In another city, Isaac prepared for a date.

I'm not dead, but motivation's a bitch and it decided to flee for 10 months. Can't say if this will keep updating but I figured if I finished the next chapter I should post. Hope y'all enjoy.

Once again, Isaac found himself getting dressed up. Something a bit different, this time. Instead of the overly lavish outfit, he’d been provided a simple black button-down and slacks, with a white blazer and solid boots. He and Vanya had been awoken by a courtesan sent by Tempest shortly before sundown, carrying the message that tickets had been purchased for them to visit the theater for a show. They’d had their moment of stammering and laughing at the idea, but ultimately accepted. They weren’t going to turn down the gift, even if it was an arranged date that Tempest was sending them on.

It was a little embarrassing that Vanya’s mother was setting them up on a date already, the same day that they’d shown shared affection. On the other hand, it was a nice gesture, and he was glad to have some respite after the morning they’d had. On the other, other hand, it felt a little like he was cheating on Ophelia, but she’d said she was okay with it, so… it was fine?

He’d also been a bit concerned about going out, after Tempest had told them to lay low, but she’d promised protection. Isaac figured it was safe to trust her.

A knock rattled the door.

“Come in,” Isaac said as he pulled on the blazer and fixed his hair, staring into the mirror.

The door opened and the courtesan from earlier ducked her head in. She was a short-ish, pixie-like elvish woman, dressed in a sheer, flowy top and tight shorts. Isaac hadn’t caught her name, and he still wouldn’t, because she slipped back out and shouted down the hallway, “He’s ready!”

Isaac stepped toward the doorway and stopped mid-stride as his eyes landed on Vanya.

She was dressed all in black, a silky dress that would trail on the floor if it weren’t for her heels. Her long, smooth legs parted the slits in the dress, stark pale contrast to the soft fabric of her dress. It was backless, like most of her apparel seemed to be, but rather than being flowy, it clung to her form well. Her outfit had no sleeves, but she made up for it by wearing long, fingerless gloves that went halfway up her bicep. Her lips were painted dark red, smokey eyeshadow accentuating her golden gaze as she smiled at him, and an elaborate silver neckpiece of chains and pendants that draped across her chest.

Vanya held out her arms, wings tucked back. “What do you think?”

Isaac had to reboot his brain to reply. “You’re… stunning.”

She walked closer to him, now notably taller due to her footwear, and she took the edges of his blazer, pulling it a little tighter. “You’re not too bad yourself.”

“I can’t say I’ve ever been on a date this formal,” Isaac said. “I don’t even own clothes this nice back home.”

“I haven’t been on a date,” Vanya replied. Her hand trailed up from his jacket to his face, running her thumb over his shaved cheek. “I’ve had lovers, but nothing so formal.”

“Has your mom ever set you up this hard before?” Isaac asked with a chuckle.

“Can’t say she has, but I’m not mad about it. I like dressing up.” She stepped back a bit and twirled in place, the end of her dress flaring out.

“You are spoiling me.” Isaac paused to grab his Wraithrider, slipping it on, then followed Vanya as she gracefully led the way down to the main cabaret.

“And I’m glad to,” Vanya said, shooting a cheeky grin over her shoulder.

At the evening hour, it was full, every stage with at least one mostly-nude member of the cabaret’s staff and every table with at least one occupant enjoying the show. Despite the wealth of sexual and sensual sights around the room, Vanya almost drew more eyes than the performers. When they paused at the front doors, Vanya dipped her head to kiss Isaac, and a few patrons offered whoops and cheers.

Isaac shook his head and pushed open the door. They stepped outside under the small awning just above the door. Rain trickled down, the sunset giving the town an ethereal golden sheen where it peered through the clouds. While the sight was beautiful, Vanya deflated slightly.

“What’s wrong?” Isaac asked, stepping up beside her.

“The rain, it messes up my feathers and my hair.” She sighed. “This puts a wrinkle in the night’s itinerary.”

“No worries,” Isaac said. He lifted the Wraithrider and focused, letting the power within spill out into a shallow, flat bowl. He inverted it and managed to levitate it up into a serviceable rain shield, big enough for both of them. “I have a couple tricks.”

Vanya’s frown turned up into an impressed smile. “It would appear you do.” She held out her arm. “Shall we?”

Isaac took it and they emerged from under the small awning. They made it ten steps before a mechanical rhythm caught his ear and he turned.

Marching behind them was Arthus, who stared intently after them.

“Can I help you?” Isaac asked with a small laugh.

“No, in fact it is my duty to help you. Isaac, I am charged with your safety. Additionally, I am acting as an agent of Madam Tempest.” It tilted its head. “Hopefully I am not impeding too much.”

Isaac looked at Vanya. She shrugged. “Having a walking war machine with us couldn’t hurt. I already get harassed enough when I go out,” she said.

“Alright. Come on, Arthus,” Isaac said, and he kept walking.

The streets were quiet but for the trickling of rain and three sets of footsteps. It was almost desolate, but the occasional populated tavern or establishment banished that thought.

“The people here really don’t like rain, do they?” Isaac commented.

“I mean, would you want to be out and about in the rain?” Vanya replied with a shrug. “Besides, it’s evening. Most everyone is at home or out for dinner anyway.”

“This rain isn’t too bad. I mainly expected to see some guards or something, I guess.”

“It’s a celebration night, I think. Some holiday the city observes, winning some battle or another. Someone else is on watch tonight.” Vanya angled her head, as if trying to look into the sky beyond the umbrella. “We just can’t see them because of the weather.”

“What, does the city have dragons patrolling?” Isaac asked with a laugh.

Vanya gave a cheeky grin. “Not completely wrong.”

Isaac raised a brow.

“I’ll explain in the morning. They’ll still be around at sunrise.” Vanya smoothed a wrinkle from her dress. “The theater’s just up ahead.”

As promised, the theater was at the end of the road, a large, ostentatious building built of rich wood and marble, with artful decoration. The doors were open, gold light spilling out. Isaac walked Vanya through the doors, marveling at the opulent interior - grand stairs, doors leading every which way. He dismissed the umbrella, careful to keep lingering water from dripping on Vanya, and handed the tickets to the clerk.

“Ah, ‘Until I Met You.’ A wonderful choice for a wonderful couple.” The clerk, an older human man, smiled at Isaac and Vanya, pointing them to the stairs. “Seating for that show is upstairs and to the left. Please enjoy your seats in box one. Oh!” The clerk seemed to register Arthus, the war machine dripping with rainwater onto the marble tiles. “The… oh, wow… the automaton will have to wait by the coat rack. Doubly so because it doesn’t have its own ticket.”

Arthus nodded and marched away, parking itself by the coat rack by the door.

“We’ll be back for you after the show,” Vanya said with a soft laugh. “Poor thing. I know he’s just an automaton, but still.”

“He’s definitely weirdly… person-like. Not sure why that is.” Isaac shrugged.

Isaac guided Vanya up the stairs and to the left, as instructed. It was easy to find the seats, and it was quite possibly the best view of the stage, up in private box seating complete with curtain, table, and wine. He pulled out her chair, waited until she settled, then took his own seat.

“I think the show starts in about fifteen minutes, Vanya murmured, looking around as others began to fill the seating in front of the stage below. “Is it odd that I’m nervous? I’ve been to some shows before, but this is…” She looked at Isaac and blushed. “Different.”

“I’m a little nervous too, so if it’s weird we’re both being weird.” Isaac gave a smile and reached out to rub her knee. “Let’s crack into this wine and relax.”

Vanya nodded and used the provided corkscrew to open the bottle. She poured two glasses and raised hers. Isaac mimicked her, tapping his glass against hers, and they both took a sip.

Isaac’s phone, in his pocket, vibrated.

He furrowed his brow, setting down his wine, to pull out his phone.

It was a text. Tyler.

Getting the gang back together, the message said. See you soon.