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Eris huffed as Azriel twisted slightly to dodge the hound jumping to lick his face.
“Hold still” he scolded, grabbing his mate's head and reorienting it.
Azriel grunted, “Tell your hounds to stop trying to eat me”
Eris laughed, “they won't eat you, just,”
He grabbed Azriels head when he moved again, he titled it back, “Stay still love, it won't take long.”
Azriel stared at him for a moment, before sighing. “Do what you must.” he leaned back, hand drifting to pet the dog on his knee.
Eris smiled, and began brushing through Azriels hair. The illyrian had thick curly hair, usually it was cut short. But it had grown out over the course of the war. Eris loved his hair. The black coils felt silk smooth, and bounced slightly with every movement.
“Would you want me to put beads in? The stylist who taught me said some illyrians put decorations in.”
Azriel was silent for a moment, “what type of decorations do you have in mind?” he asked.
“Gold,” Eris said bluntly, “or silver but I dont think it would go well with your complexion.”
“Not that many” his mate responded after pausing, “just a few.”
Eris grinned, summoning the box of accessories the stylist had given him.
“Pick some out” The box was filled with gold clips, small crystals and glass beads. Azriel stared at the box, before huffing.
“I think these are too flashy” He mused, tilted his head to look at Eris.
Eris scoffed. “You are the Heir of Autumns mate, pumpkin.” he tapped his jaw, leaning down to emphasize his point, “I live to make it clear that you're mine”
Azriels breathing stuttered, and he blinked.
“Pick some.” Eris commanded, no real binding magic in his voice. Azriel sighed dramatically, dumping the box onto the tray on the table.
Eris began sectioning off the thick coils summoning a basin of water. He dipped his hands in it, working the water through.
The mating bond grew warm at the fact that Azriel seemed to actively be melting into Eris’ touch and He felt a surge of pride. Eris gently ran a brush through the hair, working out any knots or tangles.
Azriel set aside a few of the accessories, Eris frowned.
“Choose more, that wont be enough.” Azriel huffed, grabbing the box again.
Eris meticulously washed his mates hair, massaging his scalp with the pad of his fingers. Azriel relaxed, swaying everytime Eris moved his hands. He smiled.
Domestic moments were hard to come by for them. Azriel was always buried in spy work and Eris was actively scheming to become high lord. He and the night court were allies, but that wasn't enough reasoning for him and Azriel to be anything more than civil.
So he enjoyed the moment to its fullest, taking his time to rinse out the soap. Azriel hummed in content, hands lightly shifting through the box.
His wings flared slightly when Eris pulled slightly on his hair to work out a knot. He mumbled an apology, leaning down to kiss his mates’ shoulder. Azriel nodded, wings curling to wrap around him.
The rest of the process was easy, He rubbed in a conditioner he purchased, the scent of rosemary wafting around them.
He paused at one point to examine the accessories Azriel selected, tutting and adding a few more extravagant ones. By the time he began styling the damp curls, Azriel was dozing off.
Eris hummed quietly, twisting the hair around his fingers. The coils became more defined, shining in the fading sunlight. Warmth filled the room as Eris pushed some of his magic into the fire.
He stepped back, proudly taking in the curls he carefully styled. He picked up the tray of jewels and beads. Azriel breathed softly.
Eris picked up a soft orange teardrop shaped jewel, examining it before wrapping the thin wire around the sculpted coils.
He lost himself in the work, clipping on small golden ornaments and glass beads. After he finished he carefully surveyed his mates’ hair.
The accessories were carefully spread, cushioned by the dark hair. Even if he was moving his head wildly they wouldn't bump each other and create noise.
He gently massaged Azriels shoulders, kissing his neck slowly. “I’m finished, love” he whispered.
Azriel roused slightly, mumbling. “...warm” Eris laughed, moving to kneel next to azriel.
“To bed early I suppose?” he asked, gently tapping his chin. Azriel nodded, stretching his wings. The dark membranous wings trembled slightly before curling in.
“Do you want to see it?” he asked, grabbing a small handheld mirror from the basket of supplies. He handed it to the male, watching his face carefully for any hints of displeasure.
Azriels eyes gleamed as he examined the plentiful curls adorning his head.
“Love it or hate it?” Eris prompted, Azriel turned to him. Eris wanted to bottle up that look, the pure adoration and joy blending the colors of brown and green in his eyes.
“It's perfect”
===
The next morning the inner circle stared at him as if he had two heads. Azriel hummed to himself as he walked into the dining room, pouring himself a cup of tea.
He examined an apple, picking up and grabbing a knife to slice it. He glanced up.
Cassian stared at him, fork clattering to the table. The others were less obvious about their shock.
Azriel sipped the tea, bracing himself for the barrage of questions.
“Azzy baby, are you pregnant?” Cassian gasped.
Azriel choked, hitting his chest and sputtering. Rhys let out a surprised cackle.
“That is the worst thing you have ever said to me” he gasped, ignoring the small flare of curiosity from the bond.
“I-” Cassian laughed at his own joke, “You're glowing, That's what i meant”
“That was the worst way to start any conversation.” Feyre laughed.
“Who did your hair?” Nesta asked curiously. Azriel paused, reaching up to pull at a coil.
“A friend” he settled, ignoring the flare of playful outrage and indignation from Eris.
“A friend?” Rhys mused.
Azriel glared at him, no real heat or malice behind it. He grabbed his glass and strolled out of the dinner room with a huff.
‘Just a friend?’ Eris whispered from his side of the bond. Azriels chest grew warm.
‘No,’ he sipped the tea, ‘Never you, my love”