Reborn

Next move

(AN - sorry about the wait!)

It had been a week. An entire week since I had left the Spring Court, since I had come home. I'd spent the time reading and hanging around lazily with Azriel. I think Sandy was letting him stay as opposed to sending him off to spy – a holiday of sorts – though I'm not quite sure why. Not that I'm complaining of course.

Elaine had spent most of the time in the garden, while Sandy and Feyre spent time in the Court of Nightmares with Mor, sorting out the politics of recovering from war, probably trying to appease the Court from declaring war randomly, considering Keir's thirst for power. Nesta and Cassian had gone or shall I say, remained, at the Illyrian War camps, leaving Az and myself practically alone at the cottage.

It was nice. We spent a lot of the time in comfortable silence, moving around and with one another as though we fit perfectly. We spoke about the most inane things, it almost felt normal, or what I imagine normal is. We went for a walk at least once a day, just to get out and explore a little, wandering with no destination in sight. It was perfect. And all I can think is that this might be what my life is like now, that this comfortable pace I have with Azriel might mean that I'm ready for more. Maybe.

I look over to him as I lounge on the comfy chair, my book hanging over my face, somewhat lose in my hands. His dark hair falling over his eyes making me stifle a giggle. As I do that of course I let go of the book, making it crash into my face unexpectedly. "Oomph."

A booming laugh comes from Azriel making me pick up the book and glare at him half-heartedly. "It's not funny, I lost my page" I grumble, pouting slightly, making him laugh even more. He gets up and makes his way over to me from the other side of the small room, grabbing the book from my hands and placing his hand under my chin, making me look back up at him. A smirk is plastered on his face as his hair flops lazily into his eyes, making me hold back another giggle. I tentatively lift my hand up brushing the hair away as best I can. "Don't pout." He says, rubbing his thumb over my lips. I smile and let go of his hair, "I think you need a hair-cut."

"Hmm." He responds distractedly as he moves closer, placing the book on the floor. I furrow my brows and glance down to where he placed the book, grumbling under my breath about having to figure out what page I was on.

When I look back up to Az, who I'm sure is closer than he was a second ago, I see a huge grin on his face, making his small dimples appear on his cheeks through the shadows floating around the two of us. He has a thoughtful look in his eyes, as though he can't find the right words for what he wants to tell me. I softly smile back to him and take it into my own hands. I lean forward, my hand coming to rest on the back of his neck, tangling my fingers in his short curls, and placing my lips on his.

Not entirely sure what to do next, but proud of myself for making the first move, I wait to see what Az does. I don't have to wait to long as his grip on me tightens slightly, yet his touch still remains soft, as if to reassure me that if I want this to stop it can. I subconsciously move closer to him, sitting up slightly as one of his hands grabs my waist. We move deeper into the kiss, as though we can't get enough of one another – a very astute observation. I feel the shadows caressing my skin as his hands remain in their place. My grip on his hair tightens as I gasp a little needing air. He pulls back for a split second and looks at me, as though asking for permission. I send him a small nod my eyes having opened and not left his. This time he places his lips on mine, our eyes closing in sync, moving me so that he is sat on the chair and I am perched on him, continuing the kiss and wrapping me in his large Illyrian wings. I get sucked up in Azriel. I can think of nothing but him, of the happiness he makes me feel, how he makes me feel like I'm home.

Suddenly there's a loud bang, "We're back!" a shout rings in the cottage. All of a sudden we pull apart and he is somehow standing in front of me, still on the chair, his wings flaring as though to hide me. Azriel had switched our positions before I fully understood what was happening.

I realise then that the voice is only Cassian but Az doesn't make to move from his defensive position. I lift my hand and place it on his back, trying to avoid his sensitive wings but unable to reach his arm. Without saying a word he gradually lowers his wings and reaches back to grab my hand, caressing the back of it as he removes it from his back and squeezes before letting go.

"Well isn't this a pretty picture." Cassian says cockily, smirking, his eyes alight with mischief along with understanding and longing, confusing me slightly. I stand up and walk around Az.

"Not with you in it it isn't." I reply, giving him a smirk of my own as I pick up my book and make a move to leave the room, presuming that Nesta is outside with Elaine. Cass raises an eyebrow at me in mock shock and Az laughs at my response.

"Page 529."

"Thankyou!" I call out as I leave the room, heading upstairs to continue readingundisturbed with a huge smile on my face, my hand coming up to my lips and ablush coating my cheeks.