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i-drink-and-i-write-fics · 11 months

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An Engagement To Remember

Sunny x Nix, Quinn x Bren (Complicated) - Co-Creater @themerriweathermage

Summary: Rojas has agreed to host a party for Sunny and Nix as neutral territory. But that doesn’t mean all parties will place nicely together.

I stared at the dress, silently willing it to disappear. Don’t get me wrong, it was beautiful. But dresses had never been my thing. The flowing fabric could be a sensory nightmare and I always wore shorts or pants under them anyway to reduce chafing.

But Lydia had insisted, stating that this was one of the few times I would have to go by the Badlands customs. Stupid and pointless if you ask me.

The door quietly opened and I heard Sunny whistle.

“That’s quite the dress Hassan sent.”

I frowned, not turning around to look at him. “I wish I had gotten off as easily as you.”

Sunny stepped up next to me to look at the dark grey suit with the black dress shirt Hassan had sent for him.

“All eyes will definitely be on you.”

My frown grew bigger. The dress Hassan had sent was a bright red, figure-hugging number. But not just any red. The fabric shimmered like fire. And draped over was a lace fabric that was the color of smoke. I was going to be a walking bonfire.

Walking up to the dress, I grabbed the fabric and noticed that there were two long slits on either side of the skirt. And beneath the skirt, a pair of pants that almost mimicked the ones I wore when I flew on Meraxes.

“Well, at least Hassan remembered how I felt about dresses.”

Sunny grabbed a strip of fabric that had been draped over the hanger. “He made you a sash for Dark Sister.”

I grabbed the other half in my hand and felt the material. “This party is being held at Rojas’ but Hassan made a sash for my sword. Why do I get the feeling this will go over as well as the Yuletide party?”

“What are you doing?”

I didn’t look up at Sunny’s voice as I ran my hands over Meraxes. “I could have sworn I felt a compartment here.”

Meraxes grumbled.

“Listen, I know you don’t like your routine maintenance, but you have metal joints and they need oil.”

Meraxes gave out a low growl.

“Well, duh this would be better if you were flesh and blood. But for fuck sake I’m a witch not a wizard. And certainly not a Red Priestess. Now hold still.”

I heard Sunny chuckle. “I will never understand how you understand her.”

“That makes two of us,” I muttered.

The entire situation with the dress had sent me on edge with the knowledge that the party was mere days away. So I pretended Meraxes had unavoidable maintenance to escape outside. It led me to a weird discovery.

My hand finally found the latch, so worn down it almost melted into Meraxes’s skin. “Ah ha!”

A small door on the back of the dragon’s front leg revealed items I had not seen previously.

“Just when I thought I had you all figured out,” I muttered to myself.

Sunny watched as I pulled out a few fidget toys, a pair of noise-canceling headphones that could only block out sound now…and a cell phone.

“What is that?”

I smiled softly. “A time capsule.”

In our room, I placed the toys and the headphones on a table and kept walking to the dresser under a window. The phone seemed to turn on with no issue and it was clear it was blessed with the same magic Meraxes had from the story: to have a never-dying battery.

Sunny closed the door and quietly came up behind me, watching as I flipped through the phone to see if any of the apps would work. Of course, only the music one would. But it was enough. It was more than enough.

“You said it was a time capsule? What’s that?”

I gave a soft laugh. “Ok, so that was incorrect and I’ll tell you later. This is a cell phone. We used it to communicate in my time. And…”

A soft melody began to play from the speakers.

“This song…this song makes me think of us.”

Telling myself “I won’t go there”

Oh, but I know that I won’t care.

Tryna wash away all the blood I’ve spilt.

Sunny came closer as he listened.

This lust is a burden that we both share,

Two sinners can’t atone from a lone prayer.

Souls tied, intertwined by our pride and guilt.

I felt his arms go around me during the chorus.

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time.

You and I drink the poison from the same vine.

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time.

Hidin’ all of our sins from the daylight.

From the daylight, runnin’ from the daylight.

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time.

We didn’t have to say anything: the song said it all. This was us when we met. When we fell in love. All the stolen moments when we would meet at the borders of our barony when we were sure Quinn wasn’t looking.

Hiding from the daylight.

And now we’re holding an engagement party for all the Badlands to see.

“I love you, Sunny.”

I felt a kiss on the top of my head.

“I love you, too, Nix.”

Whatever this party would bring, I knew I at least had him. I loved my brother, but having Sunny filled a place I hadn’t known was empty.

Rojas’ manor was decorated to the nines: string lights along the hedges, candles in glass jars along the pathway leading up to his gate, and fountains turned on in the front garden. In the setting sun, it almost looked like a summer castle for a royal family in a fantasy series, not a barony that was part of a corrupt governing system. Well, maybe it was the same thing.

We had taken the 611 to save travel time, leaving the Clippers Sunny trusted the most behind to watch the estate. Meraxes flew alongside the train to the station in the Barony of Agriculture where we boarded a horse-drawn carriage to the estate. I had never arrived in any barony any way other than on the back of Meraxes. I suddenly felt like Daenerys when she arrived at Winterfell.

Esme greeted us at the gate and proceeded to give us a tour of the grounds.

“Thank you for meeting us, Esme,” I smiled at Rojas’ Regent.

“It’s my pleasure, Baroness. It has been ages since the Badlands has seen an engagement party. The last one…” Esme trailed off when she glanced over at Bren. She cleared her throat before continuing. “The last Baron didn’t host a party since it wasn’t his first marriage. Once it gets past one partner, the baronies tend not to make as big of a deal.”

I was both surprised and not that Quinn never tried to hold a party over his engagement to the late Jade. He was definitely a man who drank in the spotlight. But then again, if what Esme said was right, what spotlight would there be if no one had given a rat’s ass over Quinn’s third marriage?

Esme led us into the gardens in the back where rows of tables were set up, candles lighting up the yard.

“This is where Baron Rojas will be holding the feast after the announcement. He has the ballroom all set up for the party after the meal.”

“It’s so beautiful,” I breathed. “I can’t thank Rojas enough for this.

Sunny took my hand and gave it a squeeze. “I certainly never thought I would see anything like this in my lifetime…for me.”

I looked up at him and it was like I was seeing him for the first time. Yes, he and I talked about our pasts. But this was the first time it was really dawning on me.

“I feel the same way.”

He looked down at my face and realized how similar we were in that moment. Sunny bent down and we shared a quick kiss before following Esme inside.

After the meal, my regrets about this party came back. I was full of good food and the last thing I wanted was drama. I wanted to curl up in my bed next to Sunny, reading to him from one of my books.

Esme got the last names Sunny and I would go by after our marriage and relayed the information to Rojas. He had Sunny and I meet him at the entry to the ballroom, all eyes on us as he called out.

“Thank you, everyone, for coming tonight. We are celebrating the engagement between Baroness Phoenix and Captain Sunny. Soon to be Phoenix and Sunny Riñaperzys.”

There came a sneer from the back of the room. “From a Regent to a Captain and marrying a thieving whore. What a disgrace.”

I didn’t even need to look to know who would dare be stupid enough to insult me at a party that had Meraxes right outside. The crowd parted as Quinn strolled up front as if he hadn’t had his ass handed to him by my Clippers and dragon just a few weeks earlier. This man truly had little regard for his own life.

“Odd choice of dying words,” was my reply. “Especially since you weren’t invited.”

Rojas cleared his throat. “Unfortunately, he doesn’t have to be. As long as the event is not being held in a territory that has banded the Baron, anyone has an automatic invite.”

“That information would have been useful earlier,” I growled.

“I couldn’t resist a party,” Quinn smiled in a way that I think he assumed was charming.

“I’m not surprised you came. You thrive on people hating you. It’s why you’re alone.”

My last words caused everyone to hold their breath. Quinn’s eyes went wide as he realized I was revealing a weakness of his to all the important players in the Badlands. It was no secret our baronies were no longer aligned, but it hadn’t been suspected how bad the situation was beyond me burning his fields.

But it was slowly sinking into those paying attention. No Regent. No Wife. No Bren at his side defending him. No Clippers attending with him. No one but Waldo, and he was a fair distance away from his…’baron’.

For the first time, Quinn was alone. At the party and in life.

“Nix!” Bren hissed at me.

Quinn’s face was red as he looked up at me. There was no smirk, no raised eyebrow, and no emotion whatsoever on my face. He pulled out his sword but never got to approach me.

Sunny, faster than I had ever seen, was in front of me with his own sword drawn. “If you even get within five feet of my fiance, I will personally drag you outside to Meraxes.”

The last time Sunny stood in front of me to fight someone off was the day the nomads found us. The day our relationship was forever altered. I won’t lie, it was incredibly attractive to watch.

Quinn looked at Sunny and then his eyes danced quickly over to me, who had begun to speak quietly.

“Zaldrīzes buzdari iksos daor. A dragon is not a slave and your former Regent is about to become valzȳrys hen zaldrīzes. The Dragon’s Husband. So I would choose your next actions wisely.”

To cement his choice, a low rumble rolled through the ballroom, the bass causing everyone’s chest to vibrate. There was no mistaking Meraxes.

Quinn sheathed his blade and took a deep breath through his nose before going over to the bar Rojas had set up. Sunny waited another beat after Quinn got a drink before he put away his sword. I came up behind Sunny and put my arm through his.

“Thank you.”

“Anything for you,” he bent down to kiss me before we went to the bar that Quinn sulked away from.

The party was smoother after that interaction. Sunny and I drank before Lydia convinced us to try at least one dance. But Sunny and I were both fighters so we mostly danced in a circle, trying not to step on each other’s feet.

Because of how poorly the Summit had gone, Bren was actually keeping a distance from Quinn. Which didn’t help Quinn. Especially since myself, Minerva, and Waldo had worked together to get Gaius as an unofficial date for Bren. we even got them matching outfits without either knowing. Though, in a subtle way. Gaius was in a purple, three-piece suit with a white shirt. Bren was wearing the exact same style, but in blue. Both hues very similar in a complimentary way. Quinn had noticed and hadn’t stopped scowling. It was the best engagement gift I could ask for. Besides him being gone.

But the peace didn’t last long.

“I see you are serving up my brother on a silver platter to your brother.”

My eyes cut briefly to Juliet who had slithered up next to me. “I am serving up no one. I’m just reminding my brother there are far better men to tie his heart up to.”

“A waste of time, if you ask me.”

“This would be lost on you, Juliet. You would need a heart first to even have an inkling into understanding what love is. Love beyond yourself, that is.” I took a sip of my whiskey.

“I would rather not understand love than lower myself to marrying some nobody. Not even good enough to be your Regent.”

It was one thing to attack me, but I was going to be damned if I let her bad mouth Sunny. “Sunny loves me and would do anything to make me happy. But you…must be heartbreaking being here. Knowing that no one would ever do all this for a shrieking harpy like you.”

I knew better, I really did. But I just wanted to be left alone for one social gathering. Was it too much to ask for?

“You bitch!” Chau surprised me with a backhand and I spun, hitting my temple against a pillar nearby. My drink flew from my hand and the shattering of glass caught everyone’s attention.

I clung to it out of survival instinct, to keep myself upright as I stood next to a woman who wanted me dead. But my head was ringing from both impacts and I couldn’t make out what she was saying. No doubt commands to her clippers. And of course, Broadmore wouldn’t miss the chance to join in. I had Dark Sister with me, but I was in no condition to wield the blade. What started as a party to celebrate the man I love was quickly turning black.

Then I heard it - above the haze of the injury. A male voice growled.

“Step away from her!”

There was a loud commotion and I was being hoisted over someone’s shoulder before being set down across the room. Two sets of hands grabbed me and sat me in a chair. I tried to clear my head and slowly noticed I was with Rojas and Minerva.

I shook my head to clear the cobwebs, barely catching the sight of Sunny surrounded by Chau’s men. I struggled to my feet and Minerva gripped my arm tightly, Rojas on my other side.

“Don’t. You’ve hit your head pretty hard.” Minerva tried to push me back onto the chair.

“She’s going to kill him!” I growled.

“I know but I don’t think we can stop her,” Rojas whispered in my ear.

I took a deep breath and pulled out Dark Sister. “I can, but I want to apologize now.”

“For what?”

“The blood stains I’m about to leave.”

Pushing away from them, I caught the last parts of the conversation between Sunny and one of Chau’s clippers.

“She’s a whore and unfit to be a baroness!”

Sunny growled, his knuckles almost white with how hard he gripped his sword. “I’ll have your tongue for insulting my fiancée!”

I lifted my sword high and swung down at an angle, severing the clipper’s head in half. The Valyrian steel cut cleanly and the body dropped as the top of the head spun away. Everyone looked at me in shock.

“He can keep his tongue,” I huffed as I twirled the sword. “Who’s next?”

The room was silent as people took in my blood-spattered look. Even Sunny couldn’t believe what he had seen. Fair, considering I hadn’t used my sword to its full potential before.

Broadmore hadn’t taken his eyes off Dark Sister. “Where did you get that blade?!”

“Old Valyria. Standard issue for dragon riders.”

“You don’t deserve such a weapon!” He snarled.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Quinn calculating the risk of taking the blade while Chau whispered in her Regent’s ear.

“Then come get it!” I growled, moving into a fighting stance. Sunny was instantly at my back, his sword just as ready as mine.

Broadmore drew his sword and Quinn was shortly behind him.

Until…

The sound was low, but as someone who grew up in the desert I recognized it immediately. It was the noise of a rattlesnake.

It was clear that no one else picked up on the noise at first. But Quinn wasn’t too far after me. And just like me, he knew where the sound was coming from. There were parts to Bren I knew Quinn hadn’t reckoned with. Dark, protective parts. We both looked over and saw Gaius putting his hand on Bren’s chest to hold him back. But we knew that nothing would stop Bren from coming to my aid anymore than anything could stop me from coming to his.

Quinn’s burnt poppy fields were proof enough.

Along with the snake tail Bren had produced. Lydia had told me of the dragon form Bren had taken during the Summit and something told me Quinn was remembering it as well. Because the next thing he did was sheath his blade and backed away from where he had stood next to Broadmore. But Chau and Broadmore weren’t as quick with their survival skills. Juliet pulled out her blade and I smirked at her.

“I see you’ve bought a new sword since our last match up.”

Juliet went pale at the memory of me cutting her sword in half when I broke Gaius out of her dungeon. She lowered her sword. “Back off!”

Her Clippers didn’t move at first, confused by the command. Until her Regent, Kristo, could see how serious his Baroness was. He dropped his sword to his side and the other followed suit.

Seeing that Broadmore no long had backup, I stepped away from Sunny and placed my sword a foot away from Broadmore’s neck.

“You’re move, Old Man Broadmore. Do you think you have it in you to steal a sword beyond your abilities?”

With Quinn and Chau now backing down, Rojas had regained himself. “Enough! Chau, Broadmore, you are done for the evening! Gather whomever you brought and leave. Tonight!”

He then turned and looked at Quinn, who still hadn’t recovered from Bren’s snake form.

“You two, you walking disaster. Take your drama out of my barony.”

Waldo wheeled up to me and Sunny while the other barons left with their tails tucked between their legs. “Not even in your own barony and you’ve managed a repeat of your winter party.”

I frowned. “These barons shouldn’t be mingling. There’s too much animosity.”

“I agree. But if you, Bren, and Minerva are going to change the Badlands, you can’t shy away from this. If you have these parties already established, it’ll be far easier to keep the traditions once Barons who do cooperate take over the other baronies.”

“Great. Can’t wait to see what the wedding brings.”

Tagging Crew:

Everything

@multifanworld

@liadamerondjarin

@blackgaladriel

#into the badlands #welcome to the badlands #sunny x original female character #itbsunny #sunny #quinn #itbquinn #quinn x original male character #original female character #original male character #tw: violence #tw: murder

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themerriweathermage · 11 months

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Playing With Fire

Summary: Bren gets ready to attend Nix and Sunny's engagement party, with high hopes that everything will run smoothly. But this is the Badlands, and as soon as he gets to the party, he knows that some of the barons have come to play with fire.

Pairing(s): Sunny X Nix, It's Complicated (Quinn X Bren)

POV: 1st Person (Bren), 3rd Person

Warnings: Canon-typical Violence

Co-creator: @i-drink-and-i-write-fics

Divider Credit: firefly-graphics

I grumbled out a sigh, watching the scenery pass on the 611, on my way to pick up the suit that Hassan had made for Nix’s engagement party. Sebastian flopped into the seat across from me. “You sound like you’d rather be doing literally anything else.”

“Parties aren’t my thing.” Sebastian raised an eyebrow slightly.

“No? You seem to handle a crowd well.”

“Great.” I replied dryly. “It’s too many people, too many sounds, and too much expectation for me to act a certain way.” I looked away. “I’m happy for Nix and Sunny. But probably just as irked about this particular tradition as my sister is.” I dragged my attention away from the window and onto Sebastian. “You have any particular plans for the party?”

Sebastian shrugged. “I half figured I would be on duty that night.”

“Oh? Did Sunny ask you to stay at the Estate?” I asked.

“No, actually.” Sebastian replied. “Though he did mention something about you needing an escort... potentially. So I just figured I’d be in uniform.” I wrinkled my nose.

“You can wear something nice, you know. You have my permission to do so.”

“Oh, I don’t own anything too fancy. At least, not in your house colors.”

“You tell me this as we go to the barony of textiles. Get yourself something nice. I’ll pay.” I replied. Sebastian’s eyebrows rose slightly.

“That’s very kind of you, but I’m not sure I should impose.”

“It’s fine, Sebastian, really.” I murmured, taking a minute to get up and stretch my legs. It wouldn’t be long now that we would be pulling into the station, and I needed to be prepared for a little more time on horseback.

I was one of the first people off the train, heading down the line to gather Morroch and stepping into the transportation car when I noticed that one of the horses was already saddled. I was curious, peeking under the saddle to reveal the bright blue saddle pad with a silver butterfly embroidered on it. I didn’t quite entirely realize that we were traveling with Minerva over here. Regardless of this, I gathered up Morroch, leading him and Sebastian’s horse out of the car.

“Well, well, well...” Minerva greeted me, standing on the platform waiting for her own horse, and Gaius Chau standing beside her. “Look what the 611 dragged in.” I gave her a smile.

“Here to gather your dress for Nix’s party?” I asked. “Minerva. Gaius.”

“Baron Bren.” Gaius replied in greeting.

“Just Bren, Gaius.” I reminded him, passing off the reins to Sebastian and pulling myself to Morroch’s back. “If I’d known we’d had company, I would have invited you to travel with me.”

“It’s not such a long trip anymore.” Minerva replied. “But I’m sure we can join you on the way back.”

I wondered if it was just a lucky coincidence, or if there was something more to the both of us being here at the same time. But, I didn’t think to question it too much, just following Sebastian down the pathways laid out for us.

“If you want to talk with Lord Gaius, I’m sure I can find something else to occupy my time.” Sebastian teased. I just shrugged. I didn’t really know how to describe it but ever since the Summit with Quinn, I’d just felt a little bit off, like there was an important part of me that was just... missing. I hadn’t particularly found myself in a mood to be sociable in the last few weeks, and talking candidly with Sebastian on the 611 was the most I’d found my spirits lifted in some time.

We walked side by side into the town, tying our horses to the hitching post, and making our way to the tailor. “Baron Bren!” Hassan greeted us kindly. “Sebastian.”

“Baron Hassan.”

“And it’s just Bren, Baron.” I replied.

“Hassan, then.” He extended the same courtesy to me. “Welcome. I’ve been expecting your arrival, yours and--” He glanced behind me. “I don’t suppose you came in with Baroness Minerva?”

“I did actually, but they’ll be a few minutes behind me.” I replied, following him inside where he proudly displayed the suit. I ran my hand down the deep rich blue fabric, admiring the suit. Gods, it was beautiful but I couldn’t describe how much I hated this kind of finery. But it wasn’t my party and I wasn’t going to complain.

“To your liking?” Hassan asked.

“I think it’s marvelous.” I replied, hopefully convincingly. “Actually, I was wondering, would you be able to whip up something for Sebastian in my house colors? I can pay the extra fee.” Hassan blinked, looking at me and then to Sebastian standing behind me.

“Of course, Bren.” He replied, going to find a tailor to take measurements.

“You look less than thrilled.” Sebastian murmured.

“It’s... not really my style, but it’s also not my party.” I replied, turning to browse the racks of assorted jewelry, expert craftsmanship traded from Broadmore’s jewelers and artisans, while a tailor took measurements of Sebastian.

“Will you be wearing a weapon?” Hassan asked, and Sebastian nodded. “Don’t forget to add that into the repertoire.”

“What’s this about wearing a weapon to a party?” Minerva asked.

“What, like you don’t think Chau is going to show up and crash my sister’s engagement?” I asked. “Forgive me if I’m out of line, but somehow I doubt you’d show up to this kind of party unarmed.” Minerva held a finger to her lips.

“A lady can’t tell all her secrets.” She replied. “And really, if you think Chau is showing up, I can tell you, it’s not her I’d be worried about.”

“Ugh.” I groaned. “I hope he doesn’t. He has a tendency to bring drama wherever he goes and I’d like my sister’s party to remain drama-free.”

“Of course. That’s why you’re bringing an escort, right?” Minerva asked. “A well-dressed escort, no less.” I turned and Sebastian was draped in rich blue and silver fabrics, probably wondering what he’d just gotten himself into. I dropped a golden necklace on the counter, the pendant carved into a crystal shape.

“Adding a little spice never hurt.” I teased.

“You have a good eye for this type of thing.” A voice sounded behind me. Gaius. I had almost forgotten that he was here. He’d been so quiet, but I suppose he was just waiting his turn.

I turned to face him, leaning back against the counter, and my jaw almost dropped because apparently he hadn’t just been waiting his turn. Apparently, they were still fitting him in an absolutely gorgeous dark purple suit that brought out his features even more than normal.

“Well...” I started, almost speechless. “You certainly clean up nice.” Gaius chuckled.

“Got any spice to share with me?” He asked. I raised an eyebrow slightly.

“You could try adding a golden trim to the jacket and instead a vest substituting a corset.” He gave me a little bit of a bewildered look, but I must have given the tailor an idea because the flurry of activity around him suddenly paused.

“I don’t exactly have the assets for a corset...” Gaius started.

“No, he has a point.” Hassan murmured. “You have a nice build for that sort of thing. It will only take a few adjustments to the vest. And you? No gems or jewels for you today, Bren?” I chuckled.

“No upstaging my sister at her own party.” I replied. “Not unless you have a nice hat for me.”

“I’ll just have to see what I can do about that then.” Hassan replied with a twinkle in his eye. “I’ll have it delivered with Sebastian’s suit, no?” I only shook my head and gave him a soft chuckle, paying him what I owed, and stepping out, needing to get some air.

It wasn’t long that I was joined, but it wasn’t by the person I was expecting. I turned, expecting Sebastian but getting Gaius instead.

“Join me for a late lunch?” He asked. “Since it seems that Sebastian is occupied and my baroness has a few things to requisition?”

“That would be nice.” I murmured, taking his offered arm and following his lead. “To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to see you traveling with Minerva today.”

“You didn’t think I’d go to the party?” He asked.

“I don’t know. I haven’t really felt very sociable in the last few weeks. Working at Gideon’s was particularly draining.” I replied. Gaius chose not to comment on the obvious, getting us a table at the tavern and ordering something for us to share. “This is nice.”

“I question your decision to put me in a corset, but yes, I suppose this is nice.” Gaius teased.

“Hey, you’re the one who asked.” I replied. “You have a nice figure. A corset vest will suit you nicely, I think.”

“It’s nice of you to do this for Nix. I’ll admit, as baron, I thought you would insist otherwise. The suit, it doesn’t seem to be up your alley.” I barked out a dry laugh.

“Did the flowy cloak give it away?” I asked. “I tend to stick to what I know, and what I know I like. And besides, I like the way that it weighs down on my shoulders.” Gaius tilted his head to the side curiously. “It helps with my anxiety.”

“I would have never known. You handle yourself with such grace.” I nearly snorted.

“I have to be the least graceful person I know.” I retorted.

“But--” Gaius started.

“I think perhaps you just aren’t around enough to know the man behind the mask.”

“So your graceful behavior is that of a baron, is what you are saying. Would it be presumptuous of me to tell you that I’d like to get to know the man behind the baron?” Gaius asked. I raised my eyebrows at him.

“Perhaps you should come to House Enduring sometime.” I replied carefully.

“Perhaps I should.”

When I’d left Gaius with those words, I didn’t expect to see him show up on the front porch the afternoon of Nix’s party, just as I was heading out with Sebastian as my escort, both of us sharply dressed.

I opened the door before Gaius could knock and was momentarily rendered quite speechless. It seemed that my suggestion had quite paid off, and it took me a minute to regain my composure.

“Nice hat.” Gaius commented softly.

“You look marvelous. But I thought you were going with Minerva.”

“Actually,” Gaius looked a little sheepish, “I was told to come ask you.” Sebastian gave me a look, amused.

“How about I leave you two be?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I mean, I don’t doubt Gaius’ fighting capabilities, but an escort would still be nice. I’m not about to complain about having two dashing men at my side.” I replied, leaving them both red-cheeked at the compliment, making my way to the station where the 611 was running her overtime. Nix and Sunny had already gone ahead to take a tour of the grounds, which left me, Lydia, Sebastian, and now Gaius making ourselves comfortable for the trip ahead.

Lydia gave me a look as Gaius found a seat, pulling me back. “You didn’t tell me you had a date for this.”

“I didn’t know I had one.” I replied. “I was taking Sebastian as my armed escort, but I won’t complain with what I’ve been given.”

As we were escorted to the grounds of Rojas’ manor, I noticed one of the stablehands having trouble with a horse, and turned to Gaius. “Excuse me a moment, will you?” I asked, but not waiting for an answer either, jogging over to the stablehand and grabbing a hold of the bridle.

“Easy there, Valiant.” I murmured, taking the saddle and the bit and bridle off and putting on a halter and lead rope instead, giving him a chance to calm down on his own. When he could come to me, and put his nose under my hand, I knew he could be handled by the others. And then his ears pricked forward at the sound of kissy noises and I saw that Sebastian had somehow charmed an apple from someone and was holding it out for him to sample.

Valiant’s attention occupied, I gestured the stablehand over to brush him out. “What are these marks from?” Gaius asked, reaching out to touch the marks left behind on his when I grabbed his wrist in warning.

“He doesn’t know you.” I murmured.

“Saving yourself a bite, I see.” Rojas approached behind Gaius and Sebastian.

“The rochir himself.” Rojas gave me a smile at the compliment and leaned against the fence, looking at the marks on Valiant’s side.

“Those are the marks of a man who doesn’t know what good horsemanship is.” Rojas replied. “If I weren’t the baron, and the man who owns this horse not also a baron, I wouldn’t consider myself above petty horse thievery.”

“Well I am the baron, and I don’t give a shit about the man who owns this horse. After all, the Badlands thinks I’ve stolen everything else from him: why don’t I just add horse thievery to the list?” I asked sarcastically. Sebastian snorted.

Even Rojas cracked a smile at that, shaking his head. “You should probably get going. Your sister has been looking to make sure you got here safely. And I’ll have my Clippers make a patrol of the grounds. He may not be invited to the dinner, but perhaps he can be intercepted before he makes it to the party.”

“You have my eternal thanks.” I murmured, brushing myself off and being offered both Gaius’ and Sebastian’s arms. I raised an eyebrow and wondered if they wanted me to pick one or the other, and then didn’t I didn’t care. “Don’t mind if I do.” I murmured cheekily, taking both offered arms.

“Has anybody ever told you you’re cheeky?” Sebastian asked. “You could have said no.”

“I’m comfortable where I am.” I replied, following the escort into the back gardens. Rojas had certainly outdone himself. It was almost like walking something straight out of a fairytale.

“You’re late.” Waldo called out, sitting around with Sunny, Nix, and Minerva.

“Fashionably late, might I add.” Minerva teased.

“There was a slight incident at the gates,” I replied. “Involving a horse.”

“I thought you were going to say involving Quinn.” Sunny muttered.

“It is my sincere and genuine hope that that will not happen.” I replied.

“You and me both.” Nix murmured, taking the offered seat as more guests began to fill in the backyard. I caught eyes with Rojas as we sat down to eat and he shook his head subtly, looking in the direction of where his Regent was standing, and I nearly choked on my drink. Because Esme was standing there with a cattle branding tool in her hand, rather idly heating it up over an open flame and inspecting the red hot grasshopper brand. I would hate to be the man that came uninvited to a party and ran into her.

With dinner served, all parties moved inside for the announcement of Nix and Sunny’s engagement, for some drinking and some dancing. It seemed like the coast was clear and I was just beginning to relax when Rojas announced their engagement, and then I heard it.

“From a Regent to a Captain and marrying a thieving whore.” My jaw tensed. “What a disgrace.” The crowd parted to let Quinn through. Damn it. But he came in alone, overconfident in his ability to charm a crowd.

“Odd choice of dying words,” Nix replied smoothly, “Especially since you weren’t invited.”

Rojas gave me a sincerely apologetic look, and cleared his throat. “Unfortunately, he doesn’t have to be. As long as the event is not being held in a territory that has banned the Baron, anyone has an automatic invite.”

“That information would have been useful earlier.” Nix growled. Oops. I suppose I had put a little too much hope into thinking Rojas’ soldiers would have been able to find and detain him. Either that or he was better at hiding than I thought he was.

“I couldn’t resist a party,” Quinn offered a smile, rare, but it was more of a smirk than a smile.

“I’m not surprised you came. You thrive on people hating you. It’s why you’re alone.” One could have heard a pin drop at Nix’s words, everyone watching and waiting with bated breath, and Quinn’s eyes went wide at her words. It was no secret that our baronies had been on the brink of war with each other, but I’m not so sure that everyone else was aware of what else had happened in the last few weeks.

He was alone. No escort. No date. No nothing but him and his sword. And his horse, but if he still had a horse at the end of the week, I’d be surprised. And then his face burned bright red, and I couldn’t help but hiss a warning in Nix’s direction.

“Nix!”

There was no play to the emotion on Quinn’s face. I watched his eyes harden and his hand reach for the sword at his waist, pulling it out and leveling it in her direction. And then there was Sunny, standing in between the two, his sword meeting Quinn’s.

“If you even get within five feet of my fiancee, I will personally drag you outside to Meraxes.” Sunny growled, anger evident on his form. Quinn met Sunny’s eyes and then looked over his shoulder to Nix.

“Zaldrīzes buzdari iksos daor. A dragon is not a slave and your former Regent is about to become valzȳrys hen zaldrīzes. The Dragon’s Husband. So I would choose your next actions wisely.” Nix murmured. And then everyone heard it, the low rumble that rolled right on through the ballroom. Meraxes. And surely Quinn would not be fool enough to challenge the dragon... again.

He finally sheathed his blade and walked away, but not before his expression gave it away that he was not pleased. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding and realized that Sebastian had stopped mingling during that entire affair to be at my side, his sword drawn and ready to defend me.

“I think I need a drink.” I eyed the bar where Quinn was sulking with a glass of whiskey and grumbled.

“I’ll go shoo him away.” Sebastian replied, making his way over there. I shivered under Quinn’s gaze when Sebastian made it clear that he was to move on, and then he scowled, anger in more than one way glinting in his eyes.

“I believe you said something about a drink?” Gaius asked, offering me a glass of wine as I tore myself away from Quinn’s jealous look.

“Yes, thank you.” I murmured as Gaius planted himself in front of me, blocking Quinn’s view. “You’re putting a target on your back, you know.”

“You look like you needed a rescue.” I took a sip of the wine, savoring the sweet flavor.

“It’s appreciated actually.” We moved to the side of the ballroom so as to not be in the others’ way when the dancing began. I could see that Lydia had convinced Sunny and Nix into a dance and given up after one before coming to poke us about it.

“You should dance.” Lydia prodded.

“You know I have two left feet.” I replied.

“Sunny and Nix danced.” She retorted. I rolled my eyes good naturedly, downing the rest of my drink and setting the glass aside.

“Will you excuse me for a moment?” I asked Gaius. “My Regent is demanding a dance.” Lydia protested as I led her to the dance floor, falling in line with the others dancing.

“This isn’t what I meant and you know it,” Lydia chided, but smiling regardless as I spun her around.

“Anything to see you smile, Lydia.” I replied, finishing the dance and gracefully bowing out as the song ended.

“I am quite certain that she was talking about us.” Gaius handed another, notably full, glass of wine.

“Oh, I know she was.” We found a little bit of a secluded corner to take for ourselves, away from the busy chatter of the ballroom. “But there is an absolute one hundred percent chance that Quinn would try to steal me as a dance partner from under your nose. I think he’d rather face a den of wildcats than do that to Lydia. And besides, really, I am not coordinated enough to dance.”

“You shouldn’t have to watch your back from him.” Gaius frowned. “I wish he hadn’t come.”

“I also wish your sister hadn’t come but oh... such wishes are wasted.” I muttered, seeing Juliet and Broadmore mingling in the crowd. “You know, as much as she and Quinn do seem to hate each other, they have the same penchant for causing drama. Are we sure they don’t meet up for whiskey once a month and exchange ideas?”

“I think my sister wouldn’t be caught dead drinking the same thing Quinn does, let alone be caught alone in the same room as him. And I’m not entirely sure Quinn would walk out of that room if they were alone in it together, in all honesty.” I snorted. “The only person that man is charming to is himself.” And then Gaius glanced in my direction and gave me a sheepishly apologetic look. “No offense.”

I shrugged. “It is what it is.” I tracked Juliet across the room as she made her way to the happy couple, hoping against my better instincts that things weren’t about to come to a fight. Especially after she gestured in our direction. For a good minute, it looked like things were going smoothly, until I watched Juliet backhand my sister and my jaw actually dropped. It was almost instinct how quick I felt the armor crawl up my back and right down my nose, scales dusting my cheeks and throat.

When Nix hit the pillar, I growled, feeling fire rise in my chest, but still frozen to my spot, rooted in fear that somehow overrode the feelings of anger. She was hardly defenseless with Dark Sister, but even I could tell she was disoriented and unable to defend herself from the Clippers closing in. Before I could shake myself out of my stupor, I heard Sunny growl-- the kind of feral growl that would make anyone second guess themselves-- “Step away from her!”

And then he had punched his way through Chau’s men and hoisted Nix over his shoulder, setting her down halfway across the room in the clutches of Rojas and Minerva, and he was right back in the fray, sword drawn and ready to go to war for his mate.

Before they could get into it, I watched as Nix pulled out Dark Sister. Oh, I knew now, someone was in for a nasty surprise.

“She’s a whore and unfit to be a baroness!”

Sunny snarled again. “I’ll have your tongue for insulting my fiancee!” Nix lifted Dark Sister and swung down at an angle, severing the clipper’s head right in half. The Valyrian steel cut cleanly and the body dropped as the top of the head spun away. Everyone looked at her in shock.

“He can keep his tongue,” Nix huffed as she twirled the sword. “Who’s next?” The chatter of the room had completely died out and everyone’s attention was on her and her blood-spattered look. Even Sunny looked completely taken off guard, but I don’t think anyone had really seen her use Dark Sister to its full potential.

Finally, Broadmore, who’s attention was glued to Dark Sister, snarled, “Where did you get that blade?”

“Old Valyria. Standard issue for dragon riders.”

“You don’t deserve such a weapon!”

From my vantage point, I could see the contemplation on Quinn’s face. She was only one woman but he’d have to go through Sunny to get to her. And if he managed to get through Sunny, he was going to have to get through me.

“Then come get it!” Nix growled, moving into a fight stance, and Sunny fell back to her side, his own sword at the ready. Broadmore advanced with his sword drawn, and Quinn behind him. Really?

Oh, I was offended. Well, I was more than offended. I was fucking pissed. I needed this man to fear for his life right now without scaring a whole ballroom of people. So I shoved down my Wrath and focused on just changing one part, my tail curling around Gaius’ feet in a warning rattle.

I watched Nix recognize the sound and glance in my direction, and then Quinn stopped and also looked in my direction. And he came face to face with the parts of me that he probably still hadn’t reckoned with. I knew that my eyes had changed, pupils contracted into thin slits and that I was giving him an entirely predatory stare, shaking the rattle in warning. Gaius’ hand pressed into my chest and he stepped forward, hand on his sword hilt, but Quinn had already swallowed rather audibly and was backing away, sheathing his sword.

But the others, not so much. The others had no idea what had frightened Quinn enough to make him back away and still pressed the advantage against Nix. Until Nix reminded Juliet what had happened last time she’d pulled a sword on my sister. Then and only then did Juliet give the command for her Clippers to back off. And then there was one. And Broadmore no longer had the muscle behind him for backup.

So Nix stepped up and leveled her sword at Broadmore’s neck, not close enough to hurt him, just close enough to threaten him.

“Your move, Old Man Broadmore. Do you think you have it in you to steal a sword beyond your abilities?”

Now that the others had backed down, Rojas regained control over the situation. “Enough! Chau, Broadmore, you are done for the evening! Gather whomever you brought and leave. Tonight!” He ordered, turning to Quinn, who seemed to still be in shock from what he’d been shown. “You too, you walking disaster. Take your drama out of my barony.”

I took in a deep breath, letting go of the partial shift. Part of me couldn’t believe that had just happened; the other part was still broiling with anger. I turned to Gaius. “I’m sorry for doing this, in advance, but um,” I took off my hat. “Can you hold this? I’ll be right back.”

And I didn’t wait for an answer, following the retreating barons out.

“Quinn!” This was one of the times I knew I had to make my voice carry, and carry it fucking did, because he flinched at the sound, turning around to face me just as my fist crashed into his jaw, making him stumble backwards in surprise. His hand flew to his cheek in shock and he looked in disdain at the blood wetting his fingers when he drew his hand away. My armor hadn’t entirely faded with all the adrenaline running through my system, and it didn’t seem likely to fade soon. “You are an infuriating, miserable, lonely old man!” I snarled.

He opened his mouth to say something and I cut him off, coming down the steps and shoving him backwards, both hands on his chest when I pushed. “Gods forbid you suffer the same agony you’ve put hundreds, if not thousands, of people through in the same silence and complacency that you require everyone else to suffer in!” I snapped, watching him try to find his footing as I continued to approach. I knew the other barons were watching me, and they could have been waiting for an opportunity but I didn’t care right now.

“You could have done us all a favor, you could have done me a favor,” I appealed to us, if but for a moment, because I knew I could and get away with it, “And stayed away for one fucking night! One night! One night for my sister to have the engagement party of her dreams, but no. Your only goal in life is to make people just as miserable and lonely as you are!”

“Sunny...” Quinn started.

“Take his name out of your fucking mouth!” I roared. “You’ve no right to speak of him or his honor! At least he had the courage to follow his heart.”

“That’s a fool’s notion.”

“I’m not surprised you believe that, considering you don’t have a heart.” I hissed. That made Quinn blink, both hurt and surprise flashing across his face. “Go home; you’re not wanted here!”

“Clip him!” I registered Broadmore’s order in the back of my mind but Quinn didn’t move on that order, and Sebastian had bloodied his sword by the time any of Broadmore’s Clippers made it that far. I stared Quinn down as a stablehand brought Valiant to his side, and issued a silent command of haste as soon as he was in the saddle. He gave me one last look, meeting my eyes with an unreadable expression, and turned to go into the night. “Unbelievable.” Broadmore scoffed, gathering up the rest of his men and leaving into the night behind Quinn.

I made my way back to the porch where Gaius was leaning against the doorway. “Impressive.” He remarked.

“Ugh, don’t.” I muttered, taking my hat and folding my jacket over my arm, making my way back inside. I slipped in at the bar and ordered a glass of whatever they could give me that was strong, needing to steel myself just to drink it.

If I thought about it too much, I was going to cry and I couldn’t do that here, not with all these people here. I rubbed at the back of my neck, willing the armor to go away, feeling it fade back into my skin, leaving me with bruised and bloodied knuckles.

“You’re hurt.” I hadn’t realized that Gaius had followed me and when I opened my eyes, he was behind the bar with a towel and a bowl of water, dabbing gently at my hand. Just bruises, I thought as he soon came to find out.

“My hurt is...” I tried to find the right words. “Not on the outside.”

“Did I say something wrong?” Gaius asked, wrapping my hand gently.

“I know Quinn is the enemy in many peoples’ eyes, but there was a time when he and I weren’t enemies. If our relationship was a battleground, then losing the headway I’ve made hurts inexplicably.”

“Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think any relationship should be a battleground.” Gaius murmured.

“It’s not just you.” I glanced over the ballroom, finding Nix and Sunny together, sharing a sweet and tender moment now that the drama had left. I looked away and took another sip of my drink when I realized that there was a part of me that was so very envious of them, and they were moving in our direction. I prompted Gaius to move just past the bar, taking another drink with me when we did.

“You need to hold still,” Sunny murmured in Nix’s ear.

“Would love to, but-” she inhaled sharply. “It’s still really tender.”

When Nix hit her head, a cut had formed over the area. I knew that a bump would form soon and I could tell Sunny was trying to clean the wound before it happened. He had her sitting on a chair by the bar, a glass of scotch in her hand, and he was crouched in front to get a good look at the damage.

Hassan came up with a wet cloth, a frown on his face. “All that hard work ruined.”

Nix gave a sheepish grin. “I couldn’t let Sunny face them alone.”

“Speaking of,” Sunny took the towel from Hassan and started to wipe the Clipper’s blood from her face, “I know you’ve said Valyrian steel is sharp…”

“Sharper than steel,” Nix nodded her head.

“Nixy,” Sunny raised an eyebrow. “There’s sharp and then there’s what you were able to do.” Nixy?! I had to hide my smile behind my glass. The two of them being all cute with each other made my heart do all fluttery things.

“Sunny is right,” Hassan sighed. “If Broadmore ever figures out how your blade was made-”

Nix waved off his concern. “Impossible. The how died with Old Valyria in a completely different universe. All that is known for sure, or rather theorized, is that the blade has Dragon Glass inside and dragon fire is used instead of a typical forge.”

“Dragon Glass?”

“Obsidian.”

Hassan raised an eyebrow. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but both exist in the Badlands.”

She smirked. “Obsidian may, but not dragon fire. Not really. Meraxes’ fire is just made from any flammable fuel. The fire from Old Valyria dragons…”

Sunny raised his eyebrows. “Yes?”

Nix took a deep breath. “Balerion the Black Dread melted the walls of Harrenhal during the Conquest. Valyrian dragons can melt stone. If Meraxes was real, nothing could stop her.”

I downed the rest of the glass after a moment of consideration, finding Lydia among the crowds and telling her where I was going before heading out into the night. I needed to clear my head, and found a quiet spot to shift into my dragon form. Meraxes lifted her head as I passed by overhead, tracking me no doubt, as I headed South, past the borders of Rojas’ territory to perch on the great Wall of the Badlands. I looked on for miles and miles at the expanse of green fields with grasses that waved in the breezes under the moonlight.

I couldn’t tell if what I’d done tonight to Quinn was wrong. If what I said was wrong. I mean, I knew the words were right, that they were the truth, but I also knew that they would hurt him, especially when I was the one saying them. Just like he probably knew that him showing up tonight would hurt me. Because all that our relationship was anymore was just a battleground, an incessant back and forth between us with no clear sights on victory, both of us digging stubborn heels into the ground.

I would have given anything for it to have been Quinn and I in Nix and Sunny’s position tonight. But that required a type of blind loyalty to Quinn that I was smart enough and still sane enough not to have.

For the first time in a long time, I decided to be impulsive, heading off the Wall and continuing South until I met the coastline, settling down on sandy shores and just listening to the tide. There was a thudding sound behind me and I figured that Nix must have figured out that I left and came to see what was going on, but she never came down. Meraxes, to her credit, looked at me curiously as much as she did the last time she saw me in this form and I gave her a look, shifting back to my human form.

“You will never cease to amaze me,” I murmured, placing my hand on her nose. I could certainly see why Nix felt safe with her around. Though out here, I didn’t think anything was going to bother us. So for a while, I just wandered along the shores, picking up shells and pretty pieces of rock to take back with me, using my shirt as a bag to carry everything. It had to be late by the time I realized I was tired and needed to be heading back, and I let Meraxes lead the way back.

Either I must have been getting old, or Rojas sure knew how to throw a party because it was just winding down when we got back. And I’m quite sure that my absence had been noticed. I knew Meraxes’ certainly had been. But I didn’t bother to shift into my human form, just finding the one person I knew who would know me in this form (out of the few people who did) and depositing the bag I’d made from my shirt at her feet.

Lydia ran her hand over my head tentatively and I let out a rumbling purr, leaning into the touch, while at the same time nudging the bag towards her with my foot. She laughed and shook her head at me, placing the hat I’d left with her on my head and sitting down at one of the tables on the porch to examine the shells. “You were missed.”

I let out a warble in response. “Yes, yes, I know, you had to go get a breath of fresh air. I’m not entirely sure where you got it from though.” I shrugged, even in my dragon form. “I like the purple ones.” Oh. Oh, she reminded me of my mom. They were her favorite too. Our favorite.

Nix quietly came up, the blood gone from her face but still on her dress. “I see you have returned from your adventures.”

I made a burring sound at her and she laughed.

“No, I didn’t send Meraxes after you. Once the idiots were gone, it wasn’t necessary for her to stay. So she followed you to make sure you were ok.” Nix sighed. “I don’t know if I have the energy for a train ride back. Rojas has offered rooms for anyone that doesn’t wish to travel. Sunny and I are returning on Meraxes, but perhaps you and Lydia should stay. See the market here when they open in the morning. I’ll have plenty of pastries waiting for your return. Maybe swing by Minerva’s on the way back.”

It was hard to miss Nix’s wink and I warbled at her, but all she did was laugh.

“See you in the morning, Bren. Whatever you decide.”

#Welcome to the Badlands Series #Welcome to the Badlands #Into the Badlands fanfic #Sunny X OFC #Quinn X OMC #cw: canon-typical violence

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