Isabella

She didn't bother to hide the irritated rhythmic tapping of her foot. Admittedly, it matched her crossed arms and angry expression. Well, she was more bewildered and impressed than actually angry, but those ridiculous males didn't need to know that.

Credit to them though for having the intelligence to look like guilty kicked puppies. Well, Cassian looked like a guilt ridden kicked puppy; Rhys looked a smug but guilty cat; and Azriel just mirrored her folded arms unapologetically.

"When I said make up, I did not mean–" She waves her arms around at her kitchen. "This!"

"We'll clean it up."

"Damn right you will." She snaps at Cassian who shrinks back, the shadows warn her in time to jab a single finger at Rhysand's chest. "And you will clean it by hand."

He raises his hands in surrender, eyebrows high in surprise.

"I could clean it more thoroughly with–"

"You will be doing it the human way." She smiles sweetly, daring him to argue with her.

Isabella is smart enough to turn to Azriel, "Will I be getting an explanation?"

"I don't think you want to know." he answers, eyes bright as a smile fights its way onto the shadow singer's face. "You just enjoy breakfast with your sister and we'll have this sorted in no time."

"The human way."

"The human way." He agrees with a placating smile.

"Which takes time." She supplies, smiling sarcastically. "So I expect you to still be working when I get home.

"What if we finish sooner." Rhys grinned, acting like he said the smartest thing ever. "Do we get a reward?"

Isabella stepped forward with a smirk, feeling more confident and light than she had in days at the sight of their getting on. Maybe that's why she smooths out the lapels of Rhys' suit, stepping close enough to feel the heat of his body against her.

"And here I was hoping you'd be able to last all.. day...long," She smirked, stroking his jaw. "But yes, I'll be rewarding myself if you finish too quickly."

His eyes widened, mouth hanging open a fraction. Isabella quickly steps back, not wanting to break the moment. Coat and bag in hand as she strides towards the front door, leaving the three gaping males in her wake.

"Oliver." She calls into the living room and her son quickly races from the room, "What have you done to your jacket?"

He had been ready to go five minutes ago. Now his clothes were in a mess and were somehow dirty. Isabella flinched back in surprise at the loud snap. Rhys winced apologetically but Oliver's clothes were back in place so she was grateful.

"Part one of the apology." he nodded in affirmation and Isabella rolled her eyes in amusement.

It took more effort than normal to scoop Oliver up into her arms. The move had done him wonders, plus a growth spurt and additional weight. Rhys stepped forward as if to help her but she cut him a look, feeling a little stingy about her capabilities as a mother

"Say bye." Isabella prompted with a little shake.

"Bye-bye." Oliver waved the toy bat at Rhys who grinned and echoed the sentiment.

"Don't forget the bats."

"Bye Cas! Bye Az!" Oliver called and she winced at the noise, which meant the fae were also wincing but the illyrians both called out their farewells from the kitchen before the left into brisk spring air.

It was cold today. Not like the warmth when they were at the beach. She hoped it would get warmer soon. According to a fae seer, a weather seer? Or a fae who has weather powers at least it was going to start storming soon. The warm season mixing with the cold of the north would apparently result in storms.

Which was a new source of stress considering she had never experienced anything the female had described to her. It was certainly her most stressful coffee and shopping trip of the week, though her current one promised to be better.

The two females had clearly been waiting for her to enter the pastel patisserie shop. They were once again at Feyre's favourite, but this time Morrigan had joined them. An interesting addition that she would have liked a heads up on considering she brought Ollie.

Feyre smiled hopefully at her while Morrigan managed a polite, indifferent grimace.

Is everything okay?

She was again immensely grateful for the comfort of the shadows. They stayed hidden from view as she approached the shop counter, having decided to place her order first to have more time before meeting her little sister's potential lover.

Just an ambush, is all.

Shall we get Azriel?

Or just inform Azriel? One of the shadow counter offers, clearly hopeful to be of assistance. She nearly turned them down but– but they were all making progress. The males had bonded over a failed cooking session. She could at least make an effort to include them in her world like they had included her.

Yeah but the males didn't exactly discuss the mate bond.

She closed her eyes with a disheartened sigh while the waiter prepared her order.

Baby steps, little shadow. They've spoken civilly, and acted like brothers. It's progress.

Slow progress.

That's still an improvement.

Did she mention the shadows could be irritatingly practical. They didn't do sugar coating which she normally appreciated. Not today though. Today she was celebrating the win.

Just–

She hesitated, unsure if this was the right move.

Progress... remember? One of them hesitantly reminded her and she straightened up, pursing her lips in determination while reaffirming her grip on Oliver's shoulders as he peered into the cake display case.

Progress. Right.

She took a steadying breath.

Ask me again.

Shall we inform Azriel. The shadow didn't hesitate.

Yes.

Anything in particular?

Tell him I've been socially ambushed by Morrigan and I would like someone to hover outside to intervene should I need it.

Silence. The barista offers her the cakes on the tray. Isabella accepts with a soft smile, ordering two hot chocolates before nudging her son to follow.

Should he intervene now?

No. We'll give them a chance.

She risks a glance out the window as she approaches the window booth. There's a shadow lurking in the playpark that Oliver often frequents with the shadowsinger. Normally Azriel would be here with them. Babysitting Ollie while she meets with Feyre. Isabella just knew that her shadowsinger would be cursing himself for not joining this time.

It was her own fault, she had decided to punish all three male for destroying her kitchen.

"I'm so glad you could make it." Feyre smiles, rising to her feet. "We were worried when you didn't show up."

Isabella places the cake tray down before accepting her sister's hug.

"I was stuck discipling the males."

"Well that certainly sounds entertaining." Isabella doesn't stiffen at the sound of Morrigan's voice, only offering the female an arched brow. "Or rather a relief to know I'm no longer the only one keeping them in line."

Isabella doesn't know how to answer that without sounding like a bitch.

So she offers an awkward smile before helping Oliver with his coat. He watched Morrigan with open apprehension. There's curiosity in his expression as well but mostly distrust. Even the shadows have taken to swirling around him, hidden behind his back from Morrigan's view.

"I would have asked them to babysit Ollie if I had known Mor would be joining us," She offers the female a smile. "Then we could have had a proper outing."

And she could have joined in with their cute cocktails and cake. Instead of the child friendly hot chocolate she was having. She never had an issue with alcohol but after Tomas she couldn't stomach the idea of drinking around Oliver.

"Ah," Mor waves off her concern. "It's no problem."

She turns to Oliver and Isabella does tense this time. "Besides, I can finally meet this guy properly."

Oliver stays silent. He's gone quiet in that uncomfortable way, not the nervous way.

Perhaps Azriel could look after him still?

"Ol?" Feyre prompts when Oliver's expression begins to waver with the beginnings of tears.

"He's not a fan of new people." Isabella offers awkwardly, scooping him up into her lap. She rubs his back as he curls into her chest.

To her credit Morrigan doesn't look upset, only resigned and sad.

"It's okay," She offers her own awkward smile. "If you need to take him away–"

"Would you mind?" Isabella cuts off, hearing Oliver begin to sniffle. "He just won't settle like this."

Morrigan does look a little pained at her eagerness to leave with Ollie but she can go to hell right now. Feyre should have known better to spring this on them. Especially Ollie.

"Will you be coming back?" Feyre asks desperately, standing to help Isabella with her bags. "I was hoping you could finally meet Mor."

Isabella looks at Mor apologetically.

"Ol's been having a tough time lately," She tries to explain, guilt clawing at her chest ad Feyre begins to look resigned.

Mor clears her throat a little, clearly fighting a glare. For a second Isabella is offended but then she realises Morrigan is upset for Feyre. That she could appreciate later.

"Mummy?" Oliver queries and she hushes at him.

"Why don't you come over?" Isabella tries, not wanting to lose the progress with her sister. "We could have late afternoon tea."

"I–" Feyre hesitates and Isabella wonders if this might be a step too far for her little sister. "What about the males?"

"Oh, they'll have the kitchen fixed by then." She waves off, suddenly eager to have Feyre with her. But her sister looks uncomfortable at the thought. "I could send them out with Oliver for a little while."

Feyre seems to perk up a little but still sounds hesitant. "I-I'll see."

She nods to herself, looking at Mor for support. The female reaches out to silently hold Feyre's hand, squeezing it in silent care. Isabella lets herself calm down at the sight of them. Her racing heart slows after the sudden whirlwind of emotions. They're truly sweet together.

"Yeah," Feyre states more for herself than Isabella. "We would like that."

Morrigan shares a sharp look with Isabella. One that needs no explanation. No, this failed meeting would not be held against either one of them. It couldn't be helped. Yes, they would both be making an effort this evening.

Isabella left with one last goodbye and a request to box up the cakes for this afternoon. The barista was walking over with their drinks as they left. Which only caused another wave of embarrassment and guilt as Oliver had started to panic, twisting in her grip and getting overwhelmed.

It seemed Feyre was also getting overwhelmed with all of the emotions and calamity. Isabella opened her mouth to apologise, to sputter out excuses but Morrigan stepped in and with a wave of her hand the drinks were in two travel cups and she was taking them from the waiter.

"I'll walk you out." Mor states and nods her head at feyre. "Why don't you sit back down, we'll finish our cocktails and then head out."

It's not a command but Feyre sits down without question. Her little sister seemed to appreciate the direction. She was clearly in no position to take control of the situation herself and Morrigan was good at taking over for Feyre. Supporting her rather than directing her.

"Shall we?" The female gestures to the doorway.

Isabella nods, turning to follow after her and blinking in surprise at the winged figure waiting for her just outside the door.

"Hey, Tiny." Cassian coos, reaching forward to scoop the now sobbing boy. "Did we get a bit overwhelmed?"

"Oh yeah." Isabella winced, stomach twisting with his every cry. "Not a good day for new people."

"Sorry for that." Morrigan offered, sounding genuinely apologetic.

Isabella sighs, "I should be the one apologising."

"Certainly not," Morrigan's statement is so firm that Isabella blinks in surprise. "Everyone needs understanding when it comes to children."

She sounds like she knows from personal experience but Isabella knows Mor has no children.

"Why were you here?" Cassian asks innocently and Isabella doesn't bother to cut him a reprimanding look since Morrigan can clearly fight her own battles from the challenging look she levels the general. "A surprise ambush isn't normally your style."

"I wasn't aware it was a surprise." She looks to Isabella for some vague form of forgiveness. A sentiment Isabella doesn't hesitate to offer since she's trying to get back onto Feyre's goodside after the bad altercation at Rhysand's.

"It's forgotten." She reassures and Cassian grunts. This time she does cut her mate a look.

"Oh, I like her." Mor snorts, grinning at Cassian. "One look and she has you back in line."

Isabella levels the female a look this time.

Just because she was asking her mate not to cause problems doesn't mean she wanted to put him on the spot. They were a team now, and they had each others' backs. Mor raised her hands, brows shooting up in surprise as well.

"Point taken." The female tilts her head curiously. "I'll see you later today."

With that she returned to the cafe. Isabella watched through the window as her sister perked up at Morrigan's reappearance. They were so obvious and so sweet.

"Well that was a short visit." Cassian comments and Isabella can't help but agree with him. "Not that I'm complaining. More time for me to spend with you guys."

Isabella sighs, looping her arm through Cassian's as he cradles Ollie against one hip. The general graciously leads them through the park, taking the long route home.

"Scared Azriel half to death," Cas jokes, gently jostling Oliver with hope of a smile. His effort goes unrewarded. "Rhys and I thought it was best that he stayed behind."

"Because of history with–" She glances back toward the cafe pointedly and Cassian grimaces. "That has probably been more awkward for you than for me."

"Kind of?" Cassian asks, sounding unsure of himself. "Part of me believed he was infatuated with her but the other part knew he had to completely lie to himself for that to be possible."

"Because Mor likes females."

"Yep."

Isabella nods to herself, feeling slightly weird now she has voiced her suspicions out loud.

"You handling that okay?" Cassian worries at his lips, eyes earnest as he reshuffles his grip on Oliver. "Your sister I mean."

She remains silent, unsure of herself. Cassian seems to 'come to his sense' and straighten up a little.

"Obviously it's of no concern to you," He winces at her bewildered expression and awkwardly tries again. "Feyre is- is allowed to love whoever she wants."

"I don't disagree." Isabella keeps her voice firm, unoffended by his statement. She appreciates his bluntness and attempts to look out for her sister. "It's more that she didn't feel comfortable before."

"That can't be helped." Cassian reassures her and she frowns, feeling like he's lying to placate her. "It's not all sunshine and roses in Prythian for–"

He pauses, clearly unsure of the label.

"Homos?" She awkwardly tries, knowing it's probably wrong.

Cassian shakes his head, "I'm pretty sure that's offensive."

"Right." She nodded, blushing in embarrassment.

"Homosexuals?" Cassian attempts, cringing even harder than she had and Isabella chokes on a disbelieving laugh. "Mother above, I'm such a bad– a bad– uggghh."

"How do you not know the labels?" She demands, grinning in amusement.

He makes a frustrated noise, "I know all the bad ones."

"The bad ones?"

"War camp and all."

"Ah," She nods in understanding, pausing for a second and feeling her lips twitch. "The all male war camp."

Her mate narrows his eyes at her but remains silent.

"Where you spent many decades.... With just men."

"Males," He points out with a grumble. "But I see your point."

She raises a brow, waiting with pointed interest and he sighs in defeat.

"Yes, fine. Everyone is basically gay in illyria."

"So you do know the labels." She grins triumphantly, pausing when Oliver shuffles in his slumber.

"I want him to have options." She says suddenly, surprising herself.

Cassian too looks surprised but allows her the space to puzzle out her thoughts.

She swallows nervously, "Feyre wasn't allowed to have a choice in- in gender, and I wasn't allowed a choice in marriage."

Isabella pauses in place, Cassian copying her movements while keeping a firm hand at Oliver's back to stabilise him.

"I want him to choose, safely and knowing we will support him."

Cassian tilts his head, looking at her with an expression she had never seen before. "Even though you don't understand it? Barely like it?"

She shrugs, "I know that you love Azriel."

He tenses a little before relaxing, a soft, lovesick smile adorning his face.

"And I know that was the first time my sister had the courage to go someplace new." She gnaws at her lip a little. "It doesn't... interest me– to look at females that way. But..."

She strokes a hand down Oliver's back.

"I don't want him ever scared to love someone." She smiles sadly, "No one should be punished for love."

She keeps a hand on Oliver's back, over Cassian's own hand as he stares down at her in awe. Isabella winces, looking away from him.

"Have I said you're amazing recently?" She rolls her eyes but blushes no less.

"For doing the bare minimum?"

"For having the strength to challenge your own mindset."

A/N: I'll be honest here, I started writing about Cassian struggling with being bisexual here and then I started studying the Spartans in class and it amused me much more to make the Illyrians like the Ancient Greeks. (in that they were gay as hell - just a little f u to the actual illyrian book characters)

This chapter is a little rushed but I wanted to set up a few things