This is going to be the first and last warning for casual flirts, heavy petting and conversations about sex. From this point on we're getting more "frisky"

(explicit content will be marked by a star *:･ﾟ★in the chapter title)

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･

Isabella

Oliver had finally fallen asleep at Cassian's side. The male was slumbering in the spare room that they would be staying in with her son curled against his side. He was cradling the young boy with one arm, head and body slumped towards Oliver in an effort to shield him from the world.

Isabella busied herself with covering them up, using a thin sheet as she suspected that the pair would be boiling in seconds. Fae males, they're no better than hot water bottles at times. Though she supposed that Cassian resembled a house cat at this moment considering that every quiet snore was accompanied by a soft purr.

"You should join them." Azriel murmurs from the armchair by the window. "I can stay up and keep watch."

"Not yet," She answers, moving the hair that had fallen onto Oliver's face. "I need to see my sister first."

"She can wait."

"I need something to do."

"You need rest."

"Azriel." She sighs, turning to where he's watching her.

For a second he holds her gaze, face resolute but then his shoulders slump slightly as he gives in.

"I'll come with you." He rises to his feet, every movement smooth and silent in a way that Isabella can't help but admire. She watches as he stalks toward the bed, gaze locked on their slumbering family. "Cassian will protect the little one– despite his current sleepy state."

Isabella shrugs, "They're cute."

Azriel sighs in defeat and Isabella shoots him an impish grin. "They do look peaceful."

"Cute." She counters.

"Isa." He admonished but she arches a brow. "Fine, they're... adorable."

"See that wasn't so hard."

"I should have never told you."

"You didn't have to tell me, I figured it out." She's quite smug about that fact and if she had more energy she would certainly be bragging about it. "Besides, what was your alternative? Living in sad denial."

"I was getting there."

"Not with Cassian."

There's a guilty look in his eyes. His gaze darts between Cassian and herself before he quickly ducks down to press a soft kiss to both Olivers' and Cassian's forehead. Azriel gives her a pointed look before attempting to make a quick escape out the room.

"Oh my– Azriel!" She hisses in a whisper, eyes wide. "Holy shit, you and Cassian–"

A hand slams over her mouth and Azriel's face appears before her, furiously shhh-ing her as he tugs her out of the room. Only once his shadows have closed the bedroom door and begin to poke at the hand covering her mouth does Azriel release her.

Sighing in frustration he begins to pace a short length in the hallway, hands raking through his hair as he turns with a furious sharpness every time he doubles back. Isabella can't help the slightly hysterical laughter that bubbles from her chest.

"You two slept together." She grins, expecting herself to be more upset but is surprised to find she doesn't really mind. Well... not exactly, she frowns. "Wait, how would the two of you have sex?"

"Anal, Love." He waves her off and she makes a disgusted noise as she shudders. That sounds weird and kind of dirty. It was also super weird because Azriel chose this of all moments to pet name her.

"That sounds..." She grimaces and Azriel slows his pacing to a steady walk as he snorts at her expression. "Painful?"

"You don't sound so sure."

"I can picture it well enough."

"Are you picturing me fucking Cassian or Cassian fucking me." He's stopped in place, a prenatural stillness as he stares her down with curiosity and something that resembles lust. Isabella looks over his shoulder, not meeting his gaze as she thinks through the new information. Well... the new image.

In her defence she hadn't been picturing either of them until he said that. She's aloud a little time to process and consider

"I'm picturing shit covered bed sheets that I would have to wash."

Not the romantic or sexy thing to say but it's what she was actually thinking of. Azriel doesn't seem to care for a loud laugh bursts from his chest. The noise echoes down the hallway and Isablle makes a desperate attempt to quiet him in case he wakes up Cassian and Ollie.

Azriel ignores her protests, shhhhs and gentle shoves. He instead stares down at her with bright, happy eyes.

"I never know what you're going to say." He murmurs, scanning her face as if looking for some kind of answer. "You always seem to surprise me."

She shrugs, "I just say the truth."

"What? I don't get the pretty little flirts you offer Cassian." Azriel arches a brow and Isabella wonders if this is the moment the competition begins. But there's no challenge in his eyes, only a soft playfulness that she's beginning to enjoy.

She tilts her head to the side, watching him with her own curious look. "Do you want romantic gestures?"

Something flickers behind his still mask. "I want the truth. Honesty and trust, that's far more important."

"Oh but you wouldn't mind being romanced." She taunts and watches as for a split second his attention drifts to the door behind her. "Cassian is the most romantic of us."

"He's always been the most affectionate of us." Azriel agrees and Isabella finds her attention snapping back to the male before her. "Cassian likes soft affection, sweet gestures and cute dates."

"You like the humble moments," Isabella stalks towards him watching the way his eyes light up at how she analyses and picks apart his mind. "The morning cups of tea in the kitchen, the evening walks home from work, buying in their favourite treats. Anything that shows a person cares, that they notice you for you."

"Hmmm..." He agrees, staring her down as the lust and affection shifts in his eyes into something darker and more curious. "What about Rhys?"

She jerks back in surprise.

"What do you think he likes?"

"I– why would you..." She trails off, watching him with narrowed eyes. "What am I missing Azriel?"

"Nothing." He answers smoothly, far too calm for that to be the truth. "I'm not sure yet."

That last bit was more truthful at least. Azriel steps forward again as if he wants to rekindle the moment but she's done with it now. All it takes is a single step back for Azriel to stop moving, for the light in his eyes to dim.

"I'm going to talk with my sister," She states, not meeting his eyes. "Perhaps you should have a conversation with your brother."

Because clearly something is up there. Isabella leaves before Azriel has a chance to say anything though finds herself walking back into her room rather than looking for Feyre. She's not ready to relive what happened today and that's all Feyre will want to know beyond how she's feeling. Which is another thing she's not ready to go into.

But why would Azriel bring up Rhys? Especially when they were– well she's not sure what they were doing but her mother wouldn't approve of it so she assumes that was classed as flirting.

Unless Rhys, Cassian and Azriel are all sleeping together.

Which is an odd thought because she can't picture the three of them being like that. Cassian and Azriel? Yes, absolutely, they have alway been close. Maybe it's the power divide but she can't see Rhys fitting in with either of them, let alone the pair together. Someone would have to concede power and she can't see that happening.

Her mates on the other hand are equals, it's obvious for everyone to see.

So maybe not that then.

Azriel was asking about what Rhys likes romantically, maybe he has a girlfriend. Or Azriel was asking on behalf of someone. Her sister perhaps? No. Rhys mentioned being close to Feyre, even considering courting her, but it's clear that the pair are closer to siblings than lovers.

"I can practically hear you thinking." A husky voice drawls and Isabella turns to where Cassian has propped his head up with a pillow to stare at her. "Want to share with the class."

"Are you and Azriel also sleeping with Rhys?"

He blinks.

"No."

"That's okay then."

"That's the line?" He frowns, amusement and confusion all rolled into one. "You have no qualms with Azriel sleeping with your mate but Rhys is the line?"

"You are also sleeping with my mate. Rhys is not mated to any of us." The words sound wrong the second they are out of her mouth but she doesn't have a chance to dwell on it because Cassian is snorting with amusement.

"So we have to keep the love in-house."

She shrugs, perching on the bed next to him and curling against his free side. They're quiet for a moment as Cassian helps her shuffle under the cover, both doing their best not to be too loud or move too sharply for fear of waking Ollie up.

"In house seems like a fair rule." She murmurs against his shoulder as he wraps an arm around her. "Simple, easy."

"Are you trying to rationalise Azriel and I's relationship?"

"I'm trying to wrap my head around it, understand you both." She looks up at him hesitantly but is reassured by the openness in his eyes. "Humans aren't exactly very accepting of this."

He sighs, "They certainly are not."

"I'm just trying to quiet my mother's voice in my head."

"What's she saying?"

"That you're all sexual deviants, anarchists and messengers for the lord of death."

He whistles slowly, almost impressed. "Mama Archeron did not play around with her religious scaremongering."

She snorted, feeling a weight lift off her chest at the casual joke. He always knows what to say. Well, he always tries to lighten the situation. Maybe it shouldn't be his turn to look after them.

"You know that's all bullshit right." She murmurs and he sighs.

"Not sure about the sexual deviancy being bull but–"

"Cassian." She admonishes the mum-voice slipping out and his chest shakes with laughter. "Don't you–"

"Did you just mother me?" He laughs and Isabella playfully slaps his chest. "No, no. I mean, if that's your thing in bed I'm sure we can work–"

"Cassian!" She hisses and he shuts up, pursing his lips to keep from laughing but it only takes a single shared glance to have both of them cracking up. "You're terrible."

"But you adoooore me." It would have come off as a sarcastic tease if it weren't for the look in his eyes.

So Isabella lifts a hand to his face, cupping the side of his cheek as she smiles up at him adoringly.

"I guess I really do, huh." Something flickers in his eyes and she takes a steadying breath. She can do a lot better than 'I guess'.

"I never thanked you." She whispers and feels him go still beside her. "For getting me out of that place, for showing me I could have a better life."

His eyes glisten, throat bobbing as he looks away from. Oh it's clearly been a long time since someone has given this poor male words of affirmation.

"You are a good male Cassian." She whispers with a watery smile, leaning forward to rest her forehead against his as he closes his eyes. "You kept us safe."

"I thought I lost you." His voice breaks, thick with unshed tears. "When Oliver just appeared without you."

She feels him slowly shake his head against hers. Both of them keep their eyes closed, content with the freedom it allows them. The truth it allows them to speak without fear of judgement.

"Cass-"

"You should have come with us." Her throat bobs at his words. "The first time we offered to help you leave, you should have left with us."

Guilt tugs at her stomach.

"I wasn't ready." She whispers in answer. "You did the right thing."

"Should have just forced you." He grumbles. Even though there's no truth to his words, Isabella finds herself sighing at his ridiculousness. "Would've been nice about it as well. Get you a good house and Ollie a good school, winnow you in and then fuck off to leave you in Feyre's care."

"Ah," She mocks. "At least you're smart enough to know that I would have ripped you to pieces for taking me away."

Cassian snorts but then falls silent.

"Why didn't you want me to kill him?"

Isabella's not sure if she has an answer for that or maybe she does have an answer, just not one he wants. She pulls back, rolling over but Cassian's arm tightens around her. He keeps her pressed against his side but lets her shift enough to press her back against his chest.

She can't bear to look at him. Not like this. Not when he lays there with her son curled on one side and her nestled in the other. How can she discuss her husband with Cassian when he lays here with Tomas' wife and child.

It feels wrong. Let alone the conversation of why she asked to let him live.

"Iz?" He whispers against the top of her head. There's no pressure in his voice, just concern. "I won't fault you for whatever you feel."

"I was supposed to be comforting you after your little black out moment."

He huffs out a long breath, "If it makes you feel better this question has been bothering me for a while."

Yeah, it would bother her too in his position.

"He's my husband." Is all she can come up with, begin with. "I loved him at one point, not in the way you're supposed to love people but... I was devoted to him. It was expected of me."

She lifts her hand to trace the lines in Cassian's palm, moving over each little nick, scar and callous. He lets her, no doubt happy for the contact.

"It made me happy for a while. To be needed and wanted. Then Oliver came along and I wanted to have that family, with the garden and the family meals."

"Jennifer said something interesting." He hedges but she doesn't recognise the name. Thankfully Cassian picks up on her confusion for he laughs bitterly before stating, "That was her name, your mother in law. Jennifer."

"Oh." She hadn't known any of their names, not really. "She was always just a Mandray."

For a second Isabella can see it, who she would have become. Another Mandray broken down and only referred to in relation to the men. Mrs Mandray, Mother, Tomas' wife, Mr Mandray's Wife. That's all she would have been, no better than Jennifer.

Would she have stood in Mrs Mandray's place? Guiding and controlling Oliver's wife?

"She was kind to me... helped me at times."

"Did she help you get glamours from Sol?"

Isabella pauses, "Yes."

A tenseness falls over them. "Is he still involved?" There was pain lacing his tone and Isabella's heart clenched in response. She knew this was all Cassian ever wanted. A family to love and cherish, children to raise and a wife– mate– to adore.

"No." The answer comes easy. "He just makes an effort to look out for Oliver."

She turns enough to look up at his worried expression. "He and I are over with Cassian. I told you, it was never truly love– not like... not like what we're-" She can't finish the statement, not ready to say it aloud but Cassian nods, pressing a kiss to her brow. "We were friends, an escape for each other. The only contact we have now is if Oliver needs something."

"He never tried to get Oliver?"

The way Cassian said it had a smile tugging at her lips because it was disapproval and a threat wrapped in one. It was clear that he expected any good male to look after and get his family out of harm's way. However, if Sol tried to get her and Oliver now she was certain that Cassian would have some major objections.

Who was she kidding, Cassian would rip that pretty boy lover of hers to shreds.

The thought was oddly attractive.

"If you want us to find him–"
"That chapter of my life is over with."

He lets out a hum that is clearly there to hide a smug and happy smile.

"Are we talking about Tomas?" A tired voice asks and she looks up to see Azriel peering over them with a frown. "We're going to need a bigger bed."

Oh, right.

She forgot the actual logistics of having a relationship with three people.

Cassian shrugs behind her, "Should have got here sooner, I called dibs." He jerks his head to the side, bumping into her head and she lets out a muttered 'ow'. "Sorry- pull the armchair over, Az."

Azriel does as he says but gives Cas a disapproving look. "I feel like I should get the bed tonight considering you just injured our mate."

Our mate? Did she know that part?

Isabella sighs internally. Honestly, so much had happened today that her brain is just scrambled goop. She's given up trying to make sense of current events. They could tell her that one of them turns into a wolf every full moon and she wouldn't bat an eye at this point.

"How is this going to work?" She muses.

"Is this another sex question?"

"No-"
"Another?"

Isabella glares at Cassian but he just arches an amused brow at her.

"What was the original question?" A blush spreads across her cheeks as she whips around to look at Azriel. Azriel who looks far too pleased with himself as he gets comfortable in the armchair next to bed.

He's still close enough for her to slap his leg, she notes with some satisfaction.

Azriel sighs and half his shadows drift across the bed to where Oliver lays, "Can I winnow him back to my room?" She narrows his eyes at him, not keen at the thought of leaving her son so soon again. But the thought of him waking to this conversation is worse so she nods.

Azriel barely waits till a second after his shadows whisk Oliver away before beginning.

"Our dearest mate," He drawls, amusement lacing his tone. "Was merely curious as to how two males would have sex."

"I feel like that should have been an easy thing to work out."

"An easy– how is any of that easy to work out?" She snaps, glaring at both males who smother their laughter. "How was I supposed to know that you would risk getting literal shit everywhere for some mediocre activity–"

Bellowing laughter cuts her off. Her cheeks burn with embarrassment and Isabella feels herself pout as she furiously crosses her arms. Looking to the ceiling seems like a better option when Cassian is practically rolling along the bed with laughter and Azriel is hunched over in his armchair.

Except he's not hunched over because he's stood next to the bed, shuffling her along.

"Budge up, I'm getting in the bed as well."

Isabella huffs, refusing to look at either male as she gets shuffled along until she's nestled in the middle. She tries not to think about the way all three of them instinctively relax now that they're together.

"Also," Cassian turns onto his side and she can feel his gaze boring into the side of face. "Mediocre."

Azriel snorts, "I can assure that we are not mediocre in bed."

Isabella feels like she's missing something. Unfortunately she's next to a shadowsinger and his shadows are soon poking both her and him in an effort to get them talking.

"Alright, spill." He commands, after swatting away another shadow for the fifth time. "Do you not like thinking about Cassian and I having sex?"

Yet another blush burns on her cheeks. She is starting to worry that her face is going to be permanently red. But– no, she's quite happy to picture the two of them... together. Cassian sniggers beside her.

"Oh she certainly likes picturing us." She gapes at him before hiding beneath the pillow to cover her face. "Sweeeetheart, c'mon. We can scent these things, it's a common thing among fae. There's nothing to be embarrassed about."

"She still has human sensibilities." Azriel hisses at Cassian. "But genuinely Isa, fae are very open about this stuff."

She mumbles into the pillow, asking the question she hadn't really voiced aloud. There's a quiet conference going on outside her pillow world as her mates try to decipher her question.

"I– nope, sorry. No clue what you said sweetheart." Cassian sounds genuinely sheepish.

Isabella lifts the pillow off her face just enough to see a sliver of light at the edge without revealing her face or seeing her mates.

"I asked why you said it wouldn't be mediocre."

They pause, "Do you want us to give you references on our sex lives?" There's a loud thwack as Azriel no doubt hits Cassian. "We don't have to do anything you're not comfortable doing... and if you want to have conversation about what we'll do before it so you know what to expect–

"That's not–" She lets out a frustrated groan. "That's very sweet of you and I'm sure I'll end up taking you up on that offer but–"

"Isa..." Azriel cautiously begins and she feels tears of shame burn at her eyes. "You do know that sex can be pleasurable for both males and females."

Silence.

"But– you have a child!"

"Cas!"

"You slept with Sol!"

"Cassian!"

"Sol was fun." She weakly argues and they fall silent once more. Someone tugs at her pillow but she furiously shakes her head, wrapping both arms around it to keep it pressed over her face.

"Okay, please don't suffocate yourself." Cassian murmurs, stroking one of her hands as Azriel grips the other. Isabella lets her grip loosen on the pillow till she can breathe okay again. "I can promise you Iz, it will be a lot more fun with us."

"We don't have to sleep together." Azriel rumbles, "Some people just don't enjoy that sort of thing."

"I enjoyed being with Sol sometimes."

"Sometimes?"

She shrugs, "It was more enjoyable just being away from Tomas and having someone to talk to. We... we were rarely together."

They wait, as if suspecting there was more.

"It's why Oliver was such a surprise when he turned out to be Sol's."

"And with Tomas?" Azriel murmurs, curling into her side and laying an arm across her. She suspects he might be resting his hand on Cassian's hip from the way the other male tensed up for a second.

"I don't want to talk about that."

Cassian tugs the pillow away from her face, helping her raise her head till she can rest her head on the pillow instead of under it. A dark warmth encompasses her view and it takes her a moment to realise that they've covered her with their wings.

Cas sighs, sadness and rage burning quietly in his eyes, "You should have let me kill him."

"Maybe I will."

A/N: So this took on a completely different tone to what I expected. What did you think of their conversation?