family erupted into a fit of hysterics at the exchange and that brought the largest smile to his face. Elain caught his grin, offering him one of her own. Fuck, he loved her so damn much and he couldn’t wait to have his two little ones welcomed into such a loving family.
He still had to handle Elias, still needed to confirm who else was involved in the hit on them, but he pushed that aside and focused on this moment with his pregnant wife and their siblings. Az would get his revenge…just not today.
~~~~~
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Summer Lovin’ (Lucien x Tarquin)
Hello all!
This fic is something new, and will be in multiple parts, updated as and when I finish the next part. It is a Lucien x Tarquin fic. I know what you’re think but I had this thought about them because everyone writes crackships, but then I told @tswaney17 and the two of us fell in love with the idea. She is to thank for this spiral.
I’m using my general ACOTAR tag list for this, but you do not have to read it. Also do let me know if you would like to be kept out of the tags for this in the future. (The title is just something for now because I honestly haven’t decided something yet😂)
~~~~~~
Lucien’s life had been chaotic lately, but still, he hadn't quite expected this to happen, of all things.
Elain had finally said she didn't want this bond between them. He knew it was going to happen and he couldn't exactly blame her. Having it related to a traumatic experience wasn't going to be something positive, and no matter what the Cauldron thought of them matching each other, accepting the bond wouldn't have made them happy. She had the Spymaster for that, and Lucien was grateful to see how much she’d healed since seeing her as skin and bones in the library of the House of Wind. Azriel helped her and loved her; it wasn’t something predestined or whatever other shit people liked to talk about. They had chosen it for themselves, and Lucien couldn’t fault them for being happy.
Then came one of the biggest bombshells of his life.
Beron was not his father.
Though he had found out several months ago, it was still fresh in his mind, as though it were yesterday that he had been told.
Lucien still didn’t understand what he was doing in the River House. Rhysand had turned up in the human lands this morning to get him. When he’d asked why, the bastard just smiled at him. Lucien had honestly thought that the male might have been taking him to his death. But then he winnowed them into an office, Feyre sitting in the window, little Nyx in her arms and a content smile on her face. Now it was a few hours later, Nesta had been and gone, collecting her nephew for his nap, and still, he didn’t know why they had brought him here.
“Are you going to tell me what is going on now, or do I have to wait several more hours?” Rhys was just smiling from where he sat on his chair, wings hidden and humming, making Lucien roll his eyes. Feyre came to sit next to her mate, giving him a reprimanding look. She gave Lucien a soft smile.
“Just a little longer, I promise.” Feyre had barely even finished the sentence when there was a knock on the door. “There we go.” She stood, smoothing the skirts of her dress before walking towards the door, trailing light fingers over Rhys’ shoulder as she went. When she pulled the door open, Lucien could honestly say he was shocked to see that it was Helion on the other side, led by Cassian.
“Your guest, dearest sister. Please, take him.” Helion let out a low chuckle behind the general. He placed a hand over his heart, faking pain when Cassian turned to look at him.
“You wound me. Why so hasty to get rid of me?”
“If you keep looking at time the way you are, I will not be held responsible for what Nesta does to you in a jealous rage.” Helion’s retort was cut off when the female in question shouted from somewhere else in the house.
“You can take him! He’s been a pesky annoyance as of late.” Cassian disappeared then, grumbling about how she didn’t mean that, he was never annoying and Nesta was madly in love with him. Which was true,-the madly in love part, not Cassian not being annoying- anyone could see it. Lucien would never tell her about the doe eyed look she got though. He valued actually being alive.
Helion laughed again, bending down to kiss Feyre on one cheek and then the other.
“Feyre, you look as lovely as you always do. Motherhood suits you.”
“That I agree with entirely.” Rhys said as his mate welcomed the newcomer into the room, closing the door gently behind them.
“I’ve told you Rhysand, no more babes until Nyx is older.” The male nodded in agreement, though Lucien thought they were going to be having this discussion a lot in the near future. She smacked him over the back of the head when he smirked, before sitting once more. He had a feeling they were talking to each other in secret again. “Have you made it so no one can hear us?” She asked when they were all settled. Helion now sat in the chair next to him, giving him a nod, Feyre sitting on the arm of Rhysand’s seat. The High Lord of the Night Court gave a dip of his head. “Warded the moment you closed the door, my love.”
“Good. Now, onto what we brought the both of you here for.”
Helion crossed an ankle over the other knee, hands linked where they rested in his lap. The High Lord of Day was dressed in a mix of gold and black. Gold fabric covered his body. One side of his chest left bare, clothing pinned at the other, flowing down his body, belted at the skirt. It was embroidered around the hem with reds and greens, and it seemed to shimmer like glitter under moonlight. Sandals wrapped around the dark skin of his calves. “Forgive me for asking, but why such secrecy? Can you not trust your own family?”
Lucien didn’t understand why they were being so careful all of a sudden, either. Any time he’d been in here, discussing all the problems they were still trying to overcome from the war with Hybern, they’d never stopped the others inside the house from being able to hear too. Rhys tilted his head slightly to the side. “The information will leave this room when you do, and you will do with it as you see fit.”
Lucien spoke then, frustrated. “You brought me here hours ago, told me absolutely nothing on why I had to come. Just tell us what’s going on.” Rhys raised a dark brow at him, but said nothing, so he turned to Feyre. She sighed, wringing her hands together before stopping herself. It was one of her nervous traits, and nervous traits accompanied by serious conversations never boded well.
“Back when we were trying to get the High Lords to work together, to help us against Hybern, you told us a story about Lucien’s mother, Helion.”
“Yes, I did.” Lucien hadn’t known that. But he supposed looking for Myriam and Drakon meant he wasn’t privy to a lot of information. There were things from the time he was gone that he was still learning about.
“Including the affair that you had.” Lucien sucked in a sharp breath, slowly looking at the male seated beside him. Beron was not nice to his mother, he knew that. But the man had spies everywhere, always had. He would have had to have known about his mother being with Helion. And if he knew, he would have had her killed for it.
“But my mother lives. My father wouldn’t have allowed her to live after he’d found out. And trust me he knows, he always knows when his family isn’t doing exactly what he wants them to.” Beron would have wanted to set an example, a vicious one at that. He showed that with what happened to Jessminda. Thinking of her only made Lucien think fondly of their good memories together now. He was no longer attacked by grief and self hatred, though waves of sadness would come and go. On the bad days, the storm in his head made them rough and dangerous, but those were few and far between.
Feyre started to look uncomfortable, causing Rhys to continue. “To have killed her, would have caused a scandal. He was younger then, and it wouldn’t have done him any good.”
Lucien still didn’t understand and it was starting to piss him off. His fire tempted its boundaries, flames growing hotter and higher in his frustration. It felt as if it were boiling his blood, heating his skin. He pushed it down into the depths where it belonged. “The only scandal is that she wasn’t faithful. The gods know he fucking hasn’t been. But then again it was always ‘do as I say and not as I do’ with him anyway.” Feyre simply shook her head at him. He opened his mouth to say something, to say how pointless this meeting was if they weren’t going to get to the point, when Helion suddenly sucked in a sharp breath from beside him. Lucien startled slightly.
“Mother above.” He breathed. “He can’t be. No, you’re lying, I don’t believe you.” Helion just stared at Lucien when he turned to him, amber eyes wide, mouth partly open.
“I’m not lying, Helion. I figured it out that day, and I’ve also had his mother confirm, but do not ask me how. You can see why Beron hated him the most now.” Lucien was severely done with them taking but still not explaining anything to him.
“Confirm what! What are you fucking talking about?” Rhysand looked at him, not even phased by his outburst.
“Beron is not your father, Lucien.” No. No. They were lying. When he looked at Feyre, when he looked at his friend, she gave him a small nod. He looked back at the male beside him, the male who seemed to be shocked into silence by the situation.
As if Lucien’s life couldn’t get anymore fucked.
It had been months since that day. Feyre told them again that she wouldn’t say how she’d been in contact with his mother, and Lucien didn’t want her to tell him anything anyway, no matter how much he wished to find out so he could see how she was. To talk to her himself. It would put her at risk, and Lucien wouldn’t allow that. And he knew now that Helion wouldn’t either. His father. The High Lord of Day was his father. Lucien was the sole heir to the Day Court. Helion had been nothing but welcoming in the time sincerely but he never pushed. Said that it didn’t have to mean anything, if it wasn’t what he wanted. Lucien had been a little confused with his wants at first, but had decided that he wanted them to acknowledge it. Wanted them to get to know each other.
Helion asked him a few weeks ago to stay with him. They didn’t have to be in the same building, that Lucien could stay wherever he liked in the Day Court, but he did want him to stay. Lucien had found he couldn’t refuse. Jurian and Vassa had been angry with him, saying that he was just abandoning them, that clearly he’d only used them. He had tried to explain that he’d just found the one who had actually fathered him. That he wanted them to have some kind of relationship, something that was robbed from the both of them. The two wouldn’t hear it, and told him to leave. So he went. They had each been closer to each other than they ever had with Lucien anyway.
That was how he was here now, standing in the garden of the small townhouse his father had found for him, the male in question standing across from him. Helion was standing in the early morning rays, arms at his sides, golden crown absent and spouting words Lucien never thought he’d hear in his life. “You want to do what?” Lucien said, still wondering if this was something that was actually happening. Helion sighed, rubbing both hands over his face for a moment, before pulling them away.
“I know that it’s not even been that long since we’ve found out the truth. And I know I don’t have the right to ask anything of you, but I think this could be the biggest step towards allying the courts together.” Lucien could see the frustration on his face, knowing that he struggled to ask this.
“You want me to marry the High Lord of Summer?”
“Yes.”
“Does he know that you want to do this?” Helion moved closer to him a little.
“I proposed a marriage alliance to Tarquin, but I didn’t say who. He agreed after a lengthy discussion, but only if who I chose wanted it. You know I haven’t formally announced that you are my son yet, and this would mean I’d have to.” Lucien folded his arms across his chest, suddenly self conscious.
“And you don’t want to announce it?”
“No.” Lucien stopped, hands tightening where they rested on his biceps. Helion, suddenly realising what he’d said, scrambled to backtrack. “Gods, I meant yes. Yes I want to tell them all I have a son. I just weren’t sure if you were ready for that.” His father let out an unsteady breath, meeting Lucien’s eyes for a second before looking away, only two repeat that over and over. “You don’t have to do this, but having my son marrying into another court makes the alliance stronger than if I were to pick out anyone else.” Lucien understood. And he understood wanting all of the courts to get along. It would mean they could truly live in peace, something they had all hoped for.
“I’ll do it.” Helion’s head shot up, disbelief written across his face.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“I really thought you were going to say no, probably yell at me or something.” Lucien’s brows furrowed, a red lock of hair falling in front of his face.
“Why would I do that?” Helion sighed, almost exasperated. Though Lucien noticed he didn’t hold tension in his shoulders anymore, seemed more relaxed and at ease now that Lucien had answered him.
“Because I didn’t want you to think I was using you. Also, I didn’t even ask. Do you like males? That should have been a question right? I mean, I just assumed, I shouldn’t have.” His father was rambling, and Lucien chuckled.
“Yes, I like males. And Tarquin is a good male, a good High Lord. It might not end in love but, I might get a friendship out of it.” Lucien smiled, a full grin, teeth showing. It was something he realised he hadn’t done in a long, long time. Suddenly the breath was sucked out of him, and strong arms wrapped around his body. It took a moment, but Lucien returned the gesture, hugging him back. Helion was taller than him, and nearly pulled him off of his feet.
“I’m sorry. Sorry for asking. I should have found another way.”
“It’s alright. I think this might be good for me. I had Tamlin and we both know how that ended. I didn’t fit, at the Night Court, not like they do. And Jurian and Vassa...well, I told you what happened. Maybe I’ll find a home with Tarquin.” Helion pulled back, holding his shoulders, a soft smile on his face.
“You may not think it, but you fit here. I never got to be there before, and part of me is glad because the not knowing kept you and your mother safe, but I’m here now. I want to be your father.”
“Thank you.” They decided to continue walking through the garden then. Mostly in companionable silence, occasionally asking the odd question here and there. Lucien was getting lost in his own thoughts. He wondered whether Tarquin would be okay that it was Lucien he was marrying. If they’d be able to make some kind of happy life together. The few times he’d seen him before, Lucien could admit he was attracted to him. It was easy to make conversation with Tarquin, to find common interests. There was the chance it would never turn romantic and Lucien would be okay with that, but at least he’d have a companion to live his life with.
Maybe this was his chance to get his own happy ending.
~~~~~~
Well there it is. The beginning. You’ll see Tarquin next time I promise but I just wanted to give you something to see if you were going to like the story or not. Please be respectful, I’m tired of the ship wars. I want this to be a safe place for me to post the ideas that I have.
Tags: @myfriendscallmeraba @thesirenwashere @elrielllll @stars-falling @silver-flames @1islessthan3books @bamchickawowow @empress-ofbloodshed @sleeping-and-books @tswaney17 @awkward-avocado-s @courtofjurdan @junkiejosten10 @mu-si-ca-l @agem10 @harmonyindark245 @tanaquilpriscilla @starrynightsbooks @maastrash @elriel4life @illyriangarbage @b00kworm @thewayshedreamed @rhyswhitethorn @22emmmmmm @mimianyy @stop-breathing-its-annoying
#acotar fic#a court of thorns and roses#lucien x tarquin#lucien vanserra#helion#tarquin#high lord of day#high lord of summer#lucquin#they’re officially my babies#my fic#my writing#haz writes#acotar fan fic#acosf spoilers#possibly?
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masterlist - part one - part two ½
“Oh, I could fucking snap that pretty little neck of yours.”
Elide smirked and crossed her arms, “Keep it in your pants, Salvaterre. We’re still at work, baby.”
From the other side of her office, Lorcan sent her a glare that could freeze Hellas’ fiery realm. He crossed the room in two large strides. His long, glossy hair was in disarray. Elide practically choked on her desire to smooth it back for him. She glanced around, quickly averting her eyes from Rowan’s pointed look. His fiancée beside him wore a delighted expression, almost as if she wished she was snacking on something right about now. “Lochan, c’mon. Listen to me. If we settle now, it’ll only allow big tech corporations to completely demolish software start-ups. You know I’m right.”
“If we push, we could end up with nothing and bankrupt our client! If we settle, that leaves Nox and Luca with enough money to further their technology.” She stood up and braced her hands against the glass surface of her desk. “Lorcan, I know that you want to set precedent–”
“It’s not about setting precedent, princess,” he snapped. “I don’t give a fucking shit if people know my name or not. I’m doing the right thing here and it’s insulting that you don’t see that.” Lorcan dropped the papers on her desk. He stepped back and ran his hands through his hair before twisting his locks into a messy bun. “You’re fucking impossible, Elide.”
Elide’s spine straightened, “ I’m impossible? This is my case and since the second I asked you for help, you’ve been–”
“You’re fucking it up, Elide! You’re scared of losing and leaving those kids with nothing so you’re playing it safe and–”
“I am not playing it safe , Lorcan. I’m playing it smart. This is what we learned in school. It’s how we’re supposed to do it.”
He scoffed, his words cutting, “Yeah, according to a second-year class. I never had you pegged as a coward, Elide. You’re scared and you’re hiding behind a gods-damned book . You know, I really used to think you were cut out for this, but I’m not so sure anymore.” Tears burned her throat. Elide flicked her watery eyes to the wall of windows and focused on the glittering city lights. Lorcan inhaled sharply, as if realising what he’d just said. “Princess, shit, I’m–”
“You’re not sorry, don’t you dare lie to me,” Elide whispered. She looked up at him, “You want the case that bad, Lorcan? Fine. It’s yours. Enjoy it, you bastard.” She shoved the case file box to him so hard that it slid off the smooth surface and on pure reflex, Lorcan caught it. Elide didn’t look at anyone while she strode out of her office.
She took the elevator up to the roof and walked across the gravel-covered roof to the railing. Elide leaned against it and then, because she couldn’t help herself anymore, she let a sob fall from her lips. Elide buried her face in her hands.
She cried softly until she heard the heavy metal door drag against the gravel as it was pushed open. Elide raised her head and hastily wiped her eyes, “If you’re here to grovel, I don’t want to hear it, Salvaterre.”
“He’s not. Aelin’s chewing him out right now.”
Elide turned, sighing softly. “What are you doing out here, Rowan? I want to be alone.” A gust of cold wind blew over her. Elide hugged her arms around herself and tucked her chin into her chest to conserve heat.
Rowan walked closer and draped her heavy wool coat over her shaking shoulders. “I thought you might be cold. Might want some company, too.” He opened his arms and Elide leaned into him. “Yeah,” he said as he folded her into his warm chest and rested his chin on her head. “I know, Ellie.”
“Every time,” she sniffled, pathetically, “every time I think we- we’re getting somewhere, we fight and- and lose whatever progress we’ve made. He isn’t even mine and I keep losing him.”
“I know,” Rowan said, his brogue strong and comforting. Unbeknownst to Elide, his face was set in a deep frown, all directed at the man who sat floors below them, being berated by a woman he towered over by at least a foot.
After a few minutes, Elide stepped back. She accepted the tissue Rowan procured and wiped her mascara tracks away. “I guess I should go back and… figure this out. Are you and Ae staying?”
“No, we’ve got dinner with my parents.”
Elide nodded and looped her arm through his elbow, “Let’s go, then.” Rowan wisely didn’t try to dissuade her and escorted her back down. Aelin was waiting by the elevators, her coat and scarf on. She carried her gloves and bag in hand and stepped up to hug Elide good-bye and fuss over her hair. “Ae,” Elide said, “I’m fine, really. Go, have dinner with Ro’s parents. I’ll call you tonight.”
“Alright. But if you need me, I can ditch those losers and come over.” Rowan cleared his throat and arched an unimpressed brow. Aelin sent him a loved-up grin and kissed Elide’s cheeks, “Bye, honey.”
“Good-bye, Elide,” Rowan said.
“Night, you two. Say hi to your parents for me.”
“Of course,” Rowan nodded his head and guided his fiancée into the waiting elevator.
Elide turned on her heels and slowly walked back through the empty office to hers. She looked through the glass wall and saw Lorcan. He was sitting on the low, modern leather couch and bent forward with his forearms against his thighs.
When she walked in, Lorcan shot to his feet, his eyes wide. “El, please, listen to me. I’m sorry. Really. I didn’t- I was- I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. None of it is true, you have to believe me. You- you’re an amazing lawyer, Lochan. I’m so fucking sorry.”
“I know, Lorcan. Really, I know. It’s not the first time one of us has said something we didn’t mean.”
Relief flooded his face, “Ok, um, yeah. That’s good.” He flashed her a rakish grin. Elide felt her own smile grow at the sight of his. She wasn’t too stubborn to deny that Lorcan was attractive and quite possibly the most attractive man she had ever laid eyes on, but when he smiled… she could only describe him as beautiful. “And, listen, I know you think we should settle, but–”
“Lor,” Elide laughed, “let’s order dinner before we get back to it, ok? I’m starving.”
Lorcan loosened his tie and lifted his eyebrows, “You aren’t trying to wine and dine me just so I’ll agree with you, right?” Elide just hummed noncommittally and walked to her desk. She leaned back against the edge as she picked up her phone and dialed the number to their favourite restaurant. He laughed and sat down, “Right, like that would ever happen.” He paused, waiting for her response. “Right, Elide?”
“Hmmm? Oh, yeah, never.” Never. Never. Never.
She hated that the thought of them never being together made her heart crack. After she put in their classic order, she sat down next to him and they read briefs in a comfortable silence.
An hour later, their dinner arrived. Lorcan sat down on the carpeted floor and rested his back against her couch. Elide kicked her heels off and sat down against the matching armchair, perpendicular to Lorcan.
They spread out their papers around them, interspersed with boxes of Chinese takeout. Elide rested her feet in his lap, her brow furrowed as her eyes flicked back and forth across the page. Lorcan didn’t say a word and laid his hand on her ankle. His thumb soothed circles over her skin, “What is it?”
“I think we should push.”
“Lochan–”
“You’re backing down, really?” There was a fluttering sound as she dropped the package. “Stop doing that. I told you I was fine and you’re right. If we settle, it’ll only allow other corporations to go after and attack small developers.”
“I’m sorry, what was that?”
She narrowed her eyes in warning. “If we settle–”
“No, no, not that,” he said, smiling at her, “the thing before that. I’m what? ”
Elide rolled her eyes and flicked his nose with her index finger, “You’re right . I should’ve listened to you earlier.”
Picking up a box of sesame noodles, Lorcan passed Elide her vegetarian dumplings. “What are you thinking?”
Elide took the box and picked up her chopsticks to pinch one. She lifted the dumpling, but didn’t eat it. “About what?” They both knew he wasn’t talking about the case.
Lorcan dropped his head back against the couch cushion, “Anything.”
“I’m thinking that… this is nice. Being with you. I like it.” He looked at her and Elide frowned defensively, “What, I like your company. We don’t always have to fight.”
“I know,” he said softly. “I like it too.” Her pale cheeks pinked and they shared a gentle grin.
Elide poked his thigh with her toe, her heart pounding, “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
His eyes were so dark, Elide swore she could get lost in them and willingly, too. Lorcan rubbed his hand up and down her shin, “I’m thinking maybe I don’t… hate you. Maybe I’ve never hated you.”
She could barely hear herself think, blood rushing through her ears. Slowly, Elide rose onto her knees and straddled his lap. Lorcan didn’t say a word, merely steadying her hips as she shifted. “Well, maybe I’m tired of pretending we wouldn’t be great together.”
Lorcan lifted a hand to cradle the back of her head and pull her close. They both leaned in and the tips of their noses bumped together. Her hands were surprisingly steady as she gripped his collar and tugged him that much closer. Their lips were a hair’s breadth apart when he whispered, “Let’s stop pretending then, hmm?”
+*+*+*+*+*+*
an: tee hee
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#ntf part two#nine to five#elorcan#elide x lorcan#elide lochan#lorcan salvaterre#isa writes#nalgenewhore
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A Hundred Lifetimes, A Hundred Worlds, I'd Choose You - Part 2
Part 2 of this random collection, inspired by @duskwhisperer's commissioned art, here! 🌸 Happy @elainarcheronweek all. 💕
My fanfic account: @tswaney17fics
My ao3 account: tswaney17
Please let me know what you think about this update. I love getting your feedback. Constructive criticism is always welcome. 💕
Trigger warnings: None
Word Count: 1,013
Read on AO3. Snippet below.
Elain was knee-deep in the garden, planting bulbs that would bloom in late spring or early summer. Her adorable little nephew sitting next to her on his plump butt, “helpfully” digging in the mulch for her.
“Weady for you, Auntie Lain!” Nyx shouted, flinging dirt into the air and showering his lap. They were working on the section of her garden she specifically designated to the Night Court’s heir. He loved coming over and playing with her gardening tools, getting his hands dirty. If he wasn’t caked in paint with his mother, he was covered in dirt with his aunt.
“Great job, little one. Can you put this bulb in the hole and then cover it back up?” she asked, placing the seedling into his mud-caked palms.
Ever the good listener, he followed her instructions perfectly, patting the soft ground to “tuck the seed in.”
“Very good, sweetheart,” she told him with a bright smile.
Read More
~~~~~
Remember, sharing is caring! Please reblog if you liked the fic. It helps spread my work and I truly appreciate it. 💕
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Some tags seem to not want to link, which could be related to your visibility settings. Sorry about that!
#a hundred lifetimes#a hundred worlds#I'd choose you#Auntie and Me#elainarcheronweek2023#elain archeron week#elain week 2023#elriel#elain x azriel#elain x az#azriel x elain#elain and azriel#azriel and elain#elriel fic#elriel fanfic#elriel fanfiction#elain and nyx#elain#elain archeron#azriel#azriel shadowsinger#nyx#tswaney17#tswaney17 fics#tay writes#my writing#fanfic#fanfiction#acotar#acomaf
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“oh, you’ve started stealing my socks now?” Rowaelin please
ROWAELIN MONTH: DAY 2
~ Collage Au ~
Bring this little au back from way back when. PART ONE HERE. Remember to check out @rowaelinscourt for more Rowaelin Month goodness.
~~~~~
Aelin preferred to do her washing at about 8pm in the evening on a Wednesday. It was slow during that time, it was after dinner and people were usually in their rooms doing other things, and mid week meant there wasn’t a mad rush for clean clothes for the weekend. While she waited for the washer and dryer to do their thing she allowed herself some recreational reading. A book that didn’t have to do with a single class, something she read for pure enjoyment.
She was just getting to the really juicy bit when the washing machine sang it’s little song and Aelin sighed as she slipped the bookmark in and closed the book. The sooner she got the clothes in the dryer the sooner she could get back to her book. Aelin started loading her wet washing into her laundry bag to take to the opposite wall of the room where the dryers were lined up. She was hauling out the last few pieces when she pulled out a sock that certainly didn’t belong to her.
It was dark green, but it wasn’t the colour that was unusual. It was the size. She suspected that if she tried it on it might just hit her knee. Whoever owned this must be a giant. Aelin was about to drop the item into the lost and found basket when she heard a voice behind her.
“Oh, you’ve started stealing my socks now?”
Aelin was already grinning when she turned around, she’d only met him the once but she remembered the sound of his voice and the smiles they had shared since their first run in. She had been correct in her assumption as she turned around and saw the Laundry Room guy standing there, looking amused and very pleased. The man was a giant, his feet needed to be big otherwise he’d be in risk of falling over.
“Rowan, right?” She asked, just to be polite. There was no way she’d be forgetting that name any time soon.
He pointed to her. “Aelin.”
“Guilty as charged,” she gave him her best smile. Maybe her book would have to wait a little bit longer.
~~~~~
Rowan couldn’t believe his luck. He was folding up his washing when he noticed one of his best socks missing and although he hated to do so, he walked all the way back down to the laundry to find it. Now he was presented with this serendipitous moment and he couldn’t be happier. All that the two of them had done was smile at each other since she had stumbled in on him handling her underwear, and now nearly the same thing had happened. At least Rowan got away with just a sock.
“Your feet are huge,” Aelin said, dropping his sock on top of her wet washing.
Rowan took a few steps forward, using his huge feet to get a little closer so they weren’t conversing across the length of the room. ��I would say they’re proportional.”
“You know what they say about big feet,” she said, grinning to herself and gave him a wink. “Is everything proportional?”
Rowan choked as she cackled, carrying her bag of laundry to the dryer.
“I’m so sorry, that was awful. Please forgive me,” Aelin said as started loading in the wet clothes. “Really, so bad.”
Rowan just laughed, giving her what he hoped was a self assured shrug. “I gentleman never tells.”
Her laugh came out in a sudden burst, and Rowan’s heart did a thing he ignored for the moment. “Thank you for finding it funny and not reporting me to the RA.”
“Well, I might for you stealing my sock,” Rowan nodded to where it lay with her clothes.
“Oh, yeah.” She picked up the sock and threw it at him and he caught it easily. “Always a pleasure, Rowan. Enjoy your night.”
Rowan had wanted to stay, he really did. But he had a 500 word response to his weekly reading to upload before the night was out, and of course he hadn’t started. So instead he offered the stunning blonde a smile of his own.
“Until next time.”
~~~~~
Tags:
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86 and 92? If you please?
Anniversary Surprise
YES of course!! i picked nessian bc uh I love them...
Nesta opened her eyes, shooting out of bed. She knew she overslept, she could sense it. The clock read 7:08.
Shit. This why she never napped. Damn her deep sleeping. She was supposed to be at Cassian’s at 7:30 for their anniversary dinner. Thank the cauldron he was cooking. That spared her from trying to scramble up a fancy outfit and last minute makeup madness.
She quickly threw on one of his t shirts, tying a knot to fit her form better. She paired it with black leggings and pink fuzzy socks. Not her best look, but Cassian loved it when she wore his clothes. Territorial bastard.
She practically sprinted up the stairs once she made it to his apartment complex.
“I’m sorry i’m late I took a nap and overslept,” she said, trying to explain as soon as she got in the door.
“Nes.”
“I know I know i look like a mess but i swear I didn’t forget I just -”
“Nes!” she stopped rambling to see a very amused Cassian. “Are you gonna give me a hug?” he asked, his arms outstretched.
She rolled her eyes, but embraced him nonetheless. “Happy one year,” she mumbled into his chest.
“I have a present for you,” he said smiling as they pulled apart.
Nesta gave a confused look. “I have one for you too.” Was he not expecting her to give him a gift? Wasn’t it customary?
“But mine is special,” he said, giving her a wink. “Turn around.”
Nesta raised a brow.
“Just do it!!” The brute was practically bursting with excitement. Maybe it was his eagerness or maybe it was because she felt like being nice on their anniversary, but surprisingly, Nesta listened.
“Okay you can turn back now.”
Nesta almost jumped. Cassian was on one knee. Her mind whirled. Too soon. Too soon. Shit. What was she gonna say? She felt like vomiting.
“Cassian I-”
“Nesta just listen.” But she couldn’t listen. She couldn’t breathe.
“I mean it’s just like really soon.” She was rambling. “I love you Cassian. I really do. And like eventually I could see myself marrying you but right now-”
“Nesta” he interrupted. He was laughing. Why was he laughing?!
“What?” she asked, slightly out of breath.
He had a dopey grin on his face. “I’m not proposing sweetheart.”
Oh thank God. Her heart rate slowed, she could actually breathe again. “Then what are you doing?” she asked, clearly confused.
He smiled, opening the ring box. Or what appeared to be a ring box. It opened with a pop, revealing a key.
“Move in with me?” he asked a stupid smirk on his face. She was tempted to slap it right off.
“Oh my god you’re such an ass!” she exclaimed.
Cassian only laughed at her outburst. “Nes, it took me like 2 years to convince you to go out with me. Do you really think I’d ask you to marry me so soon? I know you too well for that sweetheart.”
“I hate you,” she grumbled crossing her arms angrily.
“Is that a yes?” he questioned, having the audacity to look happy.
She sighed throwing her arms up. “Of course it’s a yes, you idiot.”
Nesta tried to hide her smile, but failed as Cassian wrapped her in his arms. “I still hate you,” she mumbled, poking his chest.
“You do? But I could’ve sworn I heard you say you would marry me one day,” he said, mock innocence coating his words.
“Shut up and kiss me.”
Best anniversary ever.
tags below !
@illyriangarbage // @court-of-fuck-me-daddy // @girlnovels // @julesherondalex // @ifangirlninja // @dreamerforever-5 // @queen-of-wings-and-fire // @rhysanoodle // @jemma-nessian-and-elriel // @books-and-words-addict // @nightinshadow // @wolffrising // @the-regal-warrior // @dreamingofalba // @abillionlittlepieces // @alitzeldiaz // @kylizzles // @queenmaas // @illyrian-bookworm // @aspillofstars // @b00kworm // @tswaney17 // @girl-who-reads-the-books // @theshadowsinger-and-thefawn // @abraxos // @perseusannabeth // @acourtofmarauders // @sweetlyvillainous // @awesomelena555 // @notyournymphetish // @ladywitchling // @aesthetics-11 // @sjmships // @iammissstark // @illyrianwitchling13 // @moondancer-204 // @sjm-things // @foolsinlove // @sayosdreams // @welcometothespeaknowworldtour // @flourishandblottsx // @stardelia // @julemmaes // @thewayshedreamed // @texas-shaped-waffle-maker // @keshavomit // @superspiritfestival // @wannawriteyouabook // @verryberriess
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Little Prince
Just a little wip I found and cleaned up. If you want to see more Jurdan stuff just let me know or even send me some prompts and I’ll start working on somethings:))
—————
Cardan hadn’t felt such heartache since he had to banish Jude to the mortal lands, enduring months alone without her. Waiting and waiting for her reply to his letters to receive nothing. He’d hurt her he knew, but everything he did was to keep her safe. To keep her alive. He would not live in a world without Jude Duarte; it would break him beyond measure.
Now he was pacing up and down outside his chambers as he listened to her scream.
His wife, his queen, his love was giving birth to their child and he had been banished from the room by the healers. The Fae struggled to have children yes, but he thought with Jude it may be different because she was mortal. Everything was fine, he was at her side from the moment it started, letting her clutch his hand like a lifeline and scream at him that he was never to touch her again. It was his entire fault, she said. He wisely kept his mouth shut, considering he couldn’t lie and he’d most likely say something to upset her further.
Then all of a sudden, Jude’s hand started to go limp in his own, she had gone awfully pale and everyone started shoving him out of the room. He fought them every step of the way, screaming for her, telling her to open her goddamn eyes. The final thing he saw before the doors closed was Jude coming through and screaming as the healer cast some kind of spell.
This was not happening. It could not be happening.
He had been out here for hours now, simply burning a hole into the floor. A few had tried to tell him to rest, to sit down. But he wouldn’t, not while she was like this. He could not hold her hand and soothe her, could not swipe rogue curls away from her beautifully sweaty face, but he would not abandon her completely.
“Your Majesty, they’re going to be alright. She’s a fighter and that child of yours will be one too.”
He hadn’t heard The Bomb arrive, but of course he wouldn’t, she was too fucking sneaky, just like his wife.
“I cannot lose them, either of them. I won’t be able to survive it.” He said it like a whisper, and a prayer, to whatever fucking gods existed. He’d fought to have the family he’d always wanted, dreamed of, and if he lost everything when it was just within his grasp, there would be hell to pay. He deserved something good after all the misery, abuse and neglect he had suffered. They both did.
There was one final scream from inside their chambers before everything went quiet. It felt like years had passed when finally; a quiet cry rang out through the castle. It was the most wonderful sound he’d ever heard.
Cardan dropped to his knees right there in the hall for everyone to see and sobbed.
He vaguely felt someone move to crouch beside him and place a hand on his shoulder just before the doors opened and the healer bowed gently before grinning so wide he couldn’t help but return it.
“You may see them now, but not for too long as the Queen wil-.”
He was on his feet and running before she could finish. As he rounded the corner to their bedroom, Jude was smiling softly and rocking a tiny little bundle in her arms and he felt like his heart was going to burst through his chest.
Trying not to disturb the little creature, he murmured quietly, “Hello, my loves.”
His wife turned to him then; eyes lined with silver, and extended her arm out to him to join them. How could he refuse such an offer?
He crawled across the bed carefully, sitting just behind Jude and placing a kiss to the top of her head before looking down over her shoulder. In her arms was a red faced little sprog with a tuft of black curls, pointy little ears and its mother’s nose. He moved a finger under a little fist and watched as smaller fingers wrapped around his own. He let out a surprised laugh, and Jude turned her head back down to the little miracle they had made together before saying the most beautiful words he’d heard since his wife had told him she loved him, too.
“Cardan Greenbriar, I’d like you to meet your son.”
He cried then, safe within these four walls with his family there to hold him. Wrapping his free arm around her waist, he buried his face in the crook where neck met shoulder and poured his heart out in ways that once feared him so terribly.
“You scared me so much, Jude. I thought I’d lost you, both of you and I couldn’t bear it. You are half of my life dearest Jude. And you have given me the greatest gift of all. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
“I’m sorry, but our little Prince had a bit of trouble trying to meet us. But he’s here now. We’re both alright, I promise.”
She kissed him, just a soft brush of their lips first before he pressed against her harder. After a few moments she started to slow and her eyelids began to droop, so he pulled back with a kiss to her nose.
“You rest, I’ll take him. I’m sure Oak is vibrating with the need to see the sprog.”
“That’s your son, Cardan.”
“Yes, he’s my little sprog.”
Jude huffed a laugh as he took his son into his arms for the first time. Cardan cradled him gently and couldn’t help running a finger across a chubby cheek as Jude settled back amongst the pillows. He was nearly at the door, when a voice called out to him.
“I love you Cardan, so terribly much. I hope you know that.”
“I love you too, my darling god.”
—————
Sorry it was short:(
Tags: @tswaney17 @empress-ofbloodshed @stars-falling @queen-of-glass @b00kworm @awkward-avocado-s @elain-shadowsinger @mamakramer @abraxos
#the cruel prince#the wicked king#the queen of nothing#tcp#twk#qon#jude duarte#cardan greenbriar#jurdan#jude x cardan#my babies had a baby#im trash for them
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Can you do one where Cassian gives Nesta a cute baby kitten plsss 🥺🥺🥺
Sorry this took forever to get to. This definitely wasn’t inspired my own day lololol.
Nesta flopped over on the couch and tucked her knees into her chest, trying to breathe through another wave of nausea. Over a decade of getting her period, and it still sucked. Every. Single. Time.
Luckily, her husband knew exactly how to help when she was under the weather. Cassian had left her a steaming hot mug of raspberry leaf tea with a dash of honey, so it’d be the perfect drinkable temperature when her own alarm went off. He’d also made her a steak breakfast burrito to warm up when she got hungry, because Nesta always craved red meat when she was bleeding. She was convinced it was her brain’s way of refilling the iron she was bleeding out.
And he did it all before taking their three year old, Ezra, to the park, so she’d have the morning to herself to rest. Sometimes, as shocking as it still was to her, given his wild partying and womanizing past, Cassian was the perfect partner.
She shuffled the channel to a cooking competition and stretched her legs back out, hoping she’d get hungry soon. But before she knew it, her eyes fluttered closed and she was asleep.
“Nes? Nessie?” Cassian’s low voice called from the front door. “We’re home…”
“Mm?” Neta raised her head off the pile of pillows she’d shoved under her cheek.
Cassian walked into the living room, Ezra in tow, arms overflowing with shopping bags. Nesta furrowed her brow at her husband’s wide hazel eyes, brimming with excitement. Beside him, Ezra’s matching eyes were accompanied by a guilty smile. He bounced on his little toes, as if vibrating out of his tiny body.
“Do you have to potty?” she asked, and Ezra quickly shook his head. Nesta pushed herself up to sitting and frowned. “Then, come give me a hug, baby.”
Ezra launched forward, climbing up onto Nesta’s lap. She pushed his dark waves out of his face and kissed his forehead as the boy nestled himself against her chest. He clung his little arms around her neck tightly, causing Nesta to duck down.
“Careful, bud,” Cassian warned, leaning down to pry the tiny hands from their ironclad grasp. “Be gentle with mama today, remember? She’s not feeling well.”
“Sorry, mama,” Ezra said, bringing his hands down to rest in his lap.
“It’s fine,” Nesta sighed, relishing in the warmth from his little body. As she stroked his head, she could feel his excitement building again. “How was the park?” she asked, lifting his little pointy chin in her direction. Ezra smiled widely, revealing a toothy grin as he shrieked.
“We saw a cat!”
“What?” Nesta gasped, joining in on her toddler’s excitement. “You did? A cat?”
“And kittens!” Ezra squealed. “Right, Daddy?”
Ezra looked up at Cassian with such admiration and pride it almost brought tears to Nesta’s eyes.
“We did…” Cassian nodded with a soft chuckle.
“Wow!” Nesta exclaimed. “What a fun morning!”
Ezra slid off Nesta’s lap and ran to Cassian’s leg, clinging around it and staring up at the tall man. “Show her, daddy, show her!” he chanted, his small and demanding voice sounding much too similar to his mother’s.
Cassian grimaced slightly and squatted down. His pleading eyes looked up at his wife, begging silently for understanding, and Nesta shrugged. If Ezra wanted to spend the afternoon showing her pictures of kittens, she would happily look at them, despite the discomfort in her stomach.
“Don’t freak out,” Cassian said, before reaching into the cardboard box Nesta hadn’t noticed resting at his feet and pulling out a tiny grey kitten. It jumped from his hand onto the couch and trotted right up to Nesta. She gasped loudly, staring between her husband and son, both staring at her with the same hopeful gaze.
She looked down at the kitten, and it stared back up at her. It was a little mangy grey thing, barely old enough to walk with the brightest blue eyes Nesta had ever seen in real life. Her lips parted, ready to tell Cassian he absolutely had to take the kitten back to the park. She didn’t want a kitten. Nesta wasn’t exactly what you’d call an animal person.
“Before you tell me you’re not an animal person again,” Cassian began, resting one hand on Nesta’s knee and the other stroking the tiny head of the kitten. “Might I remind you, you weren’t a child person, either, until we had one.”
Nesta rolled her eyes. But, she knew that he spoke the truth. Despite loathing children her entire life, as soon as Nesta became pregnant, it was as if a motherhood chip activated. She’d never loved anything more. But cats weren’t children.
“Ezra will help take care of him,” Cassian continued, “And he’s already been taken to the vet, and is totally healthy.”
When she glanced down again, the kitten had climbed onto her lap and curled into a small ball, almost the size of Nesta’s fist, and was purring contentedly into her stomach. The warm vibrations soothed the pain in her stomach nearly immediately, and Nesta could feel her heart tug slightly.
“Another boy, huh?”
She bit her lip and sighed, causing Cassian to lean forward and press his lips to hers in a long kiss.
“You won’t regret this,” Cassian mumbled against her mouth. A little hand tugged at Nesta’s leg as Ezra whimpered. “I get a kiss too, mama?”
Chuckling, Nesta pulled away from Cassian. Still keeping her hand on his tanned cheek, she leaned down and kissed Ezra again.
With her free hand, she scratched the tiny kitten behind its ears. “So… what should its name be?”
And as Ezra began mumbling a long list of possible names, Nesta leaned back into the couch, surrounded by her boys, suddenly feeling infinitely better.
tag list:
@df3ndyr
@hizqueen4life
@maastrash
@justgiu12
@aknymph
@bamchickawowow
@thewayshedreamed
@strangeenemy
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@heirofthenightcourt
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@stardelia
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@the-third-me
@cursebreaker29
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@queen-of-glass
@aesthetics-11
@xhopelessdreamer
@babycardan
@ilyrian-velaris
@galyxsy
@aelinfeyreeleven945tbln
@rolltide7
@keshavomit
@superspiritfestival
@yuya1487
@minaidss
@tswaney17
@ladywitchling
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