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The hum of Rita’s was a thin mask for twenty years of grief. Laughter and music buzzed around them, a vibrant shield against the weight pressing on their shoulders.
But it couldn’t drown out the silence that lived between the three of them, a silence that had grown louder with each passing year.
Twenty years since Rhysand had vanished under that cursed mountain. Twenty years since his wards had locked them out and kept Velaris safe, and twenty years since the world beyond their borders had been stolen from them.
Cassian tipped his glass back, the burn of the liquor doing little to numb the ache in his chest. Across from him, Azriel sat still as stone, his glass untouched, shadows sluggish around him.
He’d barely spoken all night, and Cassian wasn’t sure if he would. Azriel’s silences had grown heavier over the years, harder to pierce.
Cassian stared into his glass, swirling the amber liquid as if it could give him answers. He’d spent the first few years after Rhysand’s disappearance fighting the suffocating sense of loss with brute force—training harder, drinking more, burying himself in meaningless lovers and fleeting moments of distraction.
But no matter how much he pushed himself, the grief always found its way back in, curling around him like a parasite.
Azriel, though—Azriel had unraveled in a way Cassian hadn’t known was possible .
The first few months had been a blur of frenzied attempts to break through the wards Rhysand had left around Velaris. Az had poured every ounce of his power, every shadow and whisper, into trying to shatter the magic that kept them safe but also kept them from their brother.
He’d screamed himself hoarse, his shadows turning violent and wild, clawing at walls that refused to yield.
Cassian had watched it happen, helpless. Watched as Azriel’s desperation gave way to silence—an eerie, consuming quiet that settled over him like a second skin. The Azriel who remained after that was brittle, barely held together, and Cassian had known he had to step in.
He’d done it before, all those centuries ago when they were young and broken and trying to survive the scraps life had thrown their way. Back then, Azriel had been a boy with haunted eyes and trembling scarred hands, and Cassian had been the one to pull him from the brink, to remind him how to keep breathing.
This time, though, it had felt different. Harder. The years and battles between then and now had left them with scars too deep to fully mend.
The first decade was the worst. They barely spoke about Rhysand, as if saying his name too much would make the pain sharper, more real. Azriel threw himself into work, often disappearing for weeks on end, chasing shadows and whispers that led nowhere.
Cassian had taken to waiting up for him on those nights, pacing the length of their shared space until Az returned, hollow-eyed and exhausted.
And then there was Mor. She was perched on the edge of their booth, legs crossed, one arm draped over the back of the seat. Her wine glass was nearly empty, and her cheeks were flushed with the telltale signs of too much indulgence.
She was laughing—too loud, too sharp —as her gaze flitted over the bar’s patrons. Every so often, she’d nudge Cassian or mutter something about someone who’d caught her eye, her words slurred just enough to show how far gone she was.
Azriel didn’t react to her theatrics. He rarely did anymore, but Cassian noticed the way his shadows curled tighter, a faint sign that he was still tuned into the conversation. Mor noticed too, her gaze flicking toward him briefly before she straightened, flipping her hair over one shoulder.
She wouldn’t push Azriel. She never did. Whatever line existed between them—whatever unspoken rules—they both followed them religiously. Mor never lingered too long, never let her flirtations brush too close to Azriel, and tonight was no different.
“You two are depressing,” she announced suddenly, narrowing her eyes at them. “Come on, this is supposed to be a distraction. Stop sulking.”
“We’re not sulking,” Cassian shot back, though his tone was far too dry to be convincing.
Mor rolled her eyes, sliding out of the booth with a sway. “Fine. I’ll find someone interesting to talk to.” She shot them a flirty smile and sauntered off toward the bar, her hips swaying with deliberate confidence.
Cassian snorted as she strode toward the bar, her hips swaying a little too deliberately. “Think she’ll actually leave with someone tonight?”
“Probably,” Azriel murmured, finally speaking, though his tone lacked any real interest. His gaze stayed fixed on his untouched drink.
Cassian leaned back in his seat, watching Azriel carefully. “You didn’t answer me earlier,” he said softly.
Azriel glanced up, his brows furrowing faintly. “Sorry?”
“You think he’s still out there?”
The question hung in the air, heavier than the noise of the bar or the years of silence between them. Azriel’s fingers tightened slightly around his glass, the only sign of the emotions he kept buried.
“I don’t know,” he said finally, his voice rough. “Does it matter? We can’t reach him.”
“It matters,” Cassian said firmly. “It matters because we haven’t given up. Not completely.”
Azriel’s shadows shifted, coiling tighter around him. He looked at Cassian, his gaze raw, tired. “It’s been twenty years, Cass… Twenty years of this —waiting, hoping, pretending it’s enough.”
After a beat of silence, Cassian straightened, raising his glass. “Let’s drink to Rhys,” he said, his voice firm but quiet.
Azriel’s gaze snapped to him, something dark flickering in his eyes. “To Rhys,” he repeated after a moment, his voice rough, almost reluctant.
They clinked their glasses together, and Cassian downed his drink in one long pull, the alcohol burning its way down. Azriel followed suit, his shadows curling tighter as the liquor hit him.
It didn’t stop there.
Drink after drink appeared on their table, and the edges of the night began to blur. Cassian felt himself loosening, his laughter coming easier, though it was tinged with something raw. Somehow, they’d ended up sitting next to each other, pressed close in the booth, the space between them shrinking with every drink.
Azriel was leaning back on his hands now, his head tipped slightly against the cushioned seat, shadows curling lazily around him like they were drunk too.
His cheeks were flushed, and his usually sharp, steady demeanor was unraveling at the edges. A soft hiccup escaped him, startling them both, and Cassian burst out laughing.
“You’re gone,” Cassian teased, nudging him with his shoulder.
“I’m fine,” Azriel murmured, though his voice was slow and thick, the words slurring at the edges. Another hiccup broke free, and he groaned, letting his head tip back against the seat. “ Okay , maybe not fine.”
Cassian reached for the bright pink drink sitting untouched on the table, holding it up between them with an exaggerated flourish. The glass sparkled under the bar’s dim lights, the sugared rim glittering.
“Alright,” Cassian said, voice low and teasing, “this is what you need. Sweet and fun— just like me. ”
Azriel blinked at the drink, his brow furrowing slightly. “I’m not drinking that,” he murmured, his voice thick and slow, every syllable coated in exhaustion and the weight of too many drinks.
Cassian smirked, leaning closer, their faces nearly level now. “Oh, yes, you are . You’ve got no choice, Az! I’m not letting you leave without trying this masterpiece.”
Azriel groaned softly but didn’t protest when Cassian brought the glass closer. Cassian’s free hand came up, warm and steady as he cradled Azriel’s jaw, tilting it just enough to guide him.
“Open up,” Cass said, his tone softening.. He watched Azriel closely, noting the way his eyes fluttered shut for a moment, the faint flush climbing higher on his cheekbones, a color Cassian was enjoying more than he cared to admit.
Azriel hesitated, lips parting just slightly, eyes flickering between Cassian and the drink in his hand, as though weighing the consequences of a decision that could very well make him regret every choice he had made in the past hour. Cassian grinned, not giving him the option to back out.
He tilted the glass carefully, letting the thick, sweet liquid slide gently past Azriel’s lips.
Azriel swallowed slowly, deliberately, his throat working under Cassian’s fingers as he did. There was a quiet tension in the way Azriel moved, the slow pulse of his neck and the way his jaw shifted beneath Cassian's touch, almost like he was trying to control it, but not quite succeeding.
Cassian’s gaze never wavered, following the path of the liquid as it went down, observing the sheen of Azriel’s lips after the drink passed, and the way his lashes fluttered against his flushed skin.
For a moment, time seemed to stretch, Cassian completely caught up in the delicate movements of Azriel's body, a subtle, almost imperceptible shift in his posture as he processed the drink.
When Azriel finally pulled back, it was with a soft cough that sent a faint shudder through him, his chest heaving slightly as the overwhelming sweetness lingered on his tongue.
Another hiccup bubbled up, louder this time, and Azriel pressed the back of his hand to his mouth, as if that might somehow contain the laughter or groan threatening to escape. He shut his eyes for a second, clearly not sure whether to laugh or curse
“Too much?” Cassian asked, his thumb brushing lightly along the edge of Azriel’s jaw before he pulled his hand back, though the contact lingered like an aftershock.
Azriel blinked at him, his voice low and slightly hoarse. “It’s like drinking pure sugar.”
Cassian chuckled, setting the glass down with a satisfied grin. “That’s the point, Azzy. You could use a little sweetness in your life!”
Azriel groaned again, tipping his head back against the seat, his cheeks still warm and flushed. Another hiccup escaped him, and this time, Cassian cackled.
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦
The cool night air behind Rita’s slapped Cassian in the face, soothing the flush high on his cheekbones. It was a relief after the heat of the crowded bar. He tightened his grip on Azriel’s wrist, tugging his stumbling, drunk friend along behind him.
Azriel was all loose limbs and slurred protests, his voice a whining drawl as he dragged Cassian’s name into a complaint.
“Cass,” Azriel groaned, his head lolling forward. He almost tripped over his own feet, forcing Cassian to catch him before he went sprawling.
With a frustrated huff, Cassian spun Azriel around and pinned him against the wall. One of Az’s arms flopped to the side until Cassian caught it, shoving it back above his head alongside the other.
He pressed his forearm against Azriel’s wrists to keep them in place, leaning in close enough to catch the faint, smoky scent of whatever drink Az had been guzzling earlier.
Cassian snorted, his grip firm as he kept Azriel’s wrists pinned above his head. He leaned in closer, his breath warm against Azriel’s flushed face. "What the hell did you drink?"
Azriel let out a breathy laugh, his head lolling back against the wall. "Whatever you- hic!- h-handed me," he slurred, his words tumbling over each other. "You kept 'em comin’, Cass… so many drinks..."
Cassian groaned, dropping his head briefly before lifting it again to glare at his friend. "So this is my fault now?"
Azriel’s smirk was lazy and unapologetic, his gaze heavy-lidded but somehow sharp enough to land squarely on Cassian’s. " Mhmm - your fault," he echoed, voice low and teasing. "But you- hic! - look real p-pretty when you’re all…bossy l-like this."
Cassian swore under his breath, shaking his head as a grin tugged at his lips. “You’re impossible, Az.”
His grip on Azriel’s wrists tightened, his chest rising and falling unevenly as he tried to keep himself in check. Azriel was a sight—hair disheveled, cheeks flushed a deep crimson from the drinks Cassian had coaxed him into.
Soft, breathless whines spilled from Azriel’s parted lips as he squirmed, his body arching slightly against the restraint of Cassian’s hold.
“Cass,” Azriel whimpered, his voice cracking as his head fell back against the wall, exposing the long, elegant line of his throat. His knees gave a weak tremble, forcing Cassian to step closer, bracing him with a firm press of his body.
“Do something,” Azriel gasped, his voice thin and desperate, every word trembling on his lips. “Anything. Please—just— please ...”
Cassian clenched his jaw, his pulse hammering as Azriel’s words sunk in. It wasn’t just the drunken haze making Azriel needy—it was something else, something raw and electric that had Cassian teetering on the edge of restraint.
“Azriel,” he growled, low and rough, his forehead dropping to Azriel’s shoulder. “You’re drunk . You don’t know what you’re saying.”
“I—I know exactly what I’m sa— hic! —saying,” Azriel shot back, his voice trembling with desperation. He squirmed against Cassian’s hold, his chest rising and falling as he gasped for air. “Want you, Cassie. Please, ’m so horny. Please , just do something!”
Cassian groaned, a sound full of frustration and want as he pressed Azriel harder against the wall. His hands itched to let go, to slide down and touch, to give Az everything he was begging for. But he forced himself to stay still, his head tilting back just enough to meet Azriel’s gaze.
Cassian’s breath hitched, Azriel’s desperate words unraveling what little restraint he had left. Azriel wasn’t just tipsy—he was drunk, yes , but so was Cassian, the world around them spinning just enough to blur the lines of hesitation. And Azriel wasn’t pulling away. If anything, he was leaning closer, his breath warm and shaky against Cassian’s jaw.
“Please, Cass,” Azriel whispered again, his voice raw and needy. His eyes glistened, dark and pleading, and Cassian felt his resolve snap like a taut string.
“Az,” Cassian murmured, his tone a low, guttural warning. But it wasn’t a rejection—not even close.
Azriel surged forward, closing the sliver of space between them. Their mouths crashed together in a messy, desperate kiss, all heat and recklessness. Azriel’s freed hands tangled in Cassian’s hair, pulling him impossibly closer. Cassian groaned into the kiss, his hands sliding to Azriel’s hips, gripping hard enough to bruise.
It wasn’t careful or calculated; it was pure, unfiltered want, centuries of tension spilling over as they pressed against each other. Cassian tilted his head, deepening the kiss as Azriel moaned softly, the sound shooting straight through him like a live wire.
The night air was cool against Cassian’s overheated skin as he pressed Azriel back against the brick wall, the rough surface scraping against the fabric of Azriel’s shirt. Azriel hiccuped, the sound soft and unsteady, a stark contrast to the needy moan that followed.
His head tipped back, exposing the long column of his throat, and Cassian couldn’t help himself—he leaned in, his lips brushing Azriel’s skin before he nipped at it, earning a sharp gasp.
“Cassie,” Azriel whimpered, his voice cracking on the second syllable. His hips bucked forward, searching, desperate, as his hands clawed at Cassian’s shoulders.
“You’re so needy,” Cassian murmured, his lips curling into a smirk as he pressed their foreheads together. His thumb ghosted over Azriel’s flushed cheek, the tender touch belying the hunger in his gaze. “You want me to do something, huh? Anything?”
Azriel nodded frantically, his breath hitching as Cassian’s lips brushed over his ear, his teeth tugging at the delicate lobe. “Please,” he begged, his voice barely above a whisper. “Just—fuck, Cass, don’t stop.”
Cassian groaned, sliding his hand down Azriel’s side, his fingers rucking up the hem of his shirt to graze over bare skin. Azriel shivered beneath his touch, another hiccup escaping as Cassian’s hand dipped lower, pressing firmly between Azriel’s legs. Azriel gasped sharply, his hips jerking forward to grind onto Cassian’s palm.
“You’re a mess,” Cassian growled, his free hand tangling in Azriel’s hair, tugging just hard enough to make Azriel whimper. “Gods, you’re fuckin soaked baby.”
Azriel moaned as Cassian shifted, grinding his hips against Azriel’s, the friction drawing a curse from both of them. “Oh, fuck, yes,” Azriel breathed, his voice broken and desperate. “There, Cass, right there—”
Cassian bit down on Azriel’s bottom lip, tugging it into his mouth before soothing the sting with his tongue. Their lips moved together in a messy, frantic kiss, tongues tangling and teeth clicking as they lost themselves in each other. Cassian’s hand continued its slow, deliberate caress between Azriel’s legs, and Azriel trembled beneath him, his fingers digging into Cassian’s back.
“Look at you,” Cassian muttered, his lips brushing against Azriel’s as he spoke. “So fucking beautiful like this. Can’t get enough of you.”
Azriel’s head lolled to the side, giving Cassian full access to the sensitive skin of his neck. Cassian didn’t waste the opportunity, his lips and teeth ghosting over Azriel’s pulse before biting down hard enough to leave a mark. Azriel cried out, his hands flying to Cassian’s hair to pull him closer, to keep him there.
“Cass,” Azriel choked out, his voice raw. “Don’t stop. Please don’t stop. ”
Cassian’s grin was wicked as he leaned back, his eyes dark with hunger. “Wasn’t planning on it.”
With deliberate slowness, Cassian sank to his knees, his hands sliding down Azriel’s trembling thighs as he went. Azriel’s breathing hitched, his chest rising and falling erratically as he watched Cassian through heavy-lidded eyes.
His fingers threaded through Cassian’s dark, messy curls, clutching at him like a lifeline, as though afraid the strength in his legs might give out entirely.
Cassian’s hands settled at Azriel’s hips, his thumbs brushing against the waistband of his trousers. He looked up, his eyes molten and filled with a mix of teasing and reverence.
“May I?” he murmured, his voice low and intimate, the simple question sending a shiver through Azriel’s already overstimulated body.
Azriel nodded frantically, a breathless, “Yes, please,” spilling from his lips.
Cassian smiled softly, his hands working the buttons with maddening precision, tugging the fabric just low enough to reveal the curve of Azriel’s hips.
He dragged the trousers down another inch along with the pretty little panties Azriel had on, exposing more skin and watching with satisfaction as Azriel squirmed under the deliberate pace, his whimpering breaths growing more desperate.
“Relax,” Cassian soothed, pressing a kiss to the sharp line of Azriel’s hipbone, his lips lingering for a moment before he shifted. He slid the trousers just low enough for his hand to slip between them, fingers brushing the sensitive nub beneath.
Azriel let out a strangled sound, his knees buckling slightly as his head thudded back against the wall. “Cass—” he gasped, his voice trembling and high-pitched, his grip in Cassian’s hair tightening.
Cassian chuckled, the low, warm sound vibrating against Azriel’s skin. “Easy, Az,” he murmured, his fingers skimming just enough to tease, to coax more of those sweet, desperate noises from him.
The half-undone trousers clung to Azriel’s thighs, keeping him just exposed enough to drive him wild only baring him completely to Cass and anyone who might’ve walked past the alleyway.
“You’re so pretty like this,” Cassian murmured, his voice rich and husky as he brushed his thumb over a particularly sensitive spot, drawing a squeal from Azriel. “Shit —I can’t get enough of you.”
Azriel whimpered, his body arching into Cassian’s touch, his breaths coming in soft, gasping hiccups as the sensations overwhelmed him. “Cass, please,” he begged, his voice cracking as his hands fisted in Cassian’s hair. “I need—just—”
“Shh,” Cassian whispered, his lips brushing the skin just above the waistband. “I know, Az. I’ve got you.”
Cassian pressed his lips to the sensitive skin of Azriel’s inner thigh, his teeth nipping lightly before soothing the sting with the flat of his tongue. Azriel keened above him, the sound high and broken, his hips bucking involuntarily as Cassian’s hands gripped his thighs, holding him steady.
“You taste so good,” Cassian murmured against his skin, his voice thick with admiration. His tongue flicked out again, lapping at the heat that pooled there, his movements deliberate and unhurried.
Azriel mewled, his head falling back against the brick wall, dark strands of hair sticking to his damp forehead. “Cass,” he sobbed, his voice trembling. “Please— hic!—more .”
Cassian obliged, parting him gently, his fingers careful and precise as he explored. His nails were trimmed short, his touch reverent as he delved deeper, his tongue following to lap and tease Azriel’s cunt.
“You’re perfect,” Cassian murmured, his words muffled as his lips and tongue worked tirelessly. He kissed and nipped at Azriel’s pretty pussy, drawing out a symphony of choked cries and desperate whimpers. The way Azriel writhed above him, trembling and clutching at his hair, had Cassian’s heart pounding in time with his own growing need.
Azriel’s sobs grew louder, his voice cracking as his body arched into Cassian’s touch. “ Cassie, I—oh gods, I—” His words dissolved into incoherent pleas, his hips stuttering as Cassian’s ministrations sent him hurtling toward the edge.
Cassian didn’t stop, his mouth and fingers working in perfect harmony, coaxing every sound, every tremble, every desperate gasp from Azriel.
He couldn’t focus, couldn’t think—his mind was a haze of need and sensation, overwhelmed by the steady, unrelenting onslaught of Cassian’s touch. The feeling was all-consuming, a storm he couldn’t escape, and he didn’t want to.
“Cass,” he gasped, his voice barely above a whisper as a shiver ran down his spine. He tugged at Cassian’s hair, unsure if he wanted to pull him closer or push him away, his body caught in the unbearable pleasure of being unraveled. “Oh gods, it’s—too much—”
Azriel felt like he was bursting at the seams, every nerve alight with a mix of heat and desperation that made him feel alive in a way he never had before. A fresh hiccup jolted through him, and he whimpered, his head rolling to the side.
He was helpless under Cassian’s attention, his body trembling as Cassian’s tongue delved deeper, flicking and lapping with maddening precision.
Azriel’s head lolled against the wall, his breath coming in high, uneven gasps, his lips parted as soft, needy whimpers spilled from him without restraint. Each flick of Cassian’s tongue sent another burst of sensation racing through him, pulling sounds from his throat that he couldn’t suppress even if he tried.
“Cass—oh, Cassie,” Azriel squealed, his voice climbing higher, trembling with need. His thighs quivered against Cassian’s firm grip, his hands clutching at dark hair as though he might float away without something to hold onto.
Every wet, obscene sound that came from where Cassian worked at him only heightened the ache coiling deep inside, and he couldn’t stop the desperate, hiccupping cries that escaped him.
Cassian let out a low, pleased hum, the vibration teasing Azriel’s already overstimulated body. “You’re so damn cute like this,” he murmured, his voice husked and rich with satisfaction as he glanced up briefly, catching Azriel’s wide, teary gaze. “So desperate for me.”
Azriel whimpered in response, his head shaking helplessly as his hips jerked forward. “Unhg-mm shut up!” he gasped, his voice cracking, the wet sounds below drawing another high-pitched whine from his lips. “I c-can’t— hic!—I can’t help it!”
Cassian chuckled darkly, the sound filled with affection and a touch of mischief. “Good,” and then he was back at it, his tongue delving deep, lapping at him with a fervent, deliberate rhythm. The wet, slick sounds filled the air, mingling with Azriel’s broken cries and soft, trembling moans.
Azriel’s thighs tried to close around Cassian’s head, his body instinctively recoiling from the overwhelming pleasure, but Cassian’s firm hands kept him steady, holding him in place.
“Oh gods—oh gods, Cass!” Azriel squeaked, his voice high and reedy, his chest heaving as his head thudded back against the wall.
The fire in his belly coiled tighter, a spring wound so taut it felt like it might snap at any moment. Cassian’s tongue flicked and teased, the wetness and heat driving Azriel’s voice higher with every second. The slick, rhythmic noises of Cassian’s devotion made Azriel squirm, a strangled, needy sound spilling from his lips.
“Ca– mmfhh— Cassie, please ,” he babbled, his voice cracking as he tried to arch away and press closer at the same time. His hands tugged at Cassian’s hair, his whole body trembling as the heat in his belly flared hotter and hotter.
Cassian grinned against him, leaving a gentle nip that made Azriel squeal again. “That’s it,” the larger Illyrian murmured, his words punctuated by another deliberate, wet lap that had Azriel sobbing his name. “Let me hear you sweetie.”
Azriel’s body went taut, his back arching as the coiled spring inside him finally snapped. The earth seemed to stop, time itself stuttering as Azriel tipped over the edge, a long, high-pitched cry tearing from his throat.
Lightning struck through him, shockwaves of pleasure rippling out as his vision blurred, the world around him dissolving into static and white-hot bliss.
The wet sounds grew even louder as Cassian continued to coax him through it, his hands gentle but unyielding as Azriel trembled in his grasp. Azriel could barely breathe, his sobs breaking into soft, choked hiccups as his body quaked with the aftershocks.
When it was over, Cassian eased back just enough to press soft kisses along Azriel’s inner thigh, his hands stroking soothing patterns over trembling skin. Azriel whimpered, his voice small and spent, and Cassian chuckled softly, his lips curling into a warm, fond smile.
“You’re adorable,” Cassian murmured, his tone filled with love. “Such a good boy, aren’t you?”
Azriel mewled weakly, his cheeks flushing even as he clung to Cassian, utterly wrecked.
Cassian pressed a tender kiss to the inside of Azriel’s trembling thigh, his hands stroking soothing patterns along the sensitive skin to help steady him. “You’re alright, Az,” he murmured, his voice soft and grounding. “I’ve got you.”
Azriel whimpered in response, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath, his body still quivering from the intensity of it all. Cassian grinned, the warmth in his expression softening the teasing edge of his voice. “Still with me, sweetheart?”
“Mhm ,” Azriel mumbled, though his voice was shaky, his head nodding weakly.
“Good,” Cassian replied, his hands finding the waistband of Azriel’s trousers. “Let’s get you a little more comfortable.”
Cassian’s strong fingers moved with practiced ease, undoing the fastenings of Azriel’s trousers properly and tugging them down to expose the lacey lilac panties beneath. He was slow, deliberate, letting his touch linger as though savoring every inch of skin revealed.
Azriel whimpered softly, his hands clutching at Cassian’s broad shoulders, though his trembling thighs couldn’t do much to help. He shifted instinctively, his face flushed and chest heaving as he let Cassian take over completely.
When Cassian worked the clothing down to Azriel’s ankles, leaving them to dangle from one foot, he paused, his gaze sweeping over him. His voice, warm and rich, rumbled softly between them. “You’re stunning, Az,” he said, his tone filled with awe but carrying none of the teasing edge Azriel had half-expected. “So damn beautiful.”
Azriel’s blush deepened, his lips parting as though to argue, but all that came out was a breathy whine.
Cassian’s hand cupped the back of his thigh, his thumb tracing lazy circles that made Azriel shiver.
“Purple, huh?” Cassian murmured, his eyes catching on the lace. His brows drew together slightly, an edge creeping into his voice. “You missin’ Rhysie ?”
Azriel tensed at the words, his mouth opening to protest, but Cassian didn’t give him a chance. His hands moved, rougher now as they gripped the delicate fabric.
“You don’t need these,” he muttered, the edge of jealousy sharpening his tone.
The sound of lace tearing filled the air, the fragile material giving way under Cassian’s hands.
“Cassie!” Azriel gasped, his voice soft and uneven, caught somewhere between surprise and desperation .
He let the ruined panties fall to the floor without a second glance, his attention fixed entirely on Azriel.
Cassian stood, his hands steady as they slid up to cup Azriel’s face, his thumbs brushing gently over his cheeks. Their foreheads pressed together, and Cassian’s voice softened, though the intensity in his eyes didn’t waver.
“You don’t need anyone else’s marks on you, Az,” he said quietly, his tone low and sure. “Just mine.”
Azriel swallowed hard, his breath catching as his dark eyes searched Cassian’s. His fingers tightened slightly where they rested on Cassian’s shoulders. “I wasn’t trying to—”
“I know,” Cassian interrupted gently, a small smile playing at his lips as he traced his fingers along Azriel’s jaw. “But tonight, it’s just us. Nothing else matters.”
Azriel exhaled shakily, leaning into Cassian’s touch as his body relaxed. “Just us,” he echoed, his voice barely above a whisper, but the certainty in his tone was undeniable.
Cassian’s smile widened slightly as he leaned in closer, brushing a soft kiss to Azriel’s temple before letting his hands trail lower, steady and grounding. “That’s my Azzy,” he murmured, his voice warm and full of something that settled deep in Azriel’s chest, quieting the tremble in his limbs.
“Relax,” Cassian murmured, his voice low and soothing, though there was a teasing lilt to it. His thumbs traced gentle circles against Azriel’s hips, grounding him even as his movements set Azriel’s nerves alight.
Azriel flushed, the color blooming high on his cheekbones as Cassian’s hands moved further, one slipping between his trembling thighs. A soft whimper escaped his lips, and his knees threatened to buckle, but Cassian’s other hand steadied him, holding him firm.
“You’re so sensitive,” Cassian said softly, his tone laced with affection. “I love seeing you like this.”
Azriel turned his head, hiding his face against Cassian’s shoulder, though it did little to muffle the quiet, breathy whine that escaped him. His whole body felt like it was on fire, every nerve attuned to Cassian’s touch, and he couldn’t stop the way his thighs trembled in response.
Cassian’s fingers fucked into him with deliberate, devastating precision, the slickness between Azriel’s legs making every motion a symphony of obscene, wet sounds that only seemed to grow louder in the stillness of the night.
Azriel could hear it, feel it—the way his body betrayed him, responding eagerly to every teasing press and curl of Cassian’s fingers.
“You hear that?” Cassian murmured, his voice a low, teasing growl against Azriel’s ear. “So loud, Azzy. You’re making such a mess, and you don’t even care, do you?”
Azriel whimpered, his head tipping back against the wall, the cool brick pressing into his flushed skin as he fought to catch his breath.
The squelching noise was mortifying, yet it sent a fresh wave of heat coursing through him, his thighs trembling uncontrollably as Cassian’s fingers worked him without mercy.
The wet, rhythmic sound was almost hypnotic, each motion accompanied by a faint, sticky drag that left Azriel gasping and clinging to Cassian’s shoulders.
The cool night air brushed against his damp skin, heightening every sensation, making him acutely aware of just how exposed he was.
“Mmfh- mm! Oh - Cassie!” Azriel choked out, his voice cracking as he tried to twist away, only to be held firmly in place.
His legs wobbled, his knees threatening to give out entirely, and Cassian stepped closer, pressing their bodies together to keep him upright.
“Ah, ah,” Cassian tutted, his tone mockingly soft as he tilted Azriel’s chin up with his free hand. “Don’t shy away now. Listen to yourself.”
Azriel let out a strangled whimper, his face burning as the wet, slick noises grew louder, echoing in the narrow alleyway.
The humiliation of it, combined with the raw, relentless pleasure coursing through him, made him dizzy. His vision blurred, his head spinning as he struggled to hold onto anything solid.
“Making such a pretty lil mess for me,” Cassian purred, his lips brushing against the shell of Azriel’s ear. “It’s a good thing we’re out here—less cleanup for me later.”
Azriel groaned, the sound breaking into a breathless cry as Cassian’s fingers curled just right again, sending a jolt of electric pleasure shooting through his entire body. The tension in his core coiled tighter and tighter, his thighs clenching around Cassian’s hand as he bucked involuntarily.
The plap! plap! plap! sounds were impossibly loud now, mingling with Azriel’s soft, desperate cries and the ragged rhythm of their breaths. The heat pooling low in his abdomen became unbearable, and with one final motion, the coil snapped.
Azriel cried out, his entire body trembling violently as warmth spilled from him in a rush. The wetness only amplified the lewd, sticky noises, and Azriel felt himself sinking, collapsing into Cassian’s hold as the aftershocks left him trembling and spent.
“There you go,” Cassian murmured, his voice dripping with satisfaction as he eased Azriel through the overwhelming waves of release. “So loud, so messy. You’re adorable, Az.”
Azriel’s face burned as he buried it in Cassian’s neck, too mortified to look him in the eye. The cool night air licked at his overheated skin, a sharp reminder of their semi-public setting, and his humiliation doubled.
“You embarrassed?” Cassian teased, his tone warm but playful as he kissed Azriel’s temple. “You shouldn’t be. I think it’s cute.”
Azriel flushed, his lips parting to respond, but all that came out was a soft, breathless whimper. Cassian crouched down, sliding his hands beneath Azriel’s thighs and gripping them firmly before lifting him with ease as he stood.
Azriel’s arms wrapped instinctively around Cassian’s shoulders, a squeak of surprise escaping him as his back pressed against the wall.
“ Cassian! ” Azriel gasped, his voice breaking on the last syllable as Cassian adjusted his grip, hiking one of Azriel’s thighs higher so it wrapped around his waist.
The other thigh was pressed snugly against Azriel’s own chest. Cassian’s broad hand kept it pinned in place, exposing Az’s soaked cunt to the chilly air even more.
“You’re alright,” Cassian soothed, his forehead brushing against Azriel’s as he smiled softly. “I’ve got you, Az. Just relax for me.”
Azriel whimpered again, his flushed face burying itself in Cassian’s neck as his body pressed into him, his breathing shallow and uneven. Cassian’s free hand slid up to cradle the back of Azriel’s head, his fingers threading through the dark, sweat-dampened strands.
Cassian leaned in close, his lips grazing Azriel’s ear, his voice dropping to a low, teasing rumble. “Az, if you’re not too busy melting into me, I need you to do something.”
Azriel looked up at him, already catching onto what Cassian wanted. His breath was steady, and his focus sharp. “What is it?”
Cassian’s grin spread, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Reach into my back pocket,” he murmured, fingers skimming over Azriel’s side, sending a shiver down his spine. “There’s something we’ll need before we go any further.”
Azriel’s fingers slid into the back pocket without hesitation, pulling out the foil packet with practiced ease. He didn’t need any guidance—he knew exactly what to do. He tore open the packet smoothly, his gaze meeting Cassian’s as he rolled the condom on, pure lust burning through him.
“Nice,” Cass murmured, voice thick with appreciation. “Good boy.”
His hands were firm, steady, where he held Azriel against the wall, the rough texture biting faintly into his back. Azriel’s leg was still hitched around Cassian’s waist, his other pinned tightly to his chest by Cassian’s unyielding grip.
His breath came in sharp, uneven bursts, his head spinning from the sheer intensity of being so thoroughly enveloped by Cassian’s presence.
“Relax,” Cassian murmured, his voice rich and commanding, the sound wrapping around Azriel like a warm blanket. But there was no real patience in the way his hips shifted forward, pressing them together in a way that had Azriel’s heart stuttering.
Azriel gasped, his fingers digging into Cassian’s shoulders, desperate for some anchor in the whirlwind. “ Cass ,” he whined, his voice breathless, trembling, as Cassian moved again, deeper this time, sinking into him with a deliberateness that stole every thought from Azriel’s mind.
“Breathe out,” Cassian coaxed, though his own voice was rough, tinged with the strain of holding back. His grip tightened on Azriel’s hip, pulling him down harder, seating him fully, until they both gasped, the sound echoing faintly in the alley.
Azriel’s world narrowed to this—Cassian buried inside him, his hands firm and possessive, his body hot against his own. Everything else—the faint hum of voices in the distance, the flicker of the faelight—faded, leaving only the pounding of his heart and the raw, dizzying heat that coursed through him.
Cassian began to move, setting a steady rhythm that had Azriel arching and moaning with every shift. The force of each thrust sent shockwaves through him, his body trembling as Cassian’s hips snapped against his own.
Azriel’s hands fumbled, sliding from Cassian’s shoulders to his back, his nails scraping over the muscles there as his breath hitched again and again. His head fell forward, burying in Cassian’s neck as his voice spilled out, a mixture of curses and Cassian’s name, broken and breathless.
Cassian’s breathing was ragged, each exhale a growl that vibrated through Azriel’s body. His grip was unrelenting, one hand pulling Azriel’s hips down harder against him, the other holding his pinned leg firmly in place.
The sound of their bodies meeting echoed in the narrow alley— wet, messy, obscene —and each slap of skin against skin had Azriel scrambling for control over the seemingly permanent burning of his cheeks.
“Gods, Az,” Cassian groaned, his voice raw with hunger. “You’re so tight— fuck— so perfect for me.” His hips snapped forward again, the motion sending Azriel sliding against the wall, gasping as he clutched desperately at Cassian’s shoulders.
Azriel tried to respond, tried to say something, but the only sounds that escaped his lips were broken whimpers and moans. His head tipped back, baring his throat, and Cassian took full advantage, leaning in to press hot, open-mouthed kisses along the exposed skin.
“This what you needed, huh?” Cassian panted, his teeth grazing the curve of Azriel’s neck before biting down lightly, pulling a high-pitched moan from him. “You just needed a bit of cock in you, didn’t ya?”
“ C-Cassie! ” Azriel gasped, his voice trembling, barely a whisper beneath the slick, wet sounds of their movements. He squirmed in Cassian’s grip, but it only seemed to spur him on, his thrusts growing sharper, deeper.
“That’s it,” Cassian growled, his grin feral as he buried himself to the hilt and rolled his hips, grinding against Azriel. The motion dragged another helpless whine from him, and Cassian’s grip on his leg tightened. “You’re a f-fucking mess for me. Just listen to yourself—so wrecked , so g-goddamn beautiful .”
Azriel shook his head, trying to catch his breath, but the heat coursing through his body made it impossible to think, let alone form a coherent reply. “ T–too mm-much! ‘m too full- ah! ” he choked out, though his hips were already moving to meet Cassian’s.
Cassian chuckled darkly, his lips brushing against Azriel’s ear. “ Too much? No, Az, it’s not enough. I’m not– fuck - not stopping until I’ve got you s-screaming for me.”
The wet, slapping sounds grew louder as Cassian’s pace turned frantic, his control slipping as his own desire took over. Azriel clung to him, his nails dragging down Cassian’s back, leaving faint, reddened marks in their wake.
“Cass—” Azriel’s voice broke on a moan, his body arching as pleasure built in an unstoppable wave, drowning him.
“Say my name again,” Cassian demanded, his voice low and guttural. His hips slammed forward, grinding against Azriel in a way that made stars burst behind his eyes. “Louder. I want the whole damn city to know who’s making you fall apart.”
“Cassian!!” Azriel cried out, his voice rising as his head fell back against the wall. His breath came in shallow gasps, every nerve in his body alight with sensation.
“Fuck, yes ,” Cassian rasped, his head tipping forward to rest against Azriel’s as his rhythm faltered, each thrust growing sloppier, rougher. “You feel so— fuck, Az —I can feel you, can feel how close you are. Don’t hold back. Give it to me .”
Azriel’s breath hitched as the pressure inside him built to an unbearable point. His hands shook, fingers clutching at Cassian’s shoulders as his chest heaved, each inhale a desperate attempt to ground himself.
“ Cassie!! Oh fuck, oh fuck- f-fuuuck!!” he wailed out.
The pleasure was too intense, too overwhelming, and he could feel it coiling tighter, twisting through him in waves. His body was a trembling mess, heat pooling low in his abdomen, spreading out to every inch of him.
“ Cassie ,” he yelped, his voice pitching higher, breathless and pleading, “Oh Gods. Oh Gods ohgodsohgodsoh—”
His words faltered as the sensation hit him like a tidal wave, his body going rigid.
His eyes crossed for a split second before squeezing shut tightly, his mouth going slack in a silent cry as the heat surged through him, bursting from deep inside in a shattering climax that left him in pieces .
The wave of pleasure hit him with such force, it felt like time had stopped. His entire body tensed, muscles locking in place as his vision blurred and his thoughts scattered.
The first wet splatter hit the ground, echoing faintly off the alley walls. Then another, and another, the sound raw and visceral in the tight, shadowed space. The air was thick, damp from the drizzle that clung to their skin, but it couldn’t compare to the slick, unmistakable wetness pooling beneath them.
The world around him seemed to fade away, replaced by the single, all-consuming sensation of being so full, so utterly taken by Cassian.
Tears welled in Azriel’s eyes, the intensity of it all too much for him to process, and he let out a broken sob, his chest trembling with the aftermath. His fingers dug deeper into Cassian’s skin, desperate for something to hold on to, as if without it, he might slip into oblivion.
“Mmfh- Cassian! I—I can’t— ” His voice broke on the words, unable to say more as the aftershocks of his orgasm rolled through him, leaving him breathless, dizzy, and completely spent.
Cassian’s hips slammed upwards again, pulling another cry from Azriel, forcing his body to react even as he was still riding the waves of pleasure.
The sound of their bodies meeting was wet, slick, each thrust deeper, harder, as Cassian pushed him even further into the haze of sensation.
But poor Azriel could barely focus on anything except the overwhelming feeling of being held, pinned down, possessed by Cassian in the most consuming way possible.
The pressure in his chest wasn’t just physical anymore—it was emotional, raw, stripped bare. He felt like he might collapse under the weight of it, drowning in the intensity of the moment.
His breath was ragged, shaky, each inhale sharp and shallow as tears spilled down his flushed cheeks. His voice trembled when he tried to speak again, unable to form coherent words, only broken cries and moans slipping past his lips.
“I–I can’t- hic!- take it,” Azriel whimpered, his chest rising and falling in quick succession, body still wracked with the tremors of his release, his hands fumbling for purchase on Cassian’s back.
He was shaking, clinging to him as though he might float away, the intense aftershocks leaving him light-headed and disoriented, unable to do anything but hold on.
Cassian growled low, his pace relentless as he held Azriel in place, his lips brushing over Azriel’s ear, the words rough and possessive. “I’m not done with y-you yet. You’re m-mine, Az. You belong to me, every part of you.”
Azriel couldn’t speak, his body still trembling violently, but the intensity in Cassian’s voice—his words wrapped in a mix of need and possession—shot another wave of heat through him. It was too much.
Azriel was drowning in it, the sensation too overwhelming to process as he cried out again, his entire body shuddering in Cassian’s arms.
The world felt like it was spinning as Cassian’s grip tightened, pulling Azriel closer, driving him deeper into the moment.
The wet sounds of their bodies moving together, the frantic pace, everything blurred together into one overwhelming, intoxicating rush that left Azriel dizzy and breathless and-
The back door to Rita’s slammed open as Mor stumbled out the back door, a little tipsy from the drinks she’d been enjoying inside. She squinted into the dim light, her heels clicking on the cracked pavement as she looked around.
“Cassian? Azriel?” she called, her voice light, but the alcohol in her system making it just a little slurred. She took another step into the alley, her eyes scanning the shadows for them, half-expecting to find them back inside, but she froze when she spotted them.
Her face shifted from confusion to a wide-eyed, disbelieving look as she took in the scene. Without missing a beat, her voice shot out, louder than she intended.
“ Really , Cassian? Again ?!”
Azriel froze, his body going stiff with embarrassment, a soft, mortified whine escaping him as he buried his face deeper into Cassian’s shoulder.
Cassian didn’t even break his rhythm, giving her only a lazy glance before his focus shifted back to Azriel. His lips curved into that infuriating smirk as he gave a playful shrug. “What can I say? He’s irresistible,” he said smoothly, fucking little ah- unh- mm! noises out of Az.
Mor swayed again, leveling him with a bleary but unimpressed glare. “Ugh! You guys are filthy ,” she grumbled before turning on her heel and wobbling back toward the bar’s back door. “And for Cauldron’s sake, don’t break him, you idiot.”
Azriel’s fingers clenched desperately into Cassian’s shoulders, the heat of his palms searing through the fabric. His mind felt like it had short-circuited, each movement making him jerk involuntarily, his hips trembling as Cassian set an unrelenting pace. The sheen of sweat coating both of them made the contact slick, their bodies moving together with an almost obscene ease.
Cassian’s grip tightened, his large hands digging into Azriel’s hips, holding him firmly in place. “That’s i-it Azzy,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble, rough and heavy with need. He leaned closer, his lips brushing against the shell of Azriel’s ear. “You’re so p-perfect like this.”
Azriel could only mewl in response, the sound breaking into a loud, ragged moan as Cassian’s pace grew more demanding. His entire body flushed, heat rolling through him like a tide, leaving him slick with sweat and trembling under Cass’ touch.
When Cassian stilled suddenly, his body going rigid, a low, guttural groan tore from his throat, vibrating through Azriel’s chest. His fingers dug into Azriel’s hips, the bruising grip locking him in place as his body tensed completely. Azriel gasped, his breath hitching as he felt the powerful pulse that followed, a warmth spreading inside of him in thick, unrelenting spurts.
Cassian’s breath came in sharp, uneven bursts, each wave pulling another choked groan from deep within him. His forehead dropped against Azriel’s shoulder, damp strands of his dark hair sticking to the sweat-slicked skin. The force of it left Cassian trembling, his muscles twitching involuntarily as he let himself go entirely.
His hands tightened around Azriel, holding him steady, his body trembling with overstimulation. He was barely holding it together, each shaky breath an effort. Azriel’s head lolled against Cassian’s shoulder, his grip weak and unsure.
Cass smirked, his eyes dark with amusement as he took in the scene before him—Azriel, completely undone, and the sticky mess spilling from where they were joined that Azriel couldn’t seem to register.
The moment Cassian withdrew, Azriel gasped sharply, his legs trembling so violently they gave out beneath him. Cass reacted instantly, shifting his grip to Azriel’s waist, his strong hands steadying him as a flood of warmth spilled from Azriel.
The thick evidence of their activities spurted out in erratic bursts, splattering messily onto the alley’s cold, uneven pavement with a wet slap.
Cassian arched a brow, his eyes catching the sight of the torn rubber still clinging uselessly to his softening cock. A low chuckle rumbled in his chest as he gave a wry shake of his head.
“Well,” he said, his tone dripping with amusement as he flicked the broken piece away. “ That explains a lot.”
Azriel let out a soft, mortified whine, his face flushing deeply as he clung to Cassian’s forearms for support, his breathing uneven.
“Whoopsie,” Cassian added playfully, his hands firm on Azriel’s waist, holding him upright with ease. His smirk deepened as he glanced from the splattered mess on the ground back to Azriel’s flushed face. “Looks like we made a bit more of a mess than planned.”
Azriel’s only response was a weak, almost desperate sound, his body jerking slightly as Cassian scooped up the mess that had spilled out onto his inner thighs, pushing it back deep inside Azriel’s cunt with slow, deliberate strokes.
“You’re lucky I’m the one here, huh? Can’t even handle it yourself.”
Azriel tried to form a response, but his voice came out as a broken whimper. “C-Cassie... please...” His hands were trembling, barely managing to cling to Cassian, but he couldn’t form anything more coherent.
Cassian’s smirk only deepened, his grip firm on Azriel as he kept pressing him open. “You don’t get to ask for mercy, Az. You’re the one who can’t keep it together. You’re mine now, all fucked out and shaking. You’re mine to play with.”
Azriel shuddered at the words, his body jerking in response, but his focus was so fractured he couldn’t form anything more than a broken, helpless sound.
“Yeah, that’s right,” Cassian continued, his voice almost mocking now. “Can’t even think straight. Got fucked too dumb to say anything that makes sense.” He pressed the torn panties against Azriel’s cum filled pussy, trying to contain the mess. “Gods, you’re a fucking sight.”
Azriel’s body practically reeled at Cassian’s touch, though his mind was far too foggy to register everything fully. His head was spinning, and all he could do was mewl weakly, clinging to Cassian with desperate, shaking hands. “ Cassie...mmfh... unghh...”
Cassian’s smirk deepened, his amber eyes gleaming with dangerous satisfaction as he took in Azriel’s wrecked state. He pressed the torn lace a little more firmly against Azriel, his other hand sliding up to cradle the back of his neck, thumb brushing over the damp, flushed skin. “You’re something else, Az,” Cassian murmured, his voice low and rough. “So fucking perfect.”
Azriel’s breath hitched, his chest heaving as he leaned into the touch, his trembling hands clutching at Cassian’s shirt like it was the only thing grounding him. His flushed cheeks and glazed eyes left him looking utterly undone, and it sent a thrill straight through Cassian.
Unable to hold back any longer, Cassian closed the small gap between them, his mouth capturing Azriel’s in a searing, possessive kiss. The heat of it was dizzying, and Azriel melted into him immediately, his lips parting with a soft, needy whimper.
Cassian growled low in his throat, the sound vibrating against Azriel’s lips as he deepened the kiss, his hand tightening on Azriel’s waist to pull him even closer. Their bodies pressed together, the lingering slickness between them only adding to the intoxicating intimacy.
Azriel’s hands slid up to Cassian’s shoulders, his fingers gripping tightly as he kissed back with a desperation that left him breathless. His mind was still spinning, foggy from everything that had happened, but this—Cassian’s lips on his, the heat of his touch—felt grounding in a way that made his whole body ache.
When they finally broke apart, both of them gasping for air, Cassian rested his forehead against Azriel’s, his breath warm and uneven as he murmured, “You’re beautiful, you know that?”
Azriel huffed a shaky laugh, his voice hoarse as he replied, “Mmm, I’m a fuck-hic!-ing cutie pie.”
Cassian grinned, leaning in to steal another kiss, this one softer but no less intense. “Come on, baby,” he said after a moment, his voice teasing but still warm. “Let’s get out of here before Mor comes looking for us again.”
Azriel nodded weakly, grabbing Cassian with a firm hand on his neck, the kiss still lingering on his lips as they disappeared into the shadows together.