I Just Read A Fic And The Author Said That The Chapter Took A While To Be Published Because Her City

I just read a fic and the author said that the chapter took a while to be published because her city was hit by a tornado??????? Like???? Bro the max that would happen in brasil is the motherfucking wifi stop working, thankfully born in a tropical country blessed by God (it's a song, international people wouldn't understand)

I'm currently writing three things at the same time, but I felt a need to write something sad, something to break my heart and break all of you along, I can't be sad alone, thank you

The plot is basically: every bat boy's mate deal with depression in a different way, or "three different approaches of depression to three different brothers" (I felt so funny when I thought about this one)

So... do we want a part 2?

Trigger Warning: Self-destructive thoughts, depression

Prompt: Prythian saw the way that Rhysand's mate fell into depression but tried her best to get better. They saw the way that Cassian's mate fell into depression and turned it into pure anger and self-destruction. But... what if Azriel's mate simply... doesn't care?

What Was I Made For?

Sometimes I wish I didn't exist.

Not in the sense that I want to die. Far from it. I dread the thought of my own death. If I stop and imagine what happens afterward, I feel on the verge of panicking. Not death. Never death.

However, I like to think about how everything would be so much easier if I simply didn't exist. The number of responsibilities I could just let go of. The countless times I wouldn't have to rush and cry out of despair for feeling so useless would simply diminish. I would be so happy if I didn't exist.

I started thinking about this when I was 14.

It's been 500 years, and I remain the same.

Five hundred whole years where I feel inclined to ask the Mother to not exist.

But I do exist.

And that's what intrigues me.

I don't know who I am, and I just can't find something I like. There's nothing that keeps me here. Really.

That scares me.

A lot.

I mean, I spent my whole life studying in the Day Court, participating in politics, and learning from the High Lord Helion himself. I was supposed to be his successor. But then Lucien came into the scene and I became his spare. Or second in command. Works the same.

My objective was easy enough, everything I knew, I should teach him. And I did. We had fun. I guess. And then his father made a party to invite his "friends" for a celebration. He told me they weren't really his friends. I understood that feeling.

The Inner Circle of the Night Court sat across from us at the table. It didn't take long for the mating bond to snap between me and the Shadowsinger. The celebration became even bigger when he smiled at me.

And I smiled back.

I mean, how couldn't I, right? He seemed gentle and caring and his face was very pleasant to look at.

He courted me. He flirted, sent gifts, and traveled to the Day Court's capital every often to see me. I'm not sure what love means but I'm pretty sure it's something close to what I felt inside of me every time he looked into my eyes and smiled.

And yet, I feel I could not exist and it wouldn't change a thing.

But if I could make him happy maybe I would understand everyone's desire to be alive. I would understand what it is like to fight for your own life with the necessity to live another day.

That's why I accepted the mating bond.

We had a party. A dinner. A house. Vacations. Damn, the tower of gifts we had to open after almost three weeks of pure sex took me a month.

And yet, I feel I could not exist and it wouldn't change a thing.

We moved to Velaris. My role in the Day Court was long forgotten. I mean, I just said I don't care about anything, how could I care about a job I had just because I was good at it?

Being good at something doesn't mean I really need to live for it.

If so, I would be a dancer. Because I'm amazing at it, I have trophies, experience, and talent. But I'm not a dancer.

If so, I would be an actress. Because I'm amazing at it, I participated in hundreds of pieces, and interpreted tons of characters. But I'm not an actress.

If so, I would be a cook. Because I'm amazing at it, I'm the one in charge of making every meal and every cake for people's birthdays. But I'm not a cook.

If so, I would be a warrior. But I'm not a warrior.

If so, I would be a painter. But I'm not a painter.

If so, I would be a singer. But I'm not a singer.

If so, I would be a seamstress. But I'm not a seamstress.

And when I came to Velaris, almost two years ago I became Azriel's mate. And I hate it.

We easily fell into a routine with his Inner Circle. And now, there's no family that makes me want to keep on living. In fact, most of the time I feel even more exhausted when I'm with my family. Or Azriel's family, if I'm being real.

I feel suffocated by an enthusiasm and freedom I can't keep up with. My family isn't bad, not by a long shot, and certainly not up close. They are great. They stand up for the right causes, love to have fun, and are very liberal about any topic.

Except when the topic is me.

I'm the newest but also the oldest among all the female mates. And that kind of put me on a pedestal I never asked for. Something like: "If she did it, you could too, Feyre"; or else: "Even she couldn't do it, Nestha, don't worry about it"; I'm not a unit of measurement, but sometimes it feels like I'm nothing more than that.

Except when I'm with Lucien. He is the exception to the rule of 'I feel suffocated within the family circle'. I'm his favorite friend, obviously, but that's not the reason why we are so good together. He understands me and seems to grasp the feeling of not wanting to exist, even though we've never talked about it. So, he just exists by my side. And that's exactly what I need.

I don't worry about depression.

Or should I?

I am happy. Truly happy.

Not that people with depression aren't happy.

They must be.

I hope they are.

But sometimes I imagine myself going to a healer's office and pouring out everything I feel. But I never know where to start. So, I stop imagining.

I'm usually happy. Very happy. And this happens with my friends. Or anywhere away from my family. Everyone annoys me in some way. Except for Lucien.

Even when I'm alone, I feel extremely happy. Especially when I'm alone. Whenever I'm alone.

I actually hate studying. Which is basically my job.

But if that means staying away from my family, I seriously consider doing volunteer work at the Library during vague hours. Get a full-time job. Anything to keep me away. And contrary to expectations, I don't feel bad about thinking this way. I don't care.

And that scares me even more.

I don't care, and I don't react. Sometimes, I fall into a vast abyss of overwhelming emptiness, unable to separate reality from what's happening in my mind. I don't feel inclined to react with jokes or anything else. I don't care if they argue with me, yell, speak ill of me in the room next door, or debate on how to 'punish' me when I'm three steps away on the sidewalk.

It doesn't matter.

Nothing matters.

I've made my friends cry trying to prove a point I believe is right. It doesn't matter.

I've cried in front of friends so they'd accept what I was saying. It doesn't matter.

I also have the terrible habit of always wanting to be right. In everything. It doesn't matter if I'm wrong, it doesn't matter if someone will get hurt. I ALWAYS have to be right.

Sometimes I imagine I'm going too far in this abyss to the point of hurting myself. Or others.

And here's another characteristic of mine. I imagine too much. Most likely, I have three or four books written somewhere in my room. But I don't feel inclined to publish them or continue writing. It was just a phase. Just like everything else.

Just like my mating bond with Azriel. I love him, but… I'm not like the High Lord's or the General's mates. They… live for them.

I mean, Feyre is an amazing person, she's such a sweetheart. But as High Lady? I swear, she's more like a city mayor than anything else, she can barely read a full sentence without getting a headache from too much effort.

And Nestha? What a fearless female. She's amazing! But being the General of the Valkyries? Come on. They can't possibly think that, just because they cut a miserable string, they are actually able to fight as a battalion. Right?

Maybe I'm mean for thinking like that. Maybe I'm stupid. Or hateful. Or fake. Or cruel.

So I never say anything.

I keep imagining them. Every day.

It's fun.

Sometimes I like Azriel more than I like myself.

But I like most people more than I like myself.

Sometimes I hate myself.

Sometimes I like myself.

There's a thin line between my two states of mind.

Sometimes I think it's my fault.

Sometimes I think it's my mate's fault.

I don't feel bad about hating him whenever I feel anger spread through me. He also triggers the emptiness in my chest sometimes. He can be annoying with all his senseless conversations. The way he lives his life annoys me even more. Because he can do everything.

He's Azriel, the Shadowsinger, the Spymaster, the poor thing, the one who didn't grow up in a good place, the cute one, the funny one, the pretty one, the hot one, the smart one, the-

I don't know.

If I let the anger get me it will soon vanish. Just like every other feeling I ever let myself have.

You know the feeling of losing something you never knew you actually cared about? That's how I feel about my freedom. Not that Azriel took my freedom meaning that he restrains what I do or like I miss my single life (if I'm being honest I was never a lover to no one, Azriel was my second or third). But this bond took it from me.

I used to float around, doing different things every single day, but now I just fall down and down and down into my inner abyss. I could've been a dancer, an actress, a cook, a warrior, a painter, a singer, or a seamstress because I had the freedom to try it. Maybe I don't want to live for it but I want to live with it. Now I'm… his mate.

I used to know I was empty, but I'm not sure now that this bond keeps flooding itself with love and fear and pain and happiness.

I don't know what I was made for.

I don't know how to feel secure. But I wanna try. I don't know how to feel truly happy. But someday I might… Someday I might… try.

When did it all end? All the enjoyment. All the feelings.

It doesn't matter.

None of this matters.

Since I was 14, nothing matters.

And I wouldn't mind just not existing.

But I want to know what I was made for.

That's why I'm leaving.

Hi! I really enjoyed the story of Helion you wrote. I would ask you if you could write more of his stories when you have time and inspiration. Thank you!

Inspiration I had since you sent the request, time on the other hand I just had now 😀🔫

I honestly wished I could get money from this and never go to college again (I love what I study, don't get me wrong, but OH GODS how tiring it is)

Anyway, sweet Helion coming to rescue my mental health, this is actually from the same universe as this one but isn't necessarily a continuation

Also, I don't know why, but braids match Day Court's aesthetic SO MUCH, any kind of braid, honestly, and I love them for that

Serendipity

The day started hot, and you felt even hotter every day your pregnancy advanced. Now in a sense of feeling sexy, more like overheating. You spent some vacation days in Night Court during their lovely winter, the cold definitely helping your morning sickness, during spring break you enjoyed it very much in your own Court, all the fruits and veggies that only your home could provide you. And then summer came. And now you felt like a pudding melting under the sun.

Luckily another reason for you to love your Court appeared during this time: the clothes. Everything was so light and soft that honestly made you love your home even more. You woke up sweating with Helion's arms around you and quickly took a shower to free yourself from the droplets of sweat. You chose one of the many robes in light shiny colors to put it on, your belly, almost eight months in, looked pretty and roundy on the dresses, making you even happier.

Even if you weren't born part of the royalty you could swear you were glowing. You put your hair in two big braids and tied them up in your head, making a crown which made your face show up more. All of that time took your husband to only wake up and change his clothes. You made him sit between your legs in bed while you braid his hair and he played with the hem of your dress.

-You're ready for today? - Asked you once you finished, kissing the top of his head.

-What do we have today? - Honestly could be anything, your mind hasn't been the same since the pregnancy.

-Lucien is here - He announced, as if it would tell you everything you needed to know.

-Oh? For what? - Your dearest son has been coming in and out to Court for literally everything. You didn't feel like working? He covered you. You and Helion were on vacation? He brings all his friends and they work in command for a while. Another commemorative party? He was here to plan and make sure everything was perfect.

-Decide the baby's name? - The phrase came out in a question, and your eyes almost popped out of your face with realization.

-I forgot that - You whispered more to yourself than to him, but Helion heard somehow and laughed at you, running to hug you from behind and kiss your entire exposed neck.

-Don't worry, me and Lucien made sure to choose at least a hundred names each - His hands caressing your belly made you relax in his embrace, and you let him guide you to one of the solars in the palace where your oldest son was already expecting both of you for breakfast.

Your eyes lightened up in seconds just from the sight of the amazing table waiting for you to devour it completely. As the three of you sat around the table laden with sweets and treats, Lucien and Helion began to discuss the important matter at hand - the name of the baby you were carrying. Helion, being the father, was brimming with excitement and eager to pick the perfect name that would symbolize his love for his second child.

Helion's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he suggested names rooted in the traditions of the Day Court, tying it to their history and ancestry. Lucien, who was a blend of both Day Court and Autumn Court, chimed in with suggestions that would embrace the uniqueness of his sibling's heritage.

And well… you were happy with the food. As you haven't prepared anything to contribute with the discussion you sat happily with the amount of good candies and fruit flavored foods at your disposal. Your pregnancy was being gentle to you and food tastes were only highlighted to you (like fruit and sweets) and the only thing you had to leave behind was some scents in your bathroom. And the heat.

The conversation was lively, and the atmosphere was filled with love and anticipation. Helion, always the smart one, spoke about the significance of names in the world, and how they often carried stories and meanings that could shape a person's destiny. Lucien shared tales from his own travel experiences, highlighting how names held a special place in everyone's minds.

As they went through a multitude of names, each one sparking excitement in Helion and Lucien's eyes, but none of them felt like "the one" just yet. You chuckled to yourself, fitting more food inside of you and feeling the baby kick as if sharing in the excitement of choosing its own name.

As the morning went on, the discussions veered into playful nicknames and endearing terms they could use for the little one. Helion suggested "Sunlight" for the way the child would light up their lives, while Lucien countered with "Moonbeam" for the glow that would guide them through the darkness. Ridiculous and corny, to say the least.

At some point of the talk, Helion and Lucien began to consider combining their own names to create a unique one for the child. "Helien" was the first suggestion, but it didn't quite feel right. Then they tried "Lucion," which seemed a bit too complicated. Or horrendous, in your words.

-Okay, so, we'll finish this with a top five girls name, and then we can start with the boys name - Lucien said, finally closing the notebook that contained a ridiculous amount of names written in it and taking a sip of his drink.

-We won't discuss boys names - You finally gave your opinion, making both of them turn their heads to you, confused at your sudden interruption.

-Darling, you said you didn't want to know the gender until the baby is born, we need to discuss and decide both - Helion spoke, bringing his hand to your tummy for the thousandth time since the conversation started.

-But I'm telling you this is a girl. I'm sure - You weren't backing down on your decision, it was a girl and no more conversation needed.

-You can't be completely sure so we'll have boys names just in case - Lucien said, only awakening a anger you didn’t know you had.

-I'm the one creating this child, okay? We've already discussed this, it's a girl - You put an end to the conversation.

-We? Who is "we"? - Your husband asked, confused since you and him never discussed gender preferences. But you had yours.

-Me and the baby, I told her that I wanted a baby girl and she agreed, being a male isn't cool and I already told her that - You said with all the confidence you could master in that moment, both males fighting to not laugh at your antics.

-But isn't it better if we have a boy name just for precaution? - Lucien tried once again, the look you gave him was enough to make him sit back in his chair and shut up.

-No! We don't need precaution, I'm telling you it's a girl - Your stress level was getting higher every time they went against your decision. You weren't completely sure, obviously. But you were sure!

-Okay then, a girl it is - Helion said, giving up on the discussion and holding you in his arms, filling your face with thousands of kisses - But if it's a boy we're gonna name him Helion the Second.

-As you wish, it'll be a girl anyway - You mumbled for yourself, internally making a note to choose a gender neutral name in the end. Just for… you know, precaution :)

Hello for the ACOTAR bingo, could you do Nightmare with Rhys? I need some comforting fluff right now 😅😅

I wasn't sure who exactly was supposed to be nightmaring

So I chose the most obvious choice: Rhysie boo

It's honestly so sad that SJM robbed us from more scenes of Rhys' trauma healing, like? Girl, he was SAd for 50 YEARS the bare minimum is to give this man a proper therapy cmon

Anyway, there's not much description of his nightmare so I don't think a trigger warning is necessary, but let me know!!

Also, such good song this one, huh?

The Loneliest

You awaken in your room, feeling an unsettling aura in the air, the room seems smaller and the wind seems thicker, you almost can't breathe. A chill runs down your spine, and a wave of unease washes over you. Instinctively, you know something is wrong with Rhysand. His powers, usually well-contained, seem to be slipping through the cracks of your door, and a thick mist shrouds your surroundings, circling you as if they asked for help.

Without hesitation, you follow your heart and trust the feeling you have in your heart. You get up from bed and try to find your way through the deep shadows that filled the corridor. You make it through the foggy path, your determination pushing you forward, guided by an unspoken understanding between you and Rhysand's power. The mist parts as you walk, as if recognizing who you are and your genuine care and affection for him.

Reaching his room, you find Rhysand thrashing on the bed, and instantly you know he is caught up in the grip of the terrible memories of his abuse Under the Mountain with Amarantha. He's been suffering from the terrible nightmares since he came back from that hell, your paths always crossing when you suddenly wake up during the early hours and he was awake trying to find something to sleep in the kitchen. You would do some tea and he would tell you a bit of his dream. 

You never found him while he was still deep in sleep, and the sight before is nothing but terrifying. You know what your High Lord had suffered, and tried to be there for him, even if sometimes, the heart that learned to love him more than what you had planned throbbed inside of your chest in pain as he talked to you.

You gather your courage and gently shake him awake, calling his name softly until his violet eyes meet yours, filled with fear and pain.

-Rhys, it's me. You're safe now. I'm here - You whisper, trying to ground him in the present moment - You're not there anymore. You're with me.

As he slowly comes to, his powers continue to flicker around the room, but you remain steadfast, feeling the trust his power places in you. You sit by his side, soothingly running your fingers through his hair, feeling the silkiness between your fingertips. Your touch seems to calm him, and he clings to you as if you're his lifeline.

-It's okay, my love - You murmur, your voice filled with tenderness on the nickname you never had courage to use, but that seemed to soothe him even more - I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. I said I won't let you face this alone.

Your words are a balm to his tortured soul, and he clings to you tighter, seeking solace in your embrace. He silently makes space for you in the bed, signaling for you to lay down with him. You get on his side and reach to touch his face, holding them with your life as you look deep into those eyes that you used to love so much, but that were filled with sadness and despair now.

-What happened? Do you want to talk? - He looks like he is about to cry, his throat wavering with emotion - You can cry, Rhys. I'll hold you every time you do it.

As if you spin a key in his brain, his eyes filled with tears and he started to blow them out. His chest was hurting from the amount of time he denied himself the right to cry for himself, to mourn the person he was and lost Under the Mountain. 

-What happened, Rhys? - His sobs slowed down to quiet breathing, but his face didn't leave your neck.

-I… I dreamed that it was you - It was all he said before the tears started to pour again. Your heart breaks a little bit more with each sob.

-What do you mean it was me? - You try to soothe him while playing with his hair, the dark onyx locks smelled so good that you couldn't help but take a deep breath, the scent being imprinted on your soul.

-Sometimes I dream that it's one of you instead of me in her claws, and she makes me watch as she tortures you - Your eyes close in pain, you can't even imagine how hard it was for him during all this time protect his family and wake up every day trying to imagine if she found out your secret - But tonight it was only you, and I… I couldn't watch it. I screamed and punched and tried everything I could, but she never stopped. I wanted to die looking at you like that. I was losing a part of me that would never be mine again as you died in her arms.

-I'm here, Rhys. You are here. We are together and I'll never leave your side again, do you hear me? - You pull his head out of your neck and hold him in place, caressing his cheeks as you kiss his forehead, forcing your tears to not leave your eyes - You are the most amazing person I ever met and you did everything you could to protect everyone in your Court, especially your family. And we are here, we are safe. You did it, Rhys. You saved us.

You continue to shower him with affection, kissing his forehead, his cheeks, and his neck, leaving a trail of adoration in your way. Your words flow freely, a confession of love that spills from your heart without hesitation, your necessity of making him feel better makes you not process the words that you were saying.

-You are the bravest person I know, Rhysand. Your strength, your resilience, it leaves me in awe. You have faced unimaginable things and still managed to find light in the world, to find strength for your Court and keep working with and for us everyday. Your kindness, your compassion, your fierce loyalty to those you love. It's what draws me to you, what makes me love you so deeply.

With every word, you see a hint of ease in his eyes, a reminder that he is not alone, that you are there for him, heart and soul. Time seems to blur as you continue to pour your heart out, naming every little thing about him that captivates you - the way his eyes light up when he smiles, the sound of his laughter that brings joy to your heart, the way he stands tall and proud, a protector of his people and his land.

-You are the most beautiful soul I've ever encountered, Rhysand. You deserve all the love and happiness in the world, and I promise to stand by your side, to cherish you and hold you close, no matter what challenges come our way from now on. 

As you speak, you notice the mist around you beginning to dissipate, a sign that Rhysand's powers are regaining control. The storm in his mind starts to settle, and he clings to you with newfound strength.

-I love you so much - He finally whispers, his voice raw with emotion. Your smile is sad, the meaning of his phrase is not the one you wish him to say, or at least that's what you tell yourself, not wanting to give yourself any kind of hope or have weird thoughts during such a delicate time.

-I love you too, with all that I am - You reply, pressing a gentle kiss to the tip of his nose - And I will never stop loving you.

The next morning, as the first rays of dawn gently filter through the window, you find yourself waking up in Rhysand's warm embrace. His arms are wrapped securely around you, as if he never wants to let go. You don't even remember the moment you drifted to sleep, and once you realize what happened you try to slip out of bed, but he stirs awake, his eyes finding yours with a soft smile.

-Where do you think you're going? - He playfully asks, his voice laced with affection - You're not getting away from me that easily. You said you were going to be with me every time, and I'll take advantage of it.

He tightens his hold, pulling you back into the cozy cocoon of blankets, and you find yourself giggling at his antics. You settle back into his embrace, relishing the feeling of being so close to him, even if just for a moment, just for one day until he feels better.

-I love waking up next to you - He confesses, brushing a gentle kiss against your forehead - I might want this everyday, do you think you can move your things to my room until sleep time or do we need to ask the House? - As if listening to the High Lord, three boxes filled with decorations that adorned your room appear on the floor, making you turn to Rhysand with a shocked face.

-Seriously? - You raise up an eyebrow and he just shrugged, a smile threatening to grow on his lips.

-I want you to know that I appreciate everything you've done for me. You are helping me heal from everything that happened Under the Mountain in a way I never thought possible, in ways you can't even imagine. With you, I feel safe and understood. You see me for who I truly am, and you accept all parts of me, even the broken ones. Maybe you can even fix me - His words warm your heart, and you can't help but feel overwhelmed and hopeful by the depth of his feelings. It's evident that your love and support mean the world to him.

-You don't need to be fixed, Rhys - You assure him gently - You are already whole, and I love every single part of you, scars and all - He smiles gratefully, his fingers gently tracing patterns on your back.

-I can't promise that I won't have difficult moments, but I promise to always share them with you - He says suddenly, making you frown a little - You've shown me what it means to truly love and be loved, and I want to share my life with you, every moment, every joy, and every sorrow.

-Are you saying…? - You lose track of thought as his eyes warm up with love to you.

-I meant what I said last night. I love you. And losing you, even if just in dreams, was one of the worst experiences I ever went through - He gets closer to you, his nose almost touching yours - It made me realize that all those years I spent warming up to you was a waste of time. Time I should've spent with you - Your heart swells with love for him, knowing the strength it takes to open up and be vulnerable. You cup his face in your hands, gazing into his eyes with unwavering affection.

-I will wait for you, Rhys. For as long as it takes. Your love is worth every moment of patience. I'll be here to support you, to lift you up when you need it, and to stand by your side for whatever happens. I also meant every word. You are part of my every being and you are already tied to my soul - He leans in, his lips meeting yours in a tender kiss, conveying all the emotions he struggles to put into words. As he kisses you a feeling in your chest tightens up, the mating bond making itself recognized between you.

He separates himself from you only to check if you feel the same, the shock in your face is enough for him to laugh and hug you, before kissing you again and sharing his tears of happiness, the feeling shaking the bond that tied you together. 

In the days that follow, your bond with Rhysand grows deeper. You spend time together, from you helping him even more during his work time to cooking with him on nights where the Inner Circle didn't appear in your home, but also creating quiet moments of intimacy where you simply cherish each other's presence from sitting in the balcony to watch Velaris during sleepless nights to reading a book while he played with your hair - or the other way around.

Healing is a journey, and you walk alongside him, hand in hand. With each passing day, Rhysand opens up a little more, revealing his fears and hopes, and you listen with unwavering support. You both find comfort in knowing that you have each other to lean on.

As every night falls, you continue to share a bed, finding solace in the closeness and vulnerability it allows. Together, you create a safe haven where you can both be your true selves, no masks or pretenses needed. In those quiet moments before sleep, as you curl up in each other's arms, you feel the weight of his love, and you know you are exactly where you belong. You have found your home in each other, and the bond you share only grows stronger with time. And so, you wait for him with a heart full of love and patience, knowing that he is worth every moment of the journey. 

I like to imagine confident characters because THIS would be me if I had a chance, at least 1 year by your side until I decide to make a move

The Wall and the Flower

This is the kind of stuff I thirst over... just soft love... please someone hold me.....

Also, I'd like to add, as an Ace person, this is actually my fantasy hehe.

As y'all know, comments and feedback are always appreciated.

Fic Length: 1,094 Words.

Pairing: Azriel x Reader.

Warnings: None, I think? This is tooth-rotting-fucking-fluff (no fucking, fucking was used just as a curse word, you heathens).

You walked beside Azriel down the street in the artist’s quarter of Velaris, the pair of you enjoying each other’s company as the warm summer sun slowly set in the horizon.

After the long day you’d had enjoying yourselves- along with Azriel’s family- in one of the Night Court’s beaches, one would think that you would both be too tired to walk, sick of each other’s presence after spending the whole day together.

Anyone who assumed so would be wrong.

Azriel had purposely winnowed a few streets over from your cosy little apartment, the one that sat atop the small book store you owned, eager to stay in your company a little more and not even trying to hide it.

It was charming, but hardly surprising for the male to do: He’d done similar things from the moment you bumped into each other, nearly a year ago, and the mating bond had snapped into place in your chests.

He’d walk you home after dates, taking the long way around, never offering to fly or winnow you back, just to make your moments together a little longer and somehow, you were captivated every time.

“Thank you for inviting me to go with you guys today, I know it was a family day for you. And thank you for walking me home too.” You smiled at the tall male and then quickly looked away, squeezing the hand that had wrapped itself around yours for a way to let out your affection.

“S’nothing.” The Shadowsinger shrugged, but glancing at him, you could tell your words had some kind of effect by the way that his wings ruffled, the way his shadows moved just a little faster around his shoulders. “Besides, they all want you to be there, they want to know you better.”

And he wanted you to know them better too, wanted you to like his family and wanted them to like you almost as much as he did-and they already did. It was one of the reasons he’d insisted courting you instead of just accepting the mating bond: he wanted you to like his family, yes, but he also wanted to be your choice, wanted you to fall in love with him the way he’d been falling for you from the moment you’d met.

“And walking you home is never any trouble; besides, I wanted to have you alone for a few moments.” Azriel concluded, his voice gentle, as it always seemed to be with you.

You found yourself giggling, your cheeks feeling hot as you averted your gaze from his once more. “Scandalous, Spymaster.”

Azriel floundered.

Not because your comment was particularly intellectual or anything of the like, but because it was you, teasing him, giggling at him, when just about a year ago you could barely look at him in your shyness, when just six months ago you still had trouble looking him in the eyes, when just four months ago, you had to build your courage to tease him at all.

Now the teasing came more and more often- not enough to be frequent, to Azriel’s dismay- and often accompanied by melodic laughs or giggles that you hid under a timid hand, but the male had hopes that he would get you to lower your hand someday, would convince you to let him see your smile in full, and he’d be floored, absolutely bowled over by you in your entirety- more so than he already was, that is.

The pair of you came to a stop as you neared your doorstep.

“This is me.” You announced, even though he knew where you lived well enough by now, had frequented your book store and your kitchen and your sofa often enough that announcing your place seemed not only redundant, but silly, too.

Still, Azriel indulged you. “This is you.” He confirmed, allowing for his disappointment to shine through his voice, mirroring yours.

Because he knew how anxious, how stuck in your head, you could get when you thought your feelings weren’t reciprocated, when you though you were seeing things that weren’t there.

Azriel watched as a frown developed between your brows, watched as your teeth poked out to sink into your lower lip as you ruminated about something, over and over, in your head.

The male let go of your hand, moving his own so that it was pressing on your shoulder instead, his thumb grazing your neck in an encouraging touch.

He watched, feeling proud, as determination slowly bloomed in your features, as you nodded to yourself, coming to some kind of decision.

And then he had an armful of you, your lips crashing against his in a chaste, gentle kiss.

And it was- for a lack of a better word- magical.

This wasn’t your first kiss, not by far. Azriel had first kissed you about two months ago, hesitant and innocent, and he’d done it sparingly in the days that followed, too, always gentle, always considerate.

But this was the first kiss you initiated, and that made it special.

Azriel sighed against your closed lips, feeling your lashes tickling his cheeks as they fluttered.

The male moved, wrapping one arm low around your waist and another around your upper back while one your hands moved to his shoulders, neither pulling him in or pushing him away, simply fisting his shirt tightly instead.

Your other hand moved to his nape, gently playing with the hairs there in a way that had Azriel groaning against you.

Much too soon for Azriel’s tastes, you pulled back, which had the male following after you- not to keep kissing, he’d never do something like that if you wanted to stop- but because being even those centimetres away from you felt impossible; the male needed his forehead touching yours, needed to feel your breathless breaths against his cheeks in the same way he needed oxygen to live.

Azriel watched, enamoured, as you licked your lips, avoiding his gaze as if looking at him would hurt you.

“I… um…” You started, cutting yourself off completely when Azriel’s hand came up to move a lock of hair behind your ear.

“Yes?” Azriel prompted, absolutely okay with the fact that he too, sounded breathless, absolutely wrecked just by kissing you.

“Do you want to come inside?” You asked, hesitant. “We could read a book, cuddle…”

The warmth in Azriel’s chest, the one that always burned when he was around you, when he simply just thought of you, expanded, blooming throughout his whole body.

“I’d love nothing more.” He promised gently.

You can write a story in which Lucien braids the reader's hair or if you want it can be the other way around. Thank you!😊

THIS IS SO SWEET I DON'T KNOW HOW TO REACT 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Don't ask me, but in my mind, if Elriel is endgame automatically SJM needs to give Azriel a mate and then make her date Lucien, it's just fair

It is what it is

Lucien baby, I just live love laugh him, there's no further explanation

This is quick, this is cute, and I think is enough to warm my heart

What Makes You Beautiful

You and Lucien had been dating for quite some time now, you were one of the only people in Velaris (or in whole Prythian, if you were being honest) who was open to receive and storage mails that came from the Human Lands. With that, you were Lucien's only font of communication with his friends from the Band of Exiles. Months went by with your encounters with him. The quick interactions suddenly became full conversations about something until it became a date invite.

That's how everything went until this evening, when you sat together under the sun of the Day Court in one of the palace's balconies as you gently began to braid Lucien's long, fiery locks. He leaned back in your lap, his heart warm with affection, as he let himself feel your skilled hands weaving through his hair.

-I've always loved doing this on my own. My mom was from Day and she spent all her last days teaching me how to do every hairstyle - You said softly, your eyes finding his when he opened them to look at you - But doing it for you makes it even more special.

-I want to learn more about the things you love - Lucien smiled, his eyes sparkling with gratitude.

-Is it so important to you? - You asked with a laugh, focusing more on making his hair look pretty for today's party. He would soon be officially crowned Heir to Day Court and asked you to braid his hair in one of the many traditional hairstyles from his father's culture.

-It's important to me because you are important to me - His mechanical eye sparkled in the sunlight and you felt your cheeks blushing, gently slapping his shoulder to make him stop looking at you.

-Your father said that the Inner Circle will come - You said as you finished tying the last braid, before starting to style it.

-Hm, I know. So? - He asked with a sleepy voice, your hands in his hair making wonders to calm down his nerves.

-Elain will be here - He opened his good eye at you, raising his eyebrow.

-Azriel too - He teased and received another slap, stronger than the last one.

-Well, I never tried to courtship him - You finished the style and began decorating it with some pendants and hair pieces, leaving space for the crown he would have to put after.

-He's still your mate - He understood your insecurities, knowing that his bond with Elain made you uncertain about your future together. Especially when your relationship with Azriel was a complete failure and his own with Elain wasn't so bad anymore.

-I literally ran away from him when the bond snapped - He laughed at that, clearly remembering the day you simply ran from your own store - Bonus points that he didn't follow me.

-My heart may be bound to Elain by fate, but you, my dear, have captured it completely. You are the one who makes me feel alive and cherished, and I cannot imagine a life without you - He grabbed one of your hands and kissed your wrist, looking at you with the biggest heart eyes you ever saw.

-You are a flirt, Lucien. I hope you know that - He laughed when you snapped away your hand, giving his hair the final touches.

-I do, that's how you ended up with me - You rolled your eyes but didn't answer, recognizing his effort.

He kept rambling about the uniqueness of your love, something that surpassed any predetermined destiny or something like that, you wouldn't be the one to stop him from praising you. He vowed to be there for you, to cherish you, and to prove his devotion every day. Not that he didn't do that already, but it was still nice to reinforce.

-Done, now you can put on your clothes while I'll work on myself - He gently rose from your lap and looked at his reflection in the hand mirror you gave him.

-I'm glad you liked it - You tried to say between the quick kisses he gave you, making you laugh at his insistence.

-You are a talent, my love. What would I do without my High Lady? - He turned around and kissed you, his lips dancing around yours as tried your best to not touch his hair.

-Now turn around, I want to try it too - He kissed your neck a dozen times before running behind you, making you sit between his legs.

-Wait, what? - He shut you up, by undoing the quick braid you did in the morning, smoothing it down with his fingers.

-I want to try braiding your hair, too. It's not just a symbol of your love for me, but that's my way to say that I will stay with you, no matter what - He started brushing your hair gently, something he already did on a daily basis before you went to bed - It's something important to you, I think I should learn.

-I hope you know I love you very much - You turned around to face him, his expression softening as he looked at you with affection and hope.

-I love you too - He kissed your forehead before turning your head back at the outside of the window - Now guide me through this, what should I do?