Cassian - Tumblr Posts - Page 2
A City of Dreamers [Part One]
![A City Of Dreamers [Part One]](https://64.media.tumblr.com/9ac14daefdba39922646b907e3300d82/5d4ad5c5017e381c-76/s500x750/8ad56c1765ff4604a231390ada92514c284f6ac7.gif)
Series Summary: ModernAU of ACOTAR, Azriel breaks away from the small town of Windhaven to escape his toxic family and chase his dreams with his newfound family. Leaving behind his small-town life for new ventures in Velaris.
[Part One]{Part Two]
Work Count: 1.5K
Trigger warnings: Tabaco use and trauma mentioned, I think that's it!
Another night, another nightmare. Azriel awoke to the gentle sunlight creeping through his window, emitting a small groan as he stretched amidst the boxes littering his bedroom, remnants of his recent move taking a toll on him. Another task he needed to complete to a list that already seemed endless.
Three years prior, Rhysand, fresh out of university, pitched the idea of starting a tech company called ‘Night Corp.’ Rhysand’s father, a real estate mogul, agreed to fund the venture under the condition it operated in Velaris. As the company prospered, they moved into an apartment closer to work.
The company ‘Night Corp’ is the biggest in technology. Booming after a year of the three of the ‘brothers’ working eighty-hour weeks. Azriel running the programming and hardware side. Cassian working on management and dealing with the paperwork. While Rhysand was the face, he made sure to bring in the investors and funding. Over time, the company grew larger and larger. Which led to the boys moving into an apartment closer to work.
The apartment boasted amenities, including separate bathrooms and balconies for each room. Azriel found solace in his smoke breaks on the balcony, appreciating the alone time overlooking the city with a faint scent of tobacco in the air. Cassian however would always chastise him for smoking, but old habits are hard to die out.
Struggling with the sleepless nights fueled by long coding sessions and haunting memories, Azriel joined Cassian in the kitchen. Finding Cassian making breakfast and doing a small dance as he jammed out to his booming music.
Azriel moved past him to start his morning coffee, much deserved from the late night he had. Cassian shot him a big grin.
“There’s a boxing gym nearby if you want to check it out with me later today,” Cassian mentioned as he removed his headphones.
Azriel shook his head, his messy dark curls bouncing. “I need to ensure the program is fine for the next big launch. Security reasons” Azriel shrugged. “I’ll check it out later with you some other time.”
Cassian raised a brow. “You know, Az, you don’t have to work yourself to the bone anymore. We’ve got a solid team now. Gone are the days of us slaving away in Rhys’ mom’s basement. Remember, you hired the best from Velaris Tech. Let them shoulder some of the load.”
Azriel shrugged, pouring his coffee and taking a sip. “I’ll think about it”
It’s true, that Azriel did seek out some of the best programmers for the business. A business that started in a business that now had several major buildings around Prythian. While Velaris remains to be headquarters.
Rhysand, already at the office, tasked Mor, who was already busy as the marketing director, to find him a personal assistant. Signaling the start of yet another busy day at Night Corp.
*****
In an apartment two doors down from the boys lived Feyre and Y/n. Childhood best friends who grew up in a small town together that later reconnected. Both of them had faced their challenges.
Feyre is one of three sisters. The oldest was Nesta a famous ballet dancer, one of the best in all of Prythian who frequently traveled, rarely visited unless for the holidays. The middle child, Elaine, worked as a florist in the Springs. However, she did visit more frequently than Nesta. Feyre was the youngest and unfortunately, her father already exhausted most of his income on his other two daughters, leaving Feyre to figure her life out on her own.
Feyre never was able to go to college unless she wanted copious amounts of debt. Though her artwork was enough to pay for rent, her income wasn’t stable enough. Some months were better than others, leaving Feyre in the middle of applying for a position as a personal assistant, there was no guarantee she would even get an interview without a degree. She was still going to give it her best shot. The job paid well enough that she could start saving up for her studio and be able to pay rent.
Y/n on the other hand, inherited her parents' coffee shop. After they had passed away, left her with nothing but the deed to a business that she never knew her folks owned. Y/n spent her days tirelessly researching how to even run a business and while sorting through her emotions of losing her parents- cleaned up the place. From time to time Feyre would come and help. Painting the walls, even including a beautiful mural of the Sidra River on one of the walls. After a year of opening the business, the income was stable enough that she could hire a full staff.
The coffee house was unique in a way that instead of being open in the early hours of the morning, the cafe would instead be open late into the night. Allowing night owls like herself to feel the comfort of a good cup of coffee.
It was late afternoon when y/n woke up, she had worked a double late night shift after one of her managers called out. Climbing out of bed, groggy, hoping that her staff could handle the shipment coming in today, reluctantly checked her phone. Finding no calls from the afternoon staff, she considered it to be a small success, a small smile appeared on her face before walking into the living room to find Feyre on her ancient laptop typing away at her resume.
“Morning” Feyre murmured with her brows furrowed in concentration as she slowly typed away.
“Morning. Didn’t Tamlin get you the latest model from Night Corp?” y/n murmured sleepily. Taking a spot next to Feyre on the couch.
“He did, but…” A deep sigh escaped Feyre’s lips “We broke up” she reluctantly met y/n gaze. “He proposed and I said no…” her face showed regret as she didn’t meet y/n’s curious glance.
Y/n gazed at her, a look of pity for her friend on her face as she leaned her head onto Feyre’s shoulder. “I’m sorry Feyre. What made you turn him down?”
“Funny thing is, Tam wanted a traditional housewife. Someone to plan parties, wear fancy dresses, and be pampered” Feyre explained, her tone tinged with sadness. “That’s just not me, I need room to grow. He was kind, but I think I really hurt him y/n” She shook off the sadness and continued with determination “So, I’m applying to Night Corp for a personal assistant position. How hard could it be?”
“I’m here for you if you need anything…with the whole Tamlin situation. But I have to say, I’m proud of you for coming to that conclusion about what you want in life. That wasn’t an easy decision I’m sure.” Y/n gave her a soft smile before laughing softly. “You? Applying to a tech company, Feyre you had to ask me the other day how to download an app on your phone. Feyre you still use BuzzFeed!” Feyre playfully nudged y/n.
“Buzzfeed will always have a special place in my heart, how else am I supposed to know what kind of pizza my zodiac sign is?” Feyre said with a chuckle “But seriously, the job pays well, and it can’t be that challenging, right? Plus, they’re on the rise. Word on the street is that their main office has a slide! How cool is that?”
“I wish you the best of luck, I know you would nail that interview” Y/n grinned before getting up to get ready for her shift. “I have to be in early today, to help with the truck order. Let me know if you get a call from them, we can go celebrate!” Feyre gave a warm smile before slowly typing away at her cover letter. Feyre was absolutely awful with anything technology-based.
After an hour of getting ready, y/n waved goodbye to Feyre and headed out the door. Locking the door to the apartment and heading down the hallway. Scrolling through her phone she bumped into someone.
“Sorry,” she stammered before peering up at the man before her. Dark raven black hair with a slight curl that almost covered his eyes, a black face mask that hid most of his face, and hazel eyes that resembled burnt honey. He was beautiful, a classically handsome man. The man peered down at her roughly a whole foot taller and said in a voice that was so deep it sounded sinful.
“You’re alright,” he murmured before gliding past her down the hallway back to his apartment. The sultry voice sent shivers down her spine. A blush had warmed her cheeks before she made her way to the elevator, their brief encounter replaying in her mind. Seemingly hypnotized by the deep voice, a melody she deeply wanted to hear again.
Azriel returning from his run, sliding in the front door of the shared apartment, couldn’t shake the comforting scent of vanilla and coffee the girl exuded.
The Price of Protection- Cassian x Fem!Reader one shot
Warnings: No happy end. Angst
Summary: When a looming threat endangers her mission and the lives of thousands at risk, y/n is forced to lie to her beloved to protect him. As Cassian faces her growing emotional distance and deceit, he grapples with the pain of betrayal and the burden of her hidden sacrifice.
Y/n's life was never an easy one. Born to a barely there mother and a nonexistent father in the Court of Nightmares, she endured and witnessed the horrors that came with being a part of such a place. The Court was a realm steeped in shadows and cruelty, where survival often meant navigating a landscape of constant danger and manipulation. From a young age, y/n learned to guard her emotions and trust sparingly, traits that were as vital as her ability to navigate the treacherous politics of her surroundings.
Her mother’s presence was a mere whisper in the background, leaving y/n to fend for herself amidst the ruthless environment. The Court's atmosphere was one of constant strife and fear, where the games of power played by those in authority were unforgiving. The lack of a stable family structure only heightened her sense of isolation, making every victory and setback a solitary experience.
Despite the harsh conditions, y/n's resilience shone through. She found a path forward not by succumbing to the darkness around her but by using it to fuel her own drive. Her sharp intellect and strategic mind allowed her to rise above the turmoil, catching the eye of those who recognized her potential and offered her opportunities beyond the Court's suffocating grip. It was through these opportunities that she managed to distance herself from her past, slowly carving out a role in the Night Court that leveraged her hard-earned skills and determination.
Y/N's transition from the Court of Nightmares to the Night Court was a painstaking journey, but it was within the Night Court that she encountered Cassian. Their first meeting had been marked by an unexpected clash of wills and perspectives. Y/N, in her role as a diplomatic liaison, was tasked with negotiating delicate agreements, while Cassian, with his commanding presence and warrior’s instinct, was often involved in the security aspects of the court. Their paths crossed during a particularly tense diplomatic event, where their differing approaches initially created friction.
However, over time, their mutual respect began to bridge the gap between them. Cassian admired Y/N's intelligence and unwavering determination, while she found solace in his strength and steadfastness. Their interactions, once marked by professional courtesy, evolved into a deep and transformative relationship. Each day, they helped mend the scars left by their pasts—Cassian offering a sense of safety and acceptance Y/N had rarely known, and Y/N providing Cassian with a perspective that complemented his own, a balm to his more battle-worn experiences.
For Y/N, Cassian was a revelation. His presence was both commanding and comforting, a stark contrast to the cold, ruthless environment of the Court of Nightmares. She found solace in his straightforwardness and the way he seemed to understand her unspoken fears. The strength he exuded wasn’t just physical but emotional, offering a sense of stability that she had longed for. His unwavering support helped her shed the armor she had built over the years, revealing a vulnerability she had kept hidden for so long.
Their relationship blossomed in the spaces between their shared duties and personal moments. Quiet evenings spent discussing their day, gentle encouragements, and the occasional playful banter became the highlights of their time together. They supported each other through the demanding nature of their roles, with Cassian often finding respite in Y/N’s insightful perspectives and Y/N drawing strength from Cassian’s steadfast loyalty.
Slowly but surely, their bond deepened. They would steal moments of peace from their busy lives—walking through the moonlit streets of the Velaris, sharing unhurried meals, or simply enjoying each other’s company in the solitude of their private quarters. Each day they spent together was a step towards healing, a reminder that despite their tumultuous pasts, they could find joy and solace in each other.
It was during one of these quiet moments, as they sat together in the soft glow of the evening, that y/n began to feel the full weight of her dual existence. The laughter they shared and the affection they displayed were genuine, but they were also tinged with a sense of impending challenge. y/n was acutely aware that her carefully maintained balance was about to be tested.
Her secret was a mission so covert that its revelation would endanger not just her life but the stability of the entire realm. Unbeknownst to anyone in the Night Court, y/n was part of an underground network dedicated to countering a covert, sinister plot orchestrated by an enemy faction. The supporters of the king of Hybern. This faction sought to destabilize the Night Court by sowing discord and manipulating key figures from the shadows. Y/N's involvement required her to gather intelligence, disrupt covert operations, and ensure that the enemy’s plans remained thwarted.
Her mission involved infiltrating various circles and manipulating events without revealing her true allegiance. She had taken measures to ensure that her role in this shadowy endeavor was completely obscured, even from those she cared about. The weight of this secrecy was immense; it required her to maintain a facade of normalcy and trustworthiness while orchestrating actions that could shift the balance of power within the realm. Y/n's ability to manage this dual life was crucial not only for the success of her mission but for her own survival, making each day a careful balancing act between her public persona and her hidden responsibilities.
The more she grew close to Cassian, the harder it became to maintain this secret. The weight of her hidden mission, coupled with her growing love for him, created an inner turmoil that she struggled to keep in check. She was determined to shield him from the dangerous reality she was entangled in, even if it meant carrying the burden of her secret alone.
As they continued to build their life together, Y/N was haunted by the knowledge that her mission could one day force her to make choices that would impact their relationship in ways she could scarcely imagine. The deeper their bond grew, the more complex the challenge of keeping her secret became, making each day a delicate balancing act between the life she shared with Cassian and the covert world she navigated in silence.
"You have to cut your ties with him and you know it."
Y/n switched her gaze from the wall she had been staring at for who know's how long and looked at the male standing in front of her. The harsh lines of his face were illuminated by the flickering light of a solitary candle, casting shadows that seemed to deepen the severity of his words. His eyes, cold and unyielding, bore into her with an intensity that left no room for argument.
“What are you suggesting?” Y/N’s voice was steadier than she felt, betraying none of the turmoil churning within her. Her hands, clenched at her sides, were the only sign of her internal struggle.
The male’s-Bram's- lips curved into a grim, humorless smile. “You know exactly what I’m suggesting. The mission’s success depends on it. If Cassian remains in your life, he could jeopardize everything. You’ve seen the threats. The enemy is watching, waiting for any sign of vulnerability.”
Y/N’s heart clenched at the thought of severing her connection with Cassian. The idea was more than just painful—it was unthinkable. They had built a life together, one filled with genuine affection and mutual support. To betray that, to lie to him in such a fundamental way, felt like tearing apart a piece of her very soul.
“He’s not just some distraction,” Y/N said, her voice strained. “He’s… he’s important to me.”
Bram's gaze remained unsoftened, his tone unyielding. “Personal attachments are a luxury you can’t afford right now. If the enemy discovers the extent of your relationship, they will use it against us. The stakes are too high. You need to be pragmatic about this.”
Y/N turned away, staring at the cold stone walls of the room as if they could offer her solace or answers. The weight of the decision pressed down on her, threatening to crush her under its enormity. Her mind raced through the possibilities, the potential consequences of revealing her true role or abandoning her mission.
"And what should I do? Do you expect me to just lie to him and break his heart?"
Bram gave her a cold, insincere smile as he said, "Yes."
“What if I can protect him without ending things?” she asked, desperation lacing her words. “There must be another way.”
Bram shook his head, his expression resolute. “There isn’t. You know that. It’s either your relationship or the mission. You can’t have both without endangering everything you’ve worked for. If he or anyone else finds out- everything we worked for will turn into dust. This is an underground battle that doesn't need to be brought into light. If the high lord finds out, thousands of lives could be at risk."
"No, I can- I can make him swear to secrecy! I can-"
Bram got up from his chair. "Do you know, that they have a secret weapon. And apparently some powerfully bred creatures. My other spies tell me the weapon is so unique, never seen before, with the most unusual powers that no one knows what it can even do. So if anyone outside this organization finds out, how easy do you think it would be for them to just let their weapons out into the world?"
The silence that followed was heavy and oppressive. Y/N struggled to reconcile the demands of her covert mission with the reality of her relationship with Cassian. The two worlds she had worked so hard to keep separate were colliding, and the fallout promised to be devastating.
Finally, she met Bram's gaze again, her expression a mask of resigned determination. “I understand,” she said quietly. “I’ll do what needs to be done.”
As she left the warehouse in the middle of nowhere, y/n thought over and over about how she would end things with Cassian. She had made sacrifices throughout her short but eventful life, not having any remorse for the things she had done. No one had any remorse for her growing up, so why should she ever feel bad whenever she took lives that deserved it?
But this...this was different. The pain of loosing Cassian was too much. She loved him dearly and would rather kill herself than allow this to happen to him. He deserves better. So, so much better.
It's for his own good. For the good of the realms. You can't have him or anyone else killed.
But the pain was unbearable, worsened by the fact that Cassian was not just her beloved, but her mate. She found out about it only two nights ago when she watched him train. Y/n was shocked, happy but most of all, sad. Because she knew it could never last long. Perhaps it was a good thing that he hadn't yet felt the bond because it would make this a little easier.
When she reached the house, he paused in the doorway, her fingers grazing the cold metal handle, her heart aching with the enormity of what she was about to do. Cassian's laughter from a nearby corridor reached her ears, a sound so pure and unburdened that it felt like a cruel contrast to the turmoil roiling within her. She could picture him now—his face alight with the genuine joy and warmth that had drawn her to him in the first place.
Taking a deep breath, Y/N steeled herself. She needed to approach this with the same calm resolve she applied to every diplomatic negotiation, every covert operation. But this was different. This wasn’t about maintaining balance between political factions; this was about unraveling a personal thread that had become crucial to her very sense of self.
As she walked through the hallways toward their shared quarters, every step felt heavier than the last. Memories of their shared moments—quiet talks under the stars, warm embraces, and their laughter echoing through the place—flashed through her mind like a montage of what could have been. The sense of loss was almost unbearable, and she fought to keep her expression composed, her emotions firmly in check.
She reached their door and hesitated before pushing it open. Inside, Cassian was lounging on the sofa, a book open in his lap, his expression relaxed and content. He looked up as the door opened, and his smile, so easy and genuine, faltered for a moment when he saw the look on Y/N's face.
“Hey,” he greeted softly, setting the book aside. “Everything okay?”
Y/N’s heart twisted at the concern in his voice. She could see the love and trust in his eyes, and it made the weight of her decision even more crushing. “Cassian,” she said, her voice cold and controlled, devoid of the warmth that once came so easily. “We need to talk.”
Cassian’s expression shifted to one of concern as he stood and moved toward her. “What’s wrong?”
Her heart was pounding but she managed to keep her mask of indifference as y/n said, "I am leaving."
Cassian’s eyes searched hers, confusion beginning to show. "Wha- I don't understand. You're leaving? Why?"
Now came the hardest bit. Y/n opened her mouth and said the worst thing, the only thing she never wanted to tell him because it was all a lie.
Y/n’s gaze remained detached, her heart aching as she spoke the words she had dreaded. “Because I’ve realized that I no longer have any feelings for you. My priorities have changed, and it’s become clear that staying in this relationship isn’t right for either of us.”
The impact of her words was immediate and devastating. Cassian’s face fell, his shock and pain evident. “You’re saying you don’t love me anymore? That’s why you’re leaving?”
“Yes,” Y/N replied coldly. “I’ve been unfaithful. I’ve been involved with someone else, and it’s clear to me now that our relationship was built on illusions. It’s better for both of us if we end things now, before more harm is done.”
Cassian’s face was a mask of disbelief and hurt. “Unfaithful? And you didn’t even tell me? You’ve been lying to me this entire time?”
Y/N’s heart clenched at the pain in his voice, but she forced herself to maintain her composure. “I’m sorry. I’ve made my decision. I need to move on to a new place, start anew. This is the end of our relationship.”
Cassian's eyes were wide with disbelief as his hand threaded through his hair. "Are you serious? You truly cheated on me?!"
When y/n didn't reply, Cassian came towards her, his eyes full with unshed tears and devastation. "Please, my love, tell me this is a joke. Tell me it's not real."
Y/n forced her voice to stay cold as she said, "No, it's not a joke."
At that moment, she saw how Cassian's expression changed from one of pleading to one of anger and disbelief as his voice too, grew detached.
"I guess I was really the stupid one all this time. Stupid for falling for you even though you used me for your needs."
She forced a laugh and moved past him, pretending not to be affected even though her whole body was shaking. "Believe it or not Cas, you aren't the most wanted male in the world. It was nice to have you to distract myself for a little while but I don't need you anymore."
When she turned around, it pained her, crushed her, to see him regard her with such disgust, such anger. He was clearly holding his rage in, waiting for her to leave. But this was for the best.
His voice like cool ice echoed through the room as he said. "Get your things and get the hell out of here. Pray to the mother that I won't ever see you again because y/n believe me if I do, I won't be as nice as I am now."
And without giving her a chance to reply, he spread out his wings and flew out of the house, leaving her to cry her heart out as she packed her things.
By the time Cassian had come back, y/n was long gone, no trace of her remaining.
They were never meant for a happy end, just borrowed time anyway.
Atleast now he would be safe. Atleast now the mission wouldn't be under jeopardy. Atleast he hates her now, that is for his own good right?....right?
But what about her? How many more times will y/n have to make sacrifices for the greater good? When will she get to keep something to herself, at least once?
It seems like never.
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A/n: Thank you for reading this little thing I wrote!!
I'm over this world I need to be in the night court stargazing rn
cassian at the beginning of acosf
Nesta: I need you to convince me not to kill anyone right now
Cassian: There are no books in prison
Nesta: *sighs* Thank you
ACOTAR Incorrect Quotes
1.) Cassian: So, Rhysand. There are rumors going around that you call your tattoos “wing-dings”. Is this true?
Rhysand: uhm, no—
Feyre, walking in the room: Hey look, Rhys! Now we have matching wing-dings!
Rhysand:
Cassian:
Rhysand: I can explain
2.)
Feyre, standing next to a board that says “whore”: There’s only one thing worse than a whore, Nesta
Elain: *peels back a sticker in front of “whore” to reveal “my sister”
Feyre: boom.
Nesta: *gasps* Feyre
Elain: no
BONUS
Rhysand: Hey there, my name is-
Cassian: Batman
Rhysand: shut up, Bartok
Cassian, skipping down the hallway: *waves to Rhysand excitedly*
Feyre:
just saw someone say that they don’t ship elucien cause elain feels uncomfortable aroung lucien, and while i agree she is uncomfortable i don’t believe it’s because of him. I believe elain is uncomfortable with the mating bond and the idea that’s lucien is her mate, bc all that it represents is another choice that’s been taken away from her, another chapter of her life she couldn’t control, but in my vision if elain and lucien met in different circumstances where there was no “obligation” to be together they would have gotten along so well, and be so in love with each other and i really wish they had this chance
this is not a hate post towards elriel it’s only my opinion on someone else’s thoughts