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4. Dog House

Cassian

"Or do you want to fuck Azriel or I? Because that is the impression I'm getting."

Isabella chokes on air, even Azriel has straightened up. Rhys manages to keep his cool though Cassian can see the way his eyes have widened a fraction, his jaw slackening a little in surprise at his blunt question.

Cassian fights the urge to shift uncomfortably. He's not the one in the wrong here. It's clear Rhys has been pining after his mate for sometime, has been making 'moves' on her even. Or perhaps on...

Well Cassian isn't sure he can bring himself to think of that option even though he mentioned. Because they all knew that they would be dismissing that last statement as a harmless joke. One that would bring the idea of the brothers... well- hooking up... into question. Without actually bringing it into question.

Because Cassian is quite happy to fuck Azriel but Rhys? Absolutely not. That would be... weird.

Isabella has gone bright red, clearly uncomfortable. He almost winces, especially when he realises her attention is on the little boy using him as a pillow. Not exactly the politest conversation topic to start up around a young boy.

For a moment he's reminded of all those insecure little males who would call out their wives, calling them whores and sluts while their sons watched helplessly to stop their mothers' pain. Or worse, learning from their fathers.

The thought leaves a sour taste in his mouth. One that has his stomach roiling.

Rhys starts, "Im going to pretend you didn't-"

"Bullshit," Azriel snaps. "Answer the question."

Rhys turns to Az, widing his eyes meaningfully before glancing at Cassian.

No, Rhys. He hadn't lost the plot, but thank you for having so little faith in him.

Cassian pauses at the thought. It feels a little... ironic? Hypocritical?

"I think it's time we left." Isabella murmurs, sitting up and reaching for Oliver.

"No, Iz-" Cas pleads as he reaches for her.

She brushes him off, shaking her head. "Not now Cassian. I think we've brushed upon enough uncomfortable topics for the day."

Cassian swallows, carefully shifting Oliver up and into his arms. "I'll fly you both home."

His mate goes to reply, eyes apologetic but he shifts Oliver in his arms, holding him just a fraction tighter while staring down at the boy's mother with pleading eyes. Isa hesitates but eventually caves to Cassian's puppy dog eyes.

Or maybe it's the way her own eyes harden with conviction.

He's absolutely going to get a bollocking for this. She is going to rip his head off. Maybe he should offer for Azriel to take them home.

"Azriel and I can finish up the reports." Rhys states, buttoning his suit jacket as he stands. "We can meet for lunch tomorrow to cover anything missed."

The statement hardly leaves any room for argument and Azriel looks calm, too calm, at the prospect of staying with the High Lord after Cassian's little outburst.

He feels like a fucking toddler. Being ignored and waved off as too emotional.

He knows he's too loud and emotional but they've been his friends for centuries. They can get over it.

"It's alright, I'll come back this evening," Cassian meets the High Lord's gaze head on. "There's no sense in dragging these reports out any longer than necessary."

Isabella sighs and Azriel steps toward

"Az, will you help me with my coat?"

Isabella is walking away before the question is finished, safe in the knowledge that Azriel will follow her anywhere.

The second the pair are out of the living room a cold shield slams down around them and Cassian is faced with a raging High Lord.

"What the fuck Cassian." Rhys seethes, eyes dark as he leers at him. "Isabella was so uncomfortable–"

"Oh and she was so content before I arrived." Cassian snapped, wings instinctively flaring at the challenge. "Or did you forget that she was calling you out on your bullshit."

"I believe she was calling all of us out."

"Oh don't get high and mighty."

"High and mighty." Rhys echoes, storming forward. "What a low bar to achieve when you dragged her down into the mud like some common fucking illyrian lord. Hm. In front of her son no less."

Cassian hides his wince with a snarl.

"You've not exactly made your affection a secret, Rhys."

"Why should I?" he jerks his chin toward Azriel and Isabella. "I'm being a kind host, you're the two insecure idiots."

Cassian scoffs, shaking his head as he paces away from Rhys towards the fireplace. He takes a steadying breath, attempting to cool the rage building in his chest.

"This is ridiculous Cassian. I know you and Az can get stuck in your heads sometimes about the whole illyrian and-"

"Don't." Cassian whispers, voice cold in a way that has the fire dimming down and the air stilling with tension. "Do not bring race and class into this."

Rhys pauses. Falling silent and Cassian knows from 500 years of friendship that he's shaking his head and scrubbing the side of his jaw in thought.

Eventually Rhys sighs, "You can't honestly tell me that this isn't bringing up old insecurities."

"It's reminding me what a grade A gaslighter you can be."

"Cassian." Rhys warns but he just snorts in answer, turning round to face the High Lord who's watching him with a blank expression.

"What?" Cassian challenges. "You used to keep it to court meetings and much more devastating fights but ever since... ever since you came back fro-from there you've been a raging manipulator."

Rhys stiffens, chin raising defiantly.

"And yeah, I– Azriel and I, waved off your interest in Isabella because we were just so fucking grateful to see the old you for longer than a stolen moment." Cassian's throat turns raw, hurting as he swallows back the burning behind his eyes. "Sure you were a morose dick but at least you were behaving like you used to."

"I can't go back to how I was."

"Well you can't go on like this."

The males stare at each other. Both pleading for their brother to understand, to forgive and to accept. Naturally, neither of them were going to compromise but Cassian knew they'd both leave here with regrets and more thoughts to keep them from finding sleep at night.

"You can't use Isabella as a distraction, Rhys."

"I'm not." He snaps, nostrils flaring. "As I said before, she's a friend. Mother above Cassian, you said it yourself. Isabella and I are close, we talk, we behave how we would without all the trauma and bullshit."

"And what about everything else?"

"Everything else is down to your insecurity."

"We've discussed the gaslighting." Cassian snarls and Rhys scoffs.

"You can't wave away everything I say that you don't like as gaslighting."

Cassian raises his chin, glaring down at the lord. Cassian is right and they both know it. Rhys has always been skilled at avoiding his problems. Twisting the situation until the issue disappears.

Not this time.

"Fine then. You can't say it's all in my head when Isabella is no longer comfortable being around you."

Rhys stills.

"Get out."

"What?" Cassian demands, bewildered.

"Did you not hear me? Get the fuck out." Rhys hisses, eyes furious as he points at the door.

Cassian is left gaping after his brother who storms from the room, dropping the silencing shield as he retreats further into the town house. He steps forward, peering down the corridor for any sight of Rhys only to be greeted by the torches blowing out one by one until the hallway is plunged into darkness by the setting sun.

"Cas?" Azriel calls hesitantly from the living room door. He's not looking in, giving him a moment longer of privacy. "Oliver has woken up and Isabella wants to get home before it's dark."

"Yeah." Cassian's voice comes out thick, forcing him to clear his throat. "I'll be just a second."

。・:*:・゚★,。・:*:・゚☆。・:*:・゚★,。・:*:・

Azriel

Oliver had woken up before they left, or rather, Isabella had woken him up to put in his clothes and shut down Azriel's protests. Turns out he had a lot to learn about caring for a child. Something about sleeping now means no sleeping later. A statement quickly followed by the threat of leaving him on babysitting duty.

It had sounded quite nice to him but from Isabella's expression it would not be nice.

Still... he quite liked the fact Isabella trusted him with Oliver.

Which had nothing to do with the fact she clearly didn't trust Rhys and Azriel was smug about being her favourite. Because they're mates, so of course he– and Cassian – would be her favourite.

You sound insecure

Azriel tenses, glancing down to where Isabella had her arm looped through his as he all but escorted her down the street. They most likely looked a little odd, posh and peculiar to the fae out on the streets but he didn't care. This is how most humans behaved, especially when courting and he wanted Isabella to feel comfortable.

Humans were more tactile creatures. They constantly crave physical touch, handshakes, hugs, handholding, none of which had to have romantic intentions. Fae tended to only touch those they were either romantically involved with or family members to.

As proven by Cassian who has Oliver perched on his shoulders. His br- it feels completely wrong and weird to call him brother now that they're... not official but taking things slow. His...

Fuckbuddy?

Friend?

Fellow mate?

He snarls at the shadows, for once not appreciating their monologues. Most of them were well trained and good at keeping things strictly to business. Unfortunately, a few of the little shits had been with him since he was a young boy and had developed the familiarity of judging siblings.

"Can we go to the beach?" Oliver gripped Cassian's hair, using it as a support as he leant back, head upside down as he stared back at Azriel and his mother. "Pleeeeaaasseeeee."

"I'll consider supporting you if you let go of my hair." Cassian grumbled, fighting to keep an amused and indulgent lilt to his tone.

This is why Azriel kept his hair short. The amount of times Cassian had got injured in fights because his opponents were able to grab his hair and drag him to the floor.

Unfortunately, Oliver wasn't an opponent hell-bent on killing the general. So of course he immediately let go and fell back.

Cassian jerked forward, all but tripping over as Azriel felt his own stomach lurch. All three adults twisted towards the boy. Cassian gripped onto the boy's ankles, holding him in place while Isabella caught his shoulders.

Oliver's giggles were barely audible over the sound of his racing heart.

"Oliver." Isabella chastised, immediately quieting the young boy's amusement. "Be more careful, you could have fallen."

"Cassian's holding onto me."

"I appreciate the trust." Cassian huffs, crouching down a little so Azriel can help the boy straighten himself up. "But what if I wasn't holding onto you."

"Then I would have fallen." Ol replies cheerfully and Azriel lets out a pained chuckle.

This boy would be the death of him and they'd not even had a big scare with him yet.

Beyond the whole appearing unannounced in your home?

Do not remind me. He hissed at the shadows, wrapping an arm around Isabella's shoulders.

The young mother was stiff as a board, still staring at her son who had gone back to talking Cassian's ear off. Azriel pulled her further into his side, letting her snuggle in until she calmed down.

"He's actively giving me grey hairs." She quietly grumbled.

Azriel snorts, "I'd say that's nonsense but my heart has never leapt out my chest like that."

Isabella huffs out an unamused laugh, "Welcome to small children. They're ridiculously vulnerable with zero survival instincts."

"Everyday I spend with Oliver I seem to learn something new." Azriel mused, watching as Cassian playfully raced ahead to the delight of the little bat. A few of his shadows had trailed after the pair, curling around Cassian's wings only to be left behind in the pair's speeding wake. "Cassian is certainly enjoying having him around."

Isabella hums, "He's enjoying the fun uncle role."

Well that's a bit awkward.

Azriel sighed, Why can't you go back to just commenting on missions?

Because this is much more amusing.

"Uncle?"

"I don't see the two of you laying down the law." She jests, but there's a quiet exhaustion to Isabella's tone. "It's all well and good that the two of you are enjoying the fun side to parenting but you've not seen the–"

She waves a hand, not wanting to say 'shitty side' no doubt.

"Ah. Honeymoon phase"

"Yup." Her brow furrows adorably. "How do you know about honeymoons?"

"We have them too."

"Oh."

The smooth tiled floor breaks way to the cobbled road of Isabella's street. Cassian is patiently walking back towards them with a less patient Oliver dramatically whining. The pair were following along the picket wood fence that separated the front gardens of the stone houses. They were somewhere between a cottage and a townhouse in design, covered in ivy and many had small trees in the front garden.

Azriel stepped ahead of their little group, holding the gate open for the others. It took a considerable amount of time to get through the front door. Getting little Oliver off Cassian's shoulders, cramming two pairs of wings through the door only to stumble to a halt next the shoe rack.

They would need a bigger house whenever they decide to move in together.

Isabella and Oliver were content here. They were playing house and enjoying their freedom, making this place their own. But Azriel could see Isabella holding back. No major pieces of furniture had been bought. Nice throws, pillows and vases had been bought, all in Isabella's taste but no room had been themed. She hadn't painted any walls, or brought in any new wardrobes or armchairs.

He hoped it meant she was waiting to have a family home and not that she was unsettled here.

"No running in the house!" For a second Azriel hears Rhys' mother's voice, the woman who raised him calling after her troublesome boys. "Dinner will be soon so no snacks!"

The last part was directed at him rather than Oliver. Azriel sheepishly pulled his hand away from the biscuit jar, ignoring Cassian's amused smirk. Except he doesn't ignore it because he's not the bigger male and sends a shadow to bite his arse.Cassian lurches forward, choking on thin air.

Bewildered, Isabella steps towards her mate. Steadying him with a gentle hand and concerned expression that Cassians waves off with muttered apologies.

"-fine, sorry. Just caught off guard." He shoots Azriel a glare that promises retribution before turning back to their mate. "Shall I cook dinner tonight?"

"Yes." Isabella smiles a cold smile that has Cassian stilling. "It can be the beginning of your grovelling."

She pats the general's cheek condescendingly before moving to the kitchen table covered in children's arts supplies. Cassian watches her in shock, mouth slightly agape. Even Azriel finds himself tensing in concern, waiting for Isabella to turn and call him out as well.

It's certainly worse when he's a little unsure as to what Cassian is in the dog house for.

"Wha-what-" Isabella shoots Cassian a glare. "Right, sorry, yes."

He nods to himself before glancing at Azriel in alarm.

"What exactly am I grovelling for?"

Isabella laughs mirthlessly, "Oh I'm not telling you." She lifts a pile of supplies walk past the males with a taunting expression. "You're a general, work it out."

Azriel watches his mate leave the kitchen, closing the door behind her before he whips around and slaps the back of Cassian's head.

"Ow!"

"What did you do?"

"How am I supposed to know," Cassian complains, already moving around the kitchen. "She was fine earlier today."

"So it obviously has something to do with this evening." Azriel prompts, feeling like he's speaking to the village idiot when he knows full well that Cassian is an intelligent male. "Perhaps the conversation with Rhys..."

"I-... ooooh."

Azriel throws his arms,"now he gets it."

"I fucked up."

"Yeah, you did." Az sighs, moving around the kitchen in need of something to do. "But Bell was more irritating than genuinely upset–"

"She was pissed!"

"-so you still have a chance to redeem yourself."

Azriel started cleaning up the first story of the house, letting Isabella have time playing with her son in the living room. Cassian kept himself busy in the kitchen having kicked Azriel out so he could think and plan.

It's probably a good thing he cooked anyway, it's not like there was any other option. Isabella couldn't cook the males food and no one wanted Azriel's cooking.

You're a good cook.

I'm not telling Cassian and Rhys that.

What about Isabella?

I have to save some surprises. He smirks to himself, a grin that quickly turns to a small smile when he hears Isabella and Oliver's laughter.

"I'm missing out on all the fun." He comment, sitting down on the sofa next to where they're playing with toy soldiers on the floor. "Has bat-bat decimated another army."

Oliver frowns. Isabella eyerolls.

"No." The little boy pouts. "He did beat the whole army and saved the knight from danger."

Aren't you supposed to save the princess?

Azriel fights the urge to roll his eyes, Really? Gender role ideals from the sentient blobs?

They hiss and Azriel takes a sharp inhale at the feeling of hundred shadows nipping at his skin in annoyance.

"Are you okay?" Isabella worries, clambering onto the sofa next to him.

The shadows pause their petulance long enough to report that Oliver is playing in his room now.

"Fine." He breathes out and she narrows her eyes.

"Really? Both you and Cassian are... fine?" Isabella arches a brow and Azriel winces, watching as she shuffles to one end, turning to face him head on with hands clasped on her lap.

Politics pose.

Yes, I'm well aware that my mate is about to emotionally dissect me. He snaps.

She pauses, hesitating and Azriel just knows whatever she's going to say will have hi, reeling. Again.

"Is this a sex thing?" Azriel coughs in surprise, eyes widening. "Like– are you poking fun at each other about something that... happened?"

She cringes, blushing.

"Why would it be a sex thing?" His voice is hoarse and Azriel quickly clears his throat to the shadow's giggling amusement. "Why not a– a–"

"I think you just answer your own question."

He huffs, narrowing his eyes on Isabella. "Is it a sex issue you with have Cassian?"

She gapes at him, "No!"

He shrugs, amused by her embarrassed reaction.

"Gods no! It's a- a-"

"A?" He prompts, smirking at his little mate.

She glares at him, nose scrunching up in annoyance. "It's more of an attitude thing."

"About what?"

"Well for starters sexism and then after that we can have a group discussion about this whole 'giving me space' thing!" She exclaims, waving her around in an uncharacteristic movement.

"What if we needed space?"

"To deal with the fuck me eyes you two keep sharing."

They stare at each other, both wide eyed until Isabella smacks a hand over her mouth.

"I feel like we've had this conversation before." He hedges and she drags her hand away from her mouth, looking away from him. "I thought it didn't bother you, I thought–"

That you liked it.

"No- well yes– I mean, it doesn't bother it's just..." She trails off, expression turning cold in an attempt to hide away. Jokes on her because he's had to deal with himself and Rhys for 500 years. "Been on my mind is all."

"In a fun way?" He tilts his head with professional curiosity.

Professional my arse.

She cuts him a sharp look. "No."

The blush on her cheeks says otherwise.

"If you want to explore–"

"That won't be necessary."

"It will be at some point." He states with a shrug, doing his absolute best to play it cool. "It's a natural process, Bell. Everyone– mostly everyone– gets curious."

She turns away, clearly ashamed and Azriel once again curses Human etiquette and upbringings.

"Plus, we're your mates. So we're at your disposal 24/7."

"Except when you're working."

"Don't change the subject by challenging my expression."

She sighs, risking a quick glance at Azriel to gauge his expression.

"If it makes you feel any better," Azriel begins slowly, "Cassian and I are starting from the beginning too. Taking things slower now we're doing it properly."

Iz pouts a little, "You mentioned–"

"I mean in a..." he trails off, not wanting to make her anymore uncomfortable. "Sex context. We're no longer fuck buddies but in a relationship, it's a little different and we want to start on the right foot."

"So when you said communication the other day..." She blushes, glancing at him and Azriel can't fight the smile that creeps onto his face at the adorable sight.

"Communication for the relationship but also the fun stuff as well." He tilts his head, watching as she nods. "Why don't we all have a conversation? Cas and I can carry on with one of our previous topics and you can listen in."

She winces, "I'm annoyed with him right now."

"After you're done being annoyed then." he jests but she cuts him a sharp look.

"That's what I'm annoyed about." Azriel waits patiently, letting her find the words. "I didn't like the way he spoke about me earlier."

She winces, "it reminded me of..."

Azriel nods, not needing her to finish the sentence.

"That's why you brought it up." Azriel finishes the thought. "It was on your mind."

"I don't think I'm handling what happened very well."

"Then we can talk about that too. Cas and I know a thing or two about grief and guilt."

A/N: The next two chapters are going to be based around the two conversations. Please comment below any suggestions or themes you would like to see. This could be anything ranging from discussions of past childhood events of the bat boys, to kinks, to parenting styles, to their opinions of Rhys. I can't cover everything in such just a chapter so I want to first include the key things readers want to see.

A beach day with Ollie where they discuss parenting and Tomas.

And then an evening dinner where they discuss intimate relationships and Rhys.

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