acotar one shots

a gift for Nesta

In this household we support Nesta Archeron. And soft Cassian.

She's a little clunky, my bad. Hopefully you enjoy anyway.

I picture Nesta having an autumn birthday, but I don't know if it was ever actually mentioned in the books. I also think she has Scorpio vibes but lmk your own thoughts lol

***

It finally happened. The day was here. The thing that Cassian had been trying to force from fate's hand for years now.

Someone slipped and revealed Nesta's birthday.

It was a shame that it had been Elain who had done it. Though perhaps it was for the best, as she was the least likely to be murdered by Nesta once she had found out.

Elain realized what she had done right away, eyes wide as her flour-covered hands flew to smother the gasp that escaped her mouth. Cassian let out a roaring, victorious laugh. He flung his arms around Elain, lifting her off the ground and spinning her in a circle.

"Cassian," Elain pleaded. If she could convince Cassian not to say anything she may still avoid whatever Nesta would unleash on her.

"No way," Cassian shook his head, grinning wide. "This is the best day of my life."

Then he told her his idea. One he'd had tucked away for a while now. He'd been laying in bed a few days after the solstice when the perfect gift idea finally hit him. If he got it for her then, she'd absolutely know he hadn't thought of it until Solstice had already passed. So he waited in the hopes that he might finally discover her birthday this year.

All of Elain's anguish melted away. Her eyes lit up as she clasped her hands together and squealed. Cassian had never heard such an undignified sound from her and it made him laugh.

"Oh Cassian that's perfect," she beamed. And almost looked a little envious.

Cassian bounced on his toes and turned to leave, conspiring to execute his plan immediately. Elain's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"If you tell anyone else it's Nesta's birthday or embarrass her on purpose or make a big deal and throw a party then I will never bake you anything again," Elain called after him.

She said it all in one breath, like she had only thought of it in that moment and knew she had minutes before he disappeared. And she was right, of course. Cassian turned back to her and saw that she was completely serious, arms crossed and jaw set.

He remembered the lemon bars she had just slid into the oven moments ago, and grumbled out a "Fine."

***

Before he could go and retrieve his gift, Cassian had to stop at the House of Wind. He crept around as silently as a warrior of his size could, making sure no one else was there. When he had assured that he was alone, he timidly told the House his idea.

He was met with a large piece of chocolate cake on the kitchen table before him.

"Will you help her?" He asked the house. "Not that I think she'll do a bad job. But just in case she needs it."

Next to the slice of cake, a dagger appeared and clattered onto the table. It was old and weathered but intricately carved - a mix of different metals inlaid with sapphire.

"Thank you," Cassian whispered, dumbfounded. He made a note to ask Rhys if he knew anything about the dagger. And if he knew that the House was giving away important-looking weapons.

***

When Nesta returned to the House of Wind, she expected to have a nice dinner, a long bath, and pick out a brand new book to read. It was all she needed for her birthday, and truly all she wanted. Maybe someday she'd be brave enough to share her birthday with the others. Gwyn and Emerie would probably get it out of her at some point anyways.