Essence of Quinn Parts 3 & 4 (MxM)

A Wedding, A Solstice and An Unexpected Gift

*APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS LATER*

"I think we're done," Water said, smoothing his fingers over the final braids in Quinn's hair.

Quinn was glad. It had taken forever, and although he loved his pack mate, sitting still in his apartment having his hair combed and pulled and teased into the traditional Ghoulish braids was not his idea of a fun morning. He'd grown it longer again over the past few months, and it had been Air's idea that he braid it the way some of the elders back home used to. It had seemed like a good idea at the time. A mark of respect for Secondo's wedding. But right then? He regretted it.

"Good," Quinn grunted, and Water laughed, draping his arms over him and across his chest, hugging into his back and resting his chin on his shoulder.

He nuzzled his cheek against Quinn's ear.

"Anyone else but you, and I'd feel offended at all the huffing and growling you've just done. It's lucky I love you, Quinn," the water ghoul said teasingly.

"I should have just combed it back. I don't see why..."

The vision blindsided him, but this time was one of the very rare occasions when Quinn came out of it smiling. He blinked and Water's face hovered in front of him, brows drawn together with concern. He had a hand on his cheek.

"Breathe, Quinn," he said gently.

Quinn followed his instructions and realised he'd been holding his breath.

"Oh, fuck." He blinked some more to process what he'd just seen. To double check the timings. "Shay needs to commune with the other side. They need to send Kaia to us."

Water's eyes widened, and his panic spiked.

"Today? As in, now? It's too soon!"

Quinn shrugged and nodded.

"Today. Not for a while. Tonight. It felt like tonight. All will be well."

Quinn sent soothing magic to Water because he was worrying.

"Secondo will postpone the wedding. I should call Earth and let him know."

"No!" Quinn snarled. "Secondo doesn't need to postpone anything. Earth does not need to know anything right now. It'll be fine. We don't need to let them know just yet. Let Secondo and the Doc have their day. They've waited long enough. They'll all panic otherwise."

Water looked sceptical and he hummed. He hated deception. Which was what this was, Quinn supposed.

"I dunno... This doesn't sit right. Shouldn't we tell them?"

Quinn scowled and shook his head, knowing how hard it would be for Water to keep this from them.

"Just keep it between you and me. And Shay, I suppose, because he will need to authorise the summoning. No Air. No Fire. Definitely no Secondo or Earth. We've got a good few hours yet. Enough time for the ceremony and the ritual." He pursed his lips and tilted his head as he thought back to the vision, looking for clues on the time. "Maybe. It'll take a little while for them to get Kaia here, but we're going to be as prepared as we can be."

Water blinked a few times, and his eyes glowed. He met Quinn's gaze and he grinned as it all sank in.

"The big guy has no idea what he's in for, does he?"

Quinn smirked back at him.

"Nope." He took a steadying breath. "Okay. You go sort the summoning with Shay. Don't let anyone see you. They won't notice if you're a little later, I'm sure. They'll be too distracted with everything else."