#teia week

Isabella stared into her wardrobe before she rubbed her eyes in frustration. She had a gala to attend in a few days, and she had no idea what she was going to wear. She didn’t go to fancy parties or dances, regardless of if they were for a contract or not. She knew how to dance and how to act, but she was never asked to go.

That is, until the other day when Teia suggested that Isa should go with her to the de Acutis’ summer celebration at their estate. It was supposed to be a very formal affair, and all the House Heads of the Crows had been invited. Isa reminded Teia that it was for House Heads, but Teia countered that she could bring a plus one if she wanted to. Isa wondered if since Viago was already going to be there, she was looking to bring more people she wanted around. 

Isa would generally go to Teia for any of her wardrobe questions and needs, but Teia told her that she would be unreachable until the day of the ball. So, Isa was more or less on her own, unless she wanted to admit defeat to Illario or drag Viago into it. Viago had a good sense of fashion and design, but he had been acting strangely lately. 

It wasn’t unheard of for Teia and Viago to take the occasional relationship break, and it wasn’t strange for Teia to stay in contact with Isa during those periods. Although, this would be the first time she was asked to accompany Teia to an event instead of Viago. That could be the reason why he was acting off. 

After sorting through her clothes once more, Isa exhaled, realizing that she needed to ask Illario for help. She walked out of her room as she slid her daggers onto her belt. 

“Where are you going?” Viago asked from behind her. His voice sounded strained, as if he was stressed and was looking to distract himself. 

Ever since she had become a de Riva, she lived under the same roof as Viago. Even when he became Talon and the rest of the Crows decided to move out of the estate, she stayed. She had no interest in living on her own when she knew Viago would watch her back. He was the closest thing she had to family.

“I was going to head over to the Dellamortes to ask Illario for his opinion,” Isa answered as she turned to face him. His face soured at her answer, and Isa exhaled slowly. She knew that Viago wasn’t the biggest fan of the Dellamortes, especially the younger one, but Isa thought fondly of the cousins. They were always pleasant with her, and she enjoyed their friendship. 

“What could he have an opinion about that’s so important?” Viago asked, crossing his arms. Isa took a deep breath before shaking her head. It seemed that they were going to get into an argument even though she had tried to avoid it. 

“It’s about what I should wear to the de Acutis event. I don’t think I have anything that will work, and I don’t think I can find one that will be suitable on my own,” Isa explained. Viago clenched his jaw before he shook his head.

“Then I will accompany you,” Viago informed as Isa raised a brow at him. 

“You are going to go with me to the Dellamortes’ villa?”

“Of course not. I will take you shopping for what you will need.”

That gave Isa pause as she felt like she was falling into a trap somehow. She couldn’t remember the last time she had gone to the markets or shops with Viago. It was likely long before he became Talon, and she wasn’t sure what had gotten into him. 

“You don’t have to. I’m sure-” Isa started, trying to give him an out, but he shook his head, holding his hands behind his back now. 

“I will not have you standing next to Teia all night knowing that Illario was the one who dressed you,” Viago informed before he walked past her. Isa tried to figure out when the last time Viago had seen Illario, and she didn’t think they had a recent fight or argument. Of course, Viago could hold a grudge for an indeterminate amount of time. 

“Right,” Isa whispered, wondering what was going on. She shook her head briefly before wandering after him, hoping that he would explain what was going on. 

Viago dragged Isa around Treviso to places that Isa was sure she never knew existed. There were several tailors and seamstresses that were scattered around the nicer part of the city, and Viago were familiar with most of them. There were a few that he had only heard of, but he searched for the perfect style and fabric for Isa.

She felt completely out of her depth, but she followed and listened, doing her best to learn. Eventually, Viago felt that he had helped her put together an outfit that was worthy of the event, as he put it. She only nodded, agreeing. The dress and shoes looked nice, and the jewelry he found seemed to coordinate as well. However, his behavior only pushed the strangeness of his demeanor. 

When they returned to the estate, Isa tried to mention that she would pick up a few more contracts to pay for the shopping spree, but he brushed her off. Instead, he said that they would discuss it after the event before giving her the information on when to pick up her items, so she retrieved them on time.

Isa bit the inside of her cheek as she nodded, feeling like she was being ordered around by her Talon instead of speaking with a friend. This seemed like this should have been a friendlier conversation than he treated it as, but she decided she would ignore it. If Viago needed her help, she would find out eventually. 

The day of the event arrived, and Isa changed into the tailored gown that Viago commissioned for her. It was a floor-length A-line dress with dark purple and navy fabrics that had a scoop neck and flared sleeves. The fabrics were light and ripped like water when she walked. It covered her scars expertly while still showing some skin still. She slid on her thin leather gloves after putting on her earrings and matching necklace. 

Isa looked at herself in the mirror, and she exhaled, realizing that she looked gorgeous in the dress. It wasn’t a style she would have chosen, but she wasn’t sure what she would have gone with. Honestly, she nearly went in her regular leathers, but she doubted Viago would have let her leave the estate like that. 

She walked into the main hall by the front door, choosing to stand instead of sitting while she waited. She assumed that she would go with Viago to the venue and meet Teia there. 

“Is Teia not here yet?” Viago asked as he walked down the stairs. Isa opened her mouth to ask what he meant before shaking her head, thinking better of it. 

“Not yet. I... I didn’t know she was coming here first,” Isa remarked as Viago frowned at her. He muttered something under his breath as he ran a hand through his curls, turning towards her. 

“She asked you to accompany her, yes? Then it would be polite for her to come retrieve you for the summer celebration,” Viago explained. Isa nodded, supposing that made sense. This just happened to be far out of the norm from what they usually did. He exhaled. “She will be here shortly, I’m sure.”

“She hasn’t come to get us in the past,” Isa mentioned as Viago hummed.

“That is true, but she has not invited us to be her plus one before, has she? I’ve usually been invited to the same events, so we see each other there, anyway,” he countered. She nodded, wondering what was going on with him. 

“Then I suppose you will be heading out,” she commented. He thinned his lips before he paused. 

“Bernard is grabbing the carriage. It shouldn’t take very long, but yes, I’ll be heading out soon,” he answered. Isa hummed as she dipped her head. It felt like he didn’t want to leave her by herself, and she couldn’t understand why. If Teia said that she would be on her way, then she was likely nearly there. 

Isa went to say something else before there was a knock at the door. Viago turned on his heel and answered it, visibly relaxing as he saw a Cantori Crow on the doorstep. He commented that they were late before glancing back at Isa.

Isa stepped forward to see one of the Crows that she had seen around the Diamond at the door, and she wondered if maybe Teia hadn’t been able to make it. However, the Crow asked if she was ready, and Isa let herself be led away by the Crow towards a new carriage on the street. Isa glanced back at Viago, who was still watching from the door. She turned to her ride, and then she saw Teia peeking through the window with a wide smile. 

She was dressed in bright reds with accented red makeup and silver jewelry. Isa felt her like her breath was stolen away from her as the Cantori Crow walked her to her ride. The door opened, and Isa stepped inside with a grin for Teia. 

“You look amazing,” Isa whispered with awe in her voice. Teia tilted her head as her smile widened. 

“I’m very glad you think so,” Teia replied before regarding Isa’s dress. The de Riva Crow felt like she was a little plain next to the Cantori Talon, but Teia stared at her as if that was the farthest thing from the truth. “I adore your gown, cuervita. Did your Talon pick it out?”

“He took me to the tailors and seamstresses to get it done. I’m afraid I’m not very good at the fashion side of things,” Isa mentioned before smoothing out her skirt. Teia smirked at that as she looked on appreciatively. “I’ll let him know he picked the designs well.”

“Definitely do,” she replied before reaching out for Isa’s hand. 

Isa grabbed Teia’s bare hand with her gloved hand, and Isa wondered why Teia went to a Crow event without proper protection. At least Viago wasn’t looking to poison her. At least, Isa didn’t think so.

“You’re thinking too much,” Teia teased before Isa shook her head, looking over at Teia. 

“Just wondering why you don’t have your gloves,” Isa exhaled, finding herself worried over the Talon. Teia squeezed Isa’s hand before glancing away.

“I don’t usually when I go to these parties. I hardly need to worry about poisoning when I have a de Riva on my arm, right?” Teia asked before she winked. Isa gave a forced smile, deciding not to argue. “I was very excited when you said that you wanted to come with me tonight. Viago didn’t think you would say yes.”

“Well, Viago doesn’t know everything,” Isa smirked as Teia grinned. “I enjoy spending time with you, and I’ve never been to a formal Crow event before.”

“Oh?” Teia pressed, wanting to know more.

“Besides Viago, you are the person I’ve known the longest, and I trust you just as much, so I’m excited to accompany you to the party,” Isa explained with a relaxed smile. Teia chuckled softly, shaking her head. 

Isa was generally clever, especially when she was on a job or needed to solve a problem. However, one of her weaknesses was that she couldn’t tell when someone was interested in her romantically. She had developed crushes over the years, which hadn’t ever worked out in her favor, but she couldn’t catch a hint when it came to someone else showing interest in her. 

That was the main reason why Isa wasn’t cut out for seduction contracts, and Teia had found it immediately intriguing. Viago felt more protective over Isa in case someone aimed to take advantage in some way since he considered this a blind spot for her. Which made the conversation about Teia taking Isa out on a date rather interesting.

Viago was against it at first, a little worried that she had lost interest in him. However, with a few more discussions, Viago didn’t feel that way anymore. He was now more worried about his Crow, but he would let Teia try her hand and see if Isa was at all interested. He didn’t have any experience with poly relationships, but Teia said that she had some. Whatever that meant, he trusted her than most people. 

“Now who’s thinking too much?” Isa teased as Teia looked at her before laughing. “Were you surprised that I trust you that much?”

“No, I was thinking about something else related to that. It’s good that you trust me so much,” Teia replied, feeling the carriage slow down. As the vehicle started to stop, Teia pulled on Isa’s arm. Isa switched seats so she sat next to Teia as the Talon grinned, threading her arm through Isa’s. “And I’m glad that you are excited to join me at the party.”

The de Acutis estate was loud and boisterous with celebration and wine. Isa found herself walking closer to Teia as she kept her arm hooked with hers. Teia patted her gloved hand, hoping to ease Isa’s nerves. Teia knew that the Crow wasn’t fond or used to crowds.

Teia guided both of them towards the edges of the party as Isa took everything in. She glanced around, recognizing some Crows while seeing that most were complete strangers. Isa wasn’t sure how she felt about that, but Teia was with her at least. She could at least rely on the Talon. 

“Bella?” a familiar voice sounded behind her. Isa paused before she and Teia turned with their arms still linked. 

Illario seemed to have gotten an invitation as well, and Isa wondered if he was attending in place of Caterina or if he was someone else’s plus one. However, he looked a little shocked to say the least. Isa tilted her head as Teia grinned at the younger Dellamorte. 

“Illario,” Teia greeted with a smile. “It’s good to see you.”

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” Isa mentioned kindly. Illario cleared his throat before placing the wine glass in his hand on the nearby table. 

“I don’t think anyone expected to see you here on the arm of the Seventh Talon, Bella,” Illario commented plainly. Isa furrowed her brow, concerned with his tone. Teia rolled her eyes. “Is your Talon aware?”

“He made sure that Teia got me before he left the estate,” Isa replied. Illario glanced over at Teia before nodding. 

“I’m glad that he’s aware of what’s going on,” Illario replied as Isa frowned. 

“Yes, he’s aware that I’m here along with Teia. And now with you,” Isa replied with some irritation. Teia sighed as she leaned away. Illario’s brows raised a touch before he realized that Isa was likely too dense to understand what was happening.

“I think there’s a discussion that should be had,” Illario recommended before smiling. “But once that conversation has happened and everyone is still in good spirits, I would love a dance if you’re interested.”

“Um, sure, we’ll find you later,” Isa answered carefully before the Dellamorte bowed politely and made a hasty exit. 

Isa watched him leave before she turned to Teia, who looked mildly irritated with the younger Dellamorte. Isa held back a smirk, finding it funny that she saw Illario with the same annoyance that Viago did. 

Teia grabbed a glass of wine of her own before pulling Isa to the side as the Crow happily followed. She wasn’t sure what kind of conversation Illario was talking about, but Isa wasn’t too worried about it. 

As they reached a more secluded spot, Teia sat Isa down on a bench as Teia stood in front of her. Isa stared up at her, a little confused that they were having such an intense conversation during a party. Teia exhaled, seeing the full attention Isa was giving her. 

“Do you know why I invited you here tonight?” Teia asked plainly. Isa paused before lifting her shoulders.

“I assumed you wanted my company,” Isa answered, wondering if maybe there was a contract or something she had missed. Teia exhaled as her shoulders dropped a little. 

“I do, and I want to be in your company more often,” Teia informed as Isa nodded. She saw no issue with that. 

“I can spend more time around the Diamond, but Viago tends to-” Isa offered, letting the point soar right over her head. Teia wanted to shake her, but she only held up her hands to stop Isa from talking. 

“That’s not exactly what I was thinking,” Teia explained as Isa stared at her, keeping quiet for her. The Talon paused a moment, realizing that this was a moment of no return. “I want to be in a more romantic relationship with you.”

Isa blinked at her for a moment before furrowing her brow. It wasn't the reaction that Teia feared, so that was a step in a good direction. The Crow took a moment to process the words that came from Teia's mouth.

"A romantic relationship with me?" Isa repeated as Teia nodded once. "What about Viago? I know that you two tend to be on and off again a lot, but I thought it was more of a serious situation than most people think. I don't know if I can do that to Viago."

"I've already spoken to Viago about the idea, and he isn't opposed as long as you aren't hurt in the process," Teia reassured. Isa took a deep breath as she took in that information.

"So, you would be in the same on and off relationship with Viago while also being in a more steady romantic relationship with me?" Isa asked as Teia nodded.

"That's the idea. I had wanted tonight to be seen as a first date, but it seems that I didn't come across as clearly as I wanted to."

"I just assumed you were taken."

"That is true," Teia admitted with a nod. Isa stared at her, a little confused. "It's a new idea that Viago and I have talked about. Having you involved, I mean."

"Involved with you," Isa clarified as Teia continued to nod.

"Yes, that is the idea. However, if you aren't comfortable, we won't speak of it ag-"

"I would like to try." 

Teia grinned as Isa smiled a little nervously. This wasn't her first romantic relationship, but this would be the first time she would be involved with Talons or superiors. That made her nervous, but Teia had always been fair to her.

"As long as Viago is fine with it," Isa repeated, making Teia laugh. 

"Don't worry about him. He's fine with it," Teia reassured before pulling Isa to her feet. Isa nodded, taking Teia at her word as she was dragged back into the ballroom to dance.