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“Babe, are you ready?” Nesta called out from the bedroom she shared with her boyfriend. Adjusting the white coat in the full length mirror, her matching white two-piece set glittering in the light. Rarely had Nesta kept her hair down, but for the sake of her costume, and to be a winner tonight, she did it.
Reaching over, she held the reference photo in front of her. Her hair wasn’t blonde and it was long, but it would make do. The classic red lipstick looked perfect on her. The afternoon sun shined on the Mirrorball Trophy that was on a nearby shelf. If we could win DWTS, we can do this.
The bathroom door opened. “Well, my lady, I’m here at last.”
Cassian Night walked into their bedroom, his black tailcoat and matching black tophat. He lifted the hat off his head, bowing in a smooth motion. A breath left her as she stared at her old dance partner. They met on Dancing with the Stars three years ago with Cassian being the MVP of the NFL that year. They ended up winning that season, making Nesta’s first win on the show. A few months later they launched their relationship.
Nesta couldn’t fight the grin that appeared on her face. Cassian leant down, kissing the top of her hand.
“Well, Sweetheart. Are you ready?”
“Ready to beat my sisters and finally win this year?” Nesta asked.
“Fuck yeah.” She smirked, answering her own question.
Cassian smirked back. “Let’s win this, Sweetheart.”
**
It was the biggest event of the year in the city. Bigger than the solstices parties and equinoxes holidays combined. Bigger than any Super Bowl or dancing event.
Tonight was the annual event of the year: Helion’s Halloween Hysteria.
Helion Day held this event on Halloween every year for the past fifteen years. It was a fabulous party with an insane guest list, rivalering the Met Gala. With social media being at everyone’s fingertips, Helion’s event was not only bigger, but was more anticipated. But unlike the Met Gala, there was an official poll that was made the second the celebrities appeared on the carpet and would be finalized by the time dinner was over.
The winner (or winners if they were a couple) would win the best dressed with receiving a plaque and proceeds from the night’s event would be donated to the winner’s chosen charity.
Nesta’s first HHH (as most of her friends and sisters referred to it as) was two years ago, and each year Nesta and Cassian hadn’t won. Their first couple’s costume, to put it simply, was irrelevant. They dressed as a winged hero and a witch, and unfortunately Nesta found out very quickly how relevant your costume needed to be in order to win. Cassian also had failed to incline that their costumes needed to be more of a pop culture reference even to be voted for.
Then last year they showed up as Barbie and Ken…along with everyone else. Her youngest sister won with her husband being Barbenheimer genderbent. Everyone lost it at Rhysand’s blonde hair. Meanwhile, Nesta lost her appetite having to bear witness to that monstrosity.
The prize wasn’t the reason why Nesta wanted to win. Donating to her and Cassian’s charity of choice meant a lot, but that wasn’t the sole reason why she wanted to win. Nesta and her younger sisters have always been competitive with one another.
Feyre won last year, but the year before Elain won with Emerie, one of Nesta’s best friends, and her sister’s long term girlfriend. That year they came as Princess Bubblegum and Marciline the Vampire Queen from Adventure Time.
Cassian’s hand held Nesta’s as the car reached the Velaris Museum of Art, the traffic slow from all of the celebrities appearing. This particular event was shared between Helion and Nesta’s brother-in-law, Rhysand as he offered the city’s Museum and was usually on the board.
Board members typically changed year in and year out. However Rhysand and Helion were the only two that were continuously on. This year however, Nesta received the nomination to be on the board. She contributed to the decorations, guest lists, and overall design of the event.
From inside, Nesta saw the whole place decorated with classic Halloween decorations like ghosts, ghouls, zombies, and witches. Black bushes lined the blood “soaked” carpet keeping the reporters and paparazzi a good distance from the celebrities.
Cameras flashed, famous people from everywhere lining the steps, posing for pictures, speaking with reporters. From the otherside, Nesta saw the everyday people of the city and fans alike line the streets watching, screaming, probably going live on Tik Tok.
“Ready to win this, Sweetheart?” Cassian asked as the car stopped in the drop-off zone.
Their driver wrapped out of the front, going to their door. She nodded, her feet kicking slightly from excitement. Cassian gestured to the driver to open the passenger side door. Noise erupted as Cassian came out. He waved at everyone before turning around, offering his hand to Nesta. She took it as she stepped out of the vehicle hearing the crowd collectively gasp and scream.
The two practiced for two weeks how Travis carried Taylor on the stage as Cassian pulled her into his arms. Dramatically she posed herself similar to how Taylor was, her microphone in hand.
**
She kept her eyes closed as Cassian carried her up the steps. He would jokingly tell her to wake up as he walked the carpet. She heard paparazzi call out her name, begging for her to open her eyes. In spite, she kept them closed. Not once in her career she had listened to what random men wanted her to do, and she wasn’t going to start here.
As Cassian got to the first landing, he gently put Nesta on her feet. She playfully swayed with tiredness, having Cassian catch her in a dramatic dip. The crowd gasped and screamed. Millions of cameras were clicking now.
Nesta recognized the look in her boyfriend’s eyes. It mirrored her own from earlier. They were equally matched as he too was extremely competitive with his family and friends. Pulling Nesta back on her feet, she started greeting the nearby people around them. She carried her bejeweled microphone with her, as the two posed together. Her gaze drifted up and down the carpet, seeing people from all over the world.
“Nesta!” Familiar voices called out to her. She couldn’t help but drop her jaw at Elain. She was in a pink gown that must have cost millions as the sheer size made her sister look like the most elegant pink cloud. With a high lace necklace embedded with flowers, a corset back, and a chapel train, Nesta ran through her mind what her sister could be. She noticed Elain carried a diamond scepter in hand and a matching giant crown on her head.
Her sister was beautiful. Fuck.
Her sister was a witch. Double fuck.
Of course she’s Glinda the Good. Nesta thought with a mental roll of her eyes.
“Glinda.” Nesta curtseyed to Elain.
“Ms. Swift.” Elain spoke with elegance, curtseying back.
The two broke out into smiles before gently hugging one another.
“Why am I not surprised that my best friend shows up as her favorite person in the world.” Emerie appeared then. Her skin was painted green as she wore a black gown and the most beautiful witch’s hat. She carried a broom that resembled the one from the original movie.
“Don’t be so envious, Em.” Nesta playfully joked.
Emerie rolled her eyes. “Love you too, Nes.”
The two hugged as Cassian turned from the reporters smiling at them.
“Oh why isn’t it Glinda of the South and Elphie from the East.”
Emerie gave Cassian a deadpan glance. He elbowed her gently.
“Take a joke, Em.”
The two smiled before bumping fists. Cassian and Emerie were the only two out of their friend group that were professional athletes. There was some kind of a bro code between them. Nesta and Elain liked to call it the “ball-code” as their partners played in football and soccer.
Emerie pulled back, resting a hand comfortably on Elain’s waist. Elain laid her head on her shoulder. Emerie whispered into her ear, making her sister’s face flush pink, matching her outfit. She made a quiet outburst, but Emerie just grabbed her neck and kissed her softly. Elain and Emerie knew each other for years as Nesta met Emerie during her time at UCLA. Emerie was a part of the national women’s soccer team and Elain was a cooking influencer.
Cassian mumbled something about getting a room, followed by Nesta smacking his arm. Seeing her sister and her best friend made her heart swell. Nesta leaned into Cassian admiring the two. But their moment was short lived when another familiar voice called out to them.
“Oh fuck, you guys are so perfect!”
Nesta and Elain peered down to see their youngest sister, Feyre. She was dressed in all gold with a halo sun crown on her head.
“Are you an angel?”
“No, I think she’s a star?” Is this the pop culture reference I don’t know about?
“I’m actually the sun.” Feyre said proudly.
Nesta couldn’t hide the wince that flashed from her face. She loved her baby sister dearly, but science was not her best friend. If Nesta thought all of their outfits were beautiful, Feyre’s was not only radiant, but a show stopper too. While Nesta and Elain tend to dress more modestly, Feyre was all about showing much of her body. Her dress was gold, short, and styled to look wet. Her golden heels made her taller than Nesta.
“The sun? Are you trying to attract Helion and his wife?” Nesta questioned.
Feyre laughed. “Who knows what the night will bring.”
“Darling?” Rhysand called out as he climbed the steps to them.
In a similar style, Rhysand’s look also was styled wet, but while Feyre was gold, Rhysand was silver. His shirt was cut low showing his oiled up skin. Nesta would be lying if she denied throwing up in her mouth. She blocked her eyes as nearby camera flashes reflected off the literal diamonds and pearls all over his shirt.
Rhysand Night, the literal archetype for every billionaire romance in the world. He ran one of the biggest corporations known to man. It was somehow bigger than Amazon, although the two were always neck to neck with their numbers.
Feyre met Rhysand at a work conference in a hotel in D.C. Well Rhys was there for work, Feyre was at her gallery. He apparently saw her one time and that’s all it took. Swept her off her feet right there and then.
“My my, little brother what are you, the moon?!” Cassian and Rhysand greeted one another.
“Better than what you’re wearing. Really, Kelce?” Rhysand asked, eyeing the costume up and down.
“Better than the freaking moon! Next you’re gonna tell me that my rising sign is how I’ll die.”
“Cassian, that's not how rising signs work. Both Rhysand and I have explained this to you multiple times.” Nesta sighed.
Rhysand sent her an apologetic look. The two of them hadn’t seen eye to eye for a long time, however there were moments here and there where they did agree.
“You look beautiful, Nesta.”
“You look…well, Rhysand.”
“It’s Rhys, we’re family.”
Nesta rolled her eyes. “Rhys.”
Rhysand pulled Feyre into a gentle kiss that regrettably became a bit much. Nesta spun around not wanting to see her baby sister get her soul sucked for the billionth time.
Ushers from the event advise the whole family to keep moving up the steps. Nesta and Cassian greeted other guests and reporters. They posed for several photos including some with a blush brush Nesta made Cassian have in his pocket. Needless to say, if you knew, you knew.
“Nesta! Oh my gosh you’re literally beaming!” A reporter said as Cassian and Nesta reached the doors of the museum.
“Thank you, you’re very beautiful tonight.” Nesta watched the young woman blush with a sheepish smile.
“So what can you do with a broken heart?” The reporter asked.
Nesta peered over to Cassian who stood off to the side, letting her have this moment.
“Well, believe it or not, that was Cassian and I’s motto in our season. We were both dealing with pretty bad heart breaks that year. Somehow we made it through everything.”
The reporter brightened. “Oh gosh, I’m so sorry that you both were going through it. But I guess the universe wanted the two of you together!”
Nesta grabbed Cassian’s hand, kissing his knuckles gently.
“All along there was an invisible string.”
Cassian laughed, pulling her into his arms. “You’re ridiculous.”
They kissed quickly before saying goodbye, entering the museum.
**
The whole Archeron and Night family sat at a round table together. The tables were decorated with black and gold table cloths with a black roses, crow feathers, and skulls as the centerpieces. The plates were black and gold with matching silverware. A red menu was placed on each plate regarding mocktails and cocktails. Everyone’s dinner order was placed ahead.
Almost everyone was there, however there were two seats empty between Nesta and Feyre. Nesta titled her head as her white booties clicked against the marble floor.
“Where’s Azriel and Gwyn?” Nesta asked, turning to her sister.
Feyre pulled out her phone. “Az texted the group a minute ago. They’re arriving now.”
“I wonder what made them so late?” Elain pondered as she drank her glass.
Nesta and Emerie gave each other a knowing look. Gwyn Berdara was their best friend, the final part of their trio. She was always good at arriving on time, however since she started dating Azriel, she’s shown up late a few times. And every time there were a few hickies on both parties.
“Wabbits.”
Nesta and Emerie laughed as they both quoted Elmer Fudd. Cassian walked back over, handing Nesta mocktails for them both. They both had their battles with alcohol, however not long after they got together, they both decided they didn’t want to drink anymore.
She mumbled a thank you as he kissed her head before sitting down.
“They’re still not here?” Cassian asked, gesturing to the empty seats.
“Didn’t you know it’s wabbit season?” Feyre amused with mischief in her smile.
Cassian sighed. “God above those two.”
“Look who decided to join us after all.” Rhys nodded over to the double doors that led into the private room they were in.
Everyone swung their head around and collectively gasped at the same time. Nesta and Cassian both shared a look and cursed. Standing in the doorway was indeed Azriel and Gwyn, however Gwyn was dressed up as Ladypool and Azriel as Wolverine. Their costumes were accurate to the exact detail as they made their way to the table.
“Hello!” Gwyn sweetly said, a little breathless.
“Sorry, we’re late. Traffic and all.” Azriel said, taking a sip of the nearby water glass.
“Is that what we're calling it now?” Rhys' smile matched Feyre’s looking at the late arrivals.
Azriel gave his brother a hard look. Rhys inclined his head before backing off.
“How long did it take you guys to get into the costumes?” Elain asked.
“Too long. Azriel and I went to the premiere and decided then this is what we should wear. However no one told us how hard it is to take this on and off.” Gwyn adjusted in her seat.
“Well regardless, you look amazing.” Emerie said.
“I’m stealing Rosaline to be my head stylist next.”
“Absolutely not, Nesta Anne.” Gwyn warned.
Nesta made a face at the mention of her middle name.
Gwyn was the other person Nesta met at UCLA. Gwyn, Emerie, and Nesta had been inseparable since they met in an English class. Gwyn worked in musical theater for the longest time, but she ended up switching careers to a solo artist two years ago. Azriel Night was one of the most famous music producers in the world. He also happened to be the eldest brother of the Night brothers. He had more awards in general than anyone else in the family. Gwyn worked with Azriel on her first solo album, and the rest was history.
“Oh good, all of the Nights and Archerons are all finally here.” A smooth voice said behind Nesta.
They swirled around to see Helion dressed as…well actually what the fuck was he wearing?
“I’m a chess piece, Nesta, please catch up.” Helion gestured to her, making Nesta flush.
Helion wore a crown that resembled a king chess piece on his head in black. His suit was unbuttoned, showcasing the golden glitter that decorated his abs.
“And my queen.” Helion beckoned his wife, Autumn over. Helion was a fashion designer that had several stores located around the world. Autumn was one of his models. She was his inspiration for almost every piece in his shows.
Nesta could tell that the work on their costumes were just divine. Autumn wore a matching chess piece but as a queen piece instead. Her dress was also black with gold accents among the v-line of the dress. She wore a queen chess piece crown on her head. Her ginger hair was neatly done in a bun.
“Good luck to everyone at tonight’s competition. The results will be in shortly after dinner!” Helion said as he and Autumn traveled to the next table, greeting more guests.
The three Archeron sisters instantly looked at one another, a rivaling glare in their eyes.
“Don’t be a sore loser, Nesta.” Feyre said, drinking her wine.
“I didn’t say anything, Feyre.” Nesta sneered.
“You two should bond over losing again, it’s been awhile.” Elain mumbled, sipping her wine.
As the sisters began to bicker with one another, the other half of the table sat and spoke quietly to themselves. They’ve all learned not to get involved in a spat between the Archeron sisters. Fighting a bear would be easier than trying to calm down the situation the siblings were in. Rhysand had tried one time, and all three Archeron sisters had teamed up against him. That was the one and only time she had seen him fluster like that.
It made her day.
She rolled her eyes as her younger sisters stuck out their tongues while dinner was served. The aroma of wagyu steak, whole lobsters, pastas, salads, quinoa dishes flowed throughout their table. Cassian took pieces of his lobster, placing them on Nesta’s dish. Nesta did the same with her steak. She took a bite out of the lobster and nearly moaned. Helion’s events were simply the best for everything.
Cassian leaned over, whispering in her ear. “Maybe I should dress like a lobster to get you to moan like that.”
Without missing a beat Nesta replied. “I have a big mallet for cracking big ass lobsters, so I’ll be fine.”
“I love it when you’re violent.” He chuckled, kissing her behind her ear sending a shiver down her spine.
Nesta looked around at the nearby tables, seeing Lucien Vanserra with his boyfriend and girlfriend, Juriuan General and Vassa Queen. The three formed the band Exiles years ago. They’ve even worked with Gwyn and Azriel on a few songs.They were dressed as the popular meme, distracted boyfriend. However it of course had an interesting spin as the meme had two women alongside a man. It seemed that Vassa played the girlfriend while Jurian was the distracted boyfriend, and Lucien was the “other woman”.
Nesta glanced over to a closer table where Eris Vanserra sat between his husband and wife, Kallis and Viviane Winter. From what she heard down the vine from Feyre was that Kallis and Viviane had opened their relationship and somehow Eris fell into their rhythm several years ago. All three of them were college professors at the University of Velaris, however all three came from old money families. They were all disowned the night before their wedding, however they couldn’t be happier at that moment. They were dressed as Barbie, Alan, and Ken. Along their table was Morrigan Night and Vivane’s sister, Liliane. The two were dressed as Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy. Morrigan was Rhys’ cousin hence why they had the same surname.
Cassian rested his hand on Nesta’s thigh, drawing lazy circles with his thumb. She sighed into his touch, smiling softly.
“Have I told you how beautiful you are?” Cassian asked.
Nesta flushed, resting her face against Cassian’s shoulder so she wasn’t facing the table. Compliments were said and done, but when they came from Cassian, she acted like a teenage girl. She felt him chuckle as he kissed her hair.
The lights flashed signaling that the results were in. Nesta sat up, her hand resting on Cassian’s. Helion walked onto the stage, greeting everyone. “Happy Halloween everyone!”
“Now I know you’re dying to see the results of this year’s HHH winner, but I wanted to thank everyone who brought this event back for another year. Can we have a moment for our board members please.”
Nesta and Rhys were the only ones to stand at their table. Eris and Vassa also stood along with several other people scattered across the room. Everyone cheered and applauded them. Cassian kissed Nesta’s knuckles, mirroring her move from earlier. She smiled sheepishly before sitting back down.
The drumroll started as Helion opened the envelope where the results were in.
“Our best dressed goes to…”
Cassian’s hand squeezed her’s. This was it. Their win.
“..The winner is…” Helion laughed.
“The winner is my wife and I.”
The room gasped collectively as Autumn made her way up the steps laughing. She kissed her husband before speaking into the microphone.
“If you know how this works, then you know even if Helion and I get the most votes we can then pick the winner ourselves. Since this is his event, Helion wanted to be a part of the fun, but he’s already won with this event being a success.”
“This happened a few years ago so my beautiful Autumn came up with a perfect plan to create an even field in all of this. We’ve already decided the winner before dinner was served. So Autumn, please find our winners.”
The queen glided down the steps as she made her way through the room. Nesta saw Cassian winced just slightly as her nails dug into his. The anxiety of outcome coursing through her body.
Autumn made her way through the tables until she ended up at theirs. The whole table was stunned as she made her way around until she stood next to Nesta. The dancer was about to shoot to her feet when Autumn’s hand landed on Gwyn’s shoulder.
“You have to be fucking kidding me.” It was out before she could stop herself.
Gwyn giggled, hugging Nesta as she hugged her back. “I’m for sure stealing your stylist, Gwyn.”
“If you’re using her we’re going to HHH together next year.” Gwyn mused.
The entire table laughed as Gwyn and Azriel walked to the stage, hand in hand.
Nesta pouted, crossing her arms playfully. It sucked to lose, but still seeing one of her best friends happy and in love made Nesta feel so much joy. Nesta clapped for her family that won along with Cassian. He kissed her softly before whispering in her ear.
“Next year, for sure.”
**
As everyone said good night, Nesta wanted to go home and rest. Events like this drained a lot of her social battery. Cassian was more than happy to agree as he scooped her up into his arms before heading into their car. They shared a small kiss as they buckled into their seats.
“Win or lose, Sweetheart, we never go out of style.”
Nesta tried not to sing along to the song as it played quietly in the car. She took his hand into her’s.
“I’ve decided that for next year we’re going back to basics, Cassian.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
“I think you would make an excellent Mr. Darcy.”