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Percy and Vax, backdated to Shaun's birthday party
A drunk Percy and a sober, amused Vax spend sometime together in the hot tub.
The party had been going for, well, awhile now, and Percy felt lovely. The sun was shining, his friends were happy, and he was loose and warm and definitely, wonderfully drunk. He sat beneath the protective shade of a patio umbrella, sprawled comfortably in a chair in nothing but damp, dark blue swim trunks and sunglasses. A drink that was nearly the same shade of blue as his pants sat on the table, condensation dripping from its glass and pooling around it in a perfect circle. He contemplated the drink, which was frozen and blue and had bits of fruit speared on an umbrella, then picked it up and took a sip.
It tasted blue. Also, it—
There was a bit of shouting from the poolside, and Percy looked just in time to see Scanlan lifted off his feet by one, or possibly all, of Vox Machina and ceremoniously dumped head-first into the water. He spotted Vax amongst the crowd, a massive grin on his face and his arms lifted over his head in triumph. God, no one had any right in being so simultaneously adorable and hot all at once.
At that thought, Percy lurched to his feet, swayed unsteadily, and then made his way over to his boyfriend. “Hello, handsome. I came over to tell you that you are a crime, and I am trying a frozen daiquiri.” He lifted up his bright blue drink complete with bendy straw to illustrate the statement.
Pale, his dark hair in damp waves around his ears, Vax looked a little bit like a vampire thrown awkwardly into the middle of a beach party. He wore a saggy black t-shirt with the arms cut off, and a pair of black mesh shorts that almost revealed everything - except for the teasing black liner around more sensitive areas. His skin was damp from the water, and starting to pink just a bit, despite the sunscreen Percy had rubbed thoroughly into his skin when they'd arrived.
He turned when Percy approached, a victorious grin on his lips as he moved to wrap his arms around his boyfriend's neck. He wasn't drunk - not yet - but the unsteady display from Percival was enough to broaden his smile in amusement. He left enough room between them for Percy to finish sucking down what he could of the very blue daiquiri, then leaned in to lick a little of it from between his lips in a shamelessly teasing kiss. "Mmn, and I think you should try the hell out of this daiquiri. It's delicious.”
Percy chased Vax’s mouth as he pulled away, not at all ready to stop kissing him just yet, and had to put a hand on Vax’s chest to keep himself from tipping forward. “It tastes less blue on you,” he informed him quite seriously.
Vax grinned, indulging in another kiss as he helped steady Percy on his feet. "Hey you, why don't we find somewhere to sit while you enjoy your drink?”
“Sitting sounds like a marvelous idea,” Percy agreed and he took hold of Vax’s hand as he turned to look for a good place to do just that.
"How about the hot tub?" Vax offered, slipping his hand from Percy's and wrapping an arm around him instead. He didn't quite trust his boyfriend on his feet at the moment, and pulling him close to his side was as much about assurance of his safety as it was enjoying his bare skin against him in the warm sun.
Percy put his arm about Vax’s waist and, with a happy him, leaned into him bonelessly, leaving little doubt that walking properly was somewhat beyond him at the moment. “An even more marvelous idea.”
Very slowly and carefully, Vax led him across the pool deck to the hot tub, then helped Percy climb in before following after. Once they were carefully seated in the warm jets, Vax leaned back beside Percy and sighed. "Who made you the daiquiri, anyway?”
The water felt incredible and Percy sank into it with a groan. “Molly.” He indicated who he was talking about with his drink, making the bright blue liquid slosh around in the glass. “I wanted something different, and he was horrified I’d never had a daiquiri, so he made me one. I feel very American.”
"Trust Molly to make you American by dying your tongue blue," Vax told him wryly, leaning in for another kiss.
Percy started to meet Vax for the kiss, then pulled away suddenly. “It’s blue? Really?” He stuck out his tongue and tried to look at it.
Vax just watched him, grinning, and leaned in to steal a sip of his daiquiri.
Percy, having concluded that, yes, his tongue was a little blue, now stuck it out at Vax. “Thief,” he accused without any venom, then, after chasing the straw for a moment, managed to take a long drink himself.
For a few moments, Vax let him, leaning against Percy's side and soaking up the warmth and the sun. He didn't like the sun. He'd felt uncomfortable with it ever since he'd manifested his powers. But with Percy here, it was easier, and he closed his eyes, pretending he wasn't so vulnerable. "I think I should talk to Nolan.”
“Oh?” Percy set his glass down on the edge of the hot tub and tilted his head to look at Vax, his gaze unfocused, but attentive. His hand, a little sticky from his drink, found Vax’s and he interlaced their fingers. “What are you thinking about saying to him?”
"Just that, you know, we're not the enemy. Or something. We have Shaun's best interests at heart," Vax lifted Percy's hand to his lips, kissing the stickiness away.
Percy tried not to stare at Vax sucking daiquiri off his hand and failed. “Show that there’s no bad blood,” he said in understanding. “That’s a good idea. I might do the same. Once I’m more sober.”
"That would be a solid idea, Freddy," Vax grinned, looking up into his eyes. "Even if you're an adorable drunk.”
Percy beamed at his boyfriend at being called adorable. “I like it when you call me Freddy,” he informed him thoughtfully as he lifted his legs to let them be buffeted about by the bubbling water. “It feels like something that’s just ours. I liked it when you called me love too. That was nice.”
Vax blinked at the 'was' in that sentence and reflected that he probably didn't use the term that often. Maybe just when he was trying to make a point about Percy being...well, his love. And he probably shouldn't just use it to make a point. He turned Percy's hand over and kissed his palm. "Yeah? You wouldn't mind being called 'love' more often?”
Watching Vax with a soft, fond smile, Percy replied, “Of course. I like how it sounds when you say it. Though, to be fair, everything you call me sounds good.” He kissed Vax, then grinned playfully at him. “Even the insults.”
Percy took Vax’s hand in his again, playing with his fingers. “Is there anything you want me to call you?”
"Names don't matter," Vax told him as he relaxed against Percy's shoulder. "But I love it when try to explain things to me. One of your projects, or just homework. I love listening to it. You get so...into it.”
Percy blinked in surprise, though it turned into a smile. “Really?” He’d assumed that sort of thing put everyone to sleep. “You should hang-out with me in my workshop sometime. I can explain while I work.”
"I thought I might just be in the way," Vax pointed out.
“Never,” Percy said as he rested his head against Vax’s. “I’d enjoy the company.”
"And I won't be in Shaun's way either?" Vax asked curiously.
“Never,” Percy repeated, then lifted his head so he could turn to face his boyfriend. He took both his hands in his. “I want you there. I’d have asked you sooner had I known—It bores most people to tears.”
"Trust me when I say that you could never bore me," Vax drawled, leaning in to steal another kiss. "Especially when you're sweaty and covered in grease.”
Smirking, Percy ached an eyebrow. “Really? Someone’s got a fantasy they never shared with the class. You like me dirty, do you, dear?” His voice had dropped a little, flirty, playful and his fingers snuck under Vax’s shirt to caress bare skin.
"I like you rumpled, scruffy, dirty, and generally out of sorts," Vax hummed, biting gently at his ear. "Because you so very rarely are.”
Percy made a happy sound and his hands slipped the rest of the way under Vax’s shirt to ran up his chest. “You excel at getting me that way. You know just how to make me come undone.”
Vax shivered slightly at the wording and the touches, but managed to get himself under control just enough to squeeze Percy's thigh and reply, "We aren't having sex until you sober up a bit, love.”
Percy dropped his head onto Vax’s shoulder with a disappointed sound, and put his arms around his bare middle in a loose embrace. “Stop being a gentleman. It’s too cute.” He sighed. “Fortunately, I love you for more than your incredible body and the amazing sex.”
Vax couldn't help laughing softly at that, moving to shift their positions until Percy was sitting in his lap. "You know better than to accuse me of being a fucking gentleman, Freddy. For fuck's sake, I wouldn't know manners if they slapped me in the face. I'll take the incredible body and amazing sex, though…"
Percy leaned against Vax happily. Now he was warm, loose, and had the best seat in the house. Also, Vax smelled good. How did he always smell so good?
While his finger twirled a lock of Vax’s hair, Percy said, “You should just agree that I, as a gentleman, know a gentleman when I see one because otherwise I’ll have to go on about you also being a ruffian.” He managed to make the word sound completely sexual. “Are you going to rough me up, dear?”
"Jesus, Percival," Vax managed under his breath, suddenly feeling a lot less clothed than he was. His body was also valiantly trying to show just how aroused he was, even despite the jacuzzi around them. "Is that the daiquiri talking?”
“No. Yes.” Percy held his thumb and forefinger a few scant inches apart. “A bit. I admit it has been a terrible detriment to my subtlety, but if you think, even sober, I wouldn’t be sitting here in this incredible hot tub seducing my incredible boyfriend, then you don’t know me at all.”
Percy smirked playfully, the mischievous glint in his eyes masked by the sunglasses. “I also may be enjoying testing your resolve.”
There was nothing new about that. They said 'watch out for the quiet ones', but Percy took it to a whole new level. "That, and you really want me to rough you up," Vax pointed out, one hand sliding beneath the water to give Percy's ass a squeeze through his shorts.
Percy squirmed in surprise, then laughed. “Can you blame me?”
"The things I'm going to do to you when the shadows come out," Vax promised, low and quiet in his ear. "Enjoy the sunlight while you can…"
In retrospect, Percy had probably asked for that. He shivered, his pulse quickening. “Dark places for dark deeds, hm?” he asked, then broke with a breathless laugh. “God, Vax, now I’m not going to be able to think of anything else all day.”
Percy dropped his head back into Vax’s shoulder with a sigh. “We need to talk about something else because I’m this close to begging.”
Vax shivered in response. "Beg later. Tell me what you're working on right now.”
A perfect distraction, and Percy was immensely grateful for it. “Arrows for your sister.” He was experimenting with carbon and composite materials now which presented a new and unique challenge in etching the requested images into the shaft without compromising balance, precision, or durability. He explained this as his hands moved, illustrating his descriptions.
“You know,” Percy said, after describing the plans he had for a reinforced arrow needed for a grappling enchantment Vex had in mind, “I could make almost any of those for her. I could build an explosive arrow, or a bola arrow. No magic needed.” Which, of course, inevitably devolved into how he’d go about doing it.
Vax listened carefully, one hand thoughtfully caressing Percy's as he took in the descriptions and the excitement in his boyfriend's voice. When he finished describing the materials he'd need for a bola arrow, Vax just shook his head. "You know, when I told her what happened with us and the gun, she told me she was experimenting with arrows. I pointed out that she could blow her hand off just as easy with one of those.”
Percy made an expansive gesture of his hands that sent a splash of water across the hot tub. “Yes, thank you!” he said it like he’d had this same argument with people hundreds of times. He had, but only in his head to practice for when he’d have to make this same argument with people hundreds of times. “The gun was tested as safely as possible. Yes, there was some risk involved, but that’s true of any—Wait. You told her? When?”
Cringing a little, Vax tried a sheepish smile. "The next day.”
Percy pushed his sunglasses up onto his head to stare at Vax in disbelief. “The next day? That was nearly a month ago! Why didn’t you tell me?” Vex hadn’t said anything to him either. Was she mad? Was that why Vax had avoided telling him?
Vax shrugged. "It didn't seem like something that needed telling? I was going to tell you, obviously. I just did, really.”
A little too drunk for this, Percy just looked confused. That was—Alright, that was true, but… “It’s been a month, Vax. And it’s your sister, who would eviscerate me if anything happened to you, learning that you’d shot yourself with a gun I invented.”
He had a point there. Vax felt a little guilty then, for not keeping Percival in the loop. He tended to keep Percy and Vex in separate buckets in his head, intent on keeping his relationship with Vex sacred, and his relationship with Percy intimate. But, he supposed, that was a little dangerous when it came to something like the incident with the gun. "I'm sorry," he sighed quietly, looking into Percy's eyes and reaching up to caress the back of his neck. "I should have told you.”
Percy kissed Vax. “Thank you.” He cupped his cheek briefly, then tucked his damp hair behind an ear, his gaze a little unfocused from intoxication, but serious. “I hope you know that I know how important your sister is to you. I’d never get between you.”
Not willingly, Vax thought as he leaned into the touch. Unfortunately, Percy already was, and didn't even know it. Course, Vex would never openly admit it, but Vax knew. She still had feelings for him, and he wasn't sure what the fuck to do about it. Not that he was going to tell Percy that. "Thanks. Actually...she and I decided to take a little trip in a few weeks. Just the two of us, to celebrate our mum's birthday.”
“That’s great,” Percy told Vax with a smile. The two could use some time with just each other. It’d be good for them. “Where are you going?”
"Camping. Somewhere." Vax shrugged. "We left it open. Montana, maybe.”
Percy didn’t know much about Montana, so he nodded as he reached for the speared fruit still sitting in his glass. “Just let us know where you end up.” He sat up quickly, nearly losing his fruit in the process. "I could do some research on Montana for you.”
Vax wasn't at all sure what the emphasis on 'research' was all about, a little frown crinkling in his brow. "What? Why?”
“To find the best places to go,” Percy said as he pulled a strawberry off the spear. “Little known campsites with an incredible view and no children running around screaming. That diner with great food, or the roadside attraction that’s too ridiculous to miss out on.”
Percy took a bite of the strawberry, and its juices dribbled down his fingers, staining them red. “It’s fun.”
"You know we're only looking for woods, right?" Vax smiled, leaning in to lick a little of the juice from his fingers.
“I’ll find the best woods, then.” Percy offered Vax his fingers, then thought better of it and offered him the rest of the strawberry instead. “Great view, no children. Maybe a lake. But, I still think you should go to diner where you get can a cheesy souvenir t-shirt.”
Vax bit into the strawberry, humming softly as he swallowed and licked the juice from his lips. "I doubt a bear would be welcome there.”
Percy’s eyes followed Vax’s tongue, then stared as his pink, juice-stained mouth. He mentally shook himself from his current line of though which largely involved that mouth and less clothes and cleared his throat. “They can deal.”
“Or Trinket could be a necklace?” Percy finished off the last bit of the fruit, then sucked the juice off his fingers.
"Or that," Vax agreed distantly, watching Percy suck at his fingers. His thoughts were far from his sister and Trinket, and his hand couldn't help stroking Percy's thigh beneath the surface of the water. Damn the sun and the way it illuminated the entire party.
Want curled hot and low in Percy’s stomach, and he could feel his body responding in a way that was entirely inappropriate for being in a stranger’s hot tub in broad daylight and surrounded by people. He staunchly tried not to think about it and rested his head against Vax’s shoulder as he asked, “Where would you want to go if you could go anywhere? Cost is no object.”
"What, the two of us?" Vax blinked at him, suddenly distracted from the shape of Percy's hipbone.
Percy, who had been going happily boneless under Vax’s attentions, made a disappointed sound when it stopped. “No, just in general. But, also, yes, if that’s what you’d want your trip to be.”
"I've never actually thought about it," Vax admitted, sitting back a little.
“I’ll give you some time to think about it,” Percy said, pulling another fruit off the spear and popping it into his mouth. It tasted both blue, and pineapple-y.
Vax watched, not even bothering to hide his stare. "In the meantime, keep doing what you're doing right now."
The party had been going for, well, awhile now, and Percy felt lovely. The sun was shining, his friends were happy, and he was loose and warm and definitely, wonderfully drunk. He sat beneath the protective shade of a patio umbrella, sprawled comfortably in a chair in nothing but damp, dark blue swim trunks and sunglasses. A drink that was nearly the same shade of blue as his pants sat on the table, condensation dripping from its glass and pooling around it in a perfect circle. He contemplated the drink, which was frozen and blue and had bits of fruit speared on an umbrella, then picked it up and took a sip.
It tasted blue. Also, it—
There was a bit of shouting from the poolside, and Percy looked just in time to see Scanlan lifted off his feet by one, or possibly all, of Vox Machina and ceremoniously dumped head-first into the water. He spotted Vax amongst the crowd, a massive grin on his face and his arms lifted over his head in triumph. God, no one had any right in being so simultaneously adorable and hot all at once.
At that thought, Percy lurched to his feet, swayed unsteadily, and then made his way over to his boyfriend. “Hello, handsome. I came over to tell you that you are a crime, and I am trying a frozen daiquiri.” He lifted up his bright blue drink complete with bendy straw to illustrate the statement.
Pale, his dark hair in damp waves around his ears, Vax looked a little bit like a vampire thrown awkwardly into the middle of a beach party. He wore a saggy black t-shirt with the arms cut off, and a pair of black mesh shorts that almost revealed everything - except for the teasing black liner around more sensitive areas. His skin was damp from the water, and starting to pink just a bit, despite the sunscreen Percy had rubbed thoroughly into his skin when they'd arrived.
He turned when Percy approached, a victorious grin on his lips as he moved to wrap his arms around his boyfriend's neck. He wasn't drunk - not yet - but the unsteady display from Percival was enough to broaden his smile in amusement. He left enough room between them for Percy to finish sucking down what he could of the very blue daiquiri, then leaned in to lick a little of it from between his lips in a shamelessly teasing kiss. "Mmn, and I think you should try the hell out of this daiquiri. It's delicious.”
Percy chased Vax’s mouth as he pulled away, not at all ready to stop kissing him just yet, and had to put a hand on Vax’s chest to keep himself from tipping forward. “It tastes less blue on you,” he informed him quite seriously.
Vax grinned, indulging in another kiss as he helped steady Percy on his feet. "Hey you, why don't we find somewhere to sit while you enjoy your drink?”
“Sitting sounds like a marvelous idea,” Percy agreed and he took hold of Vax’s hand as he turned to look for a good place to do just that.
"How about the hot tub?" Vax offered, slipping his hand from Percy's and wrapping an arm around him instead. He didn't quite trust his boyfriend on his feet at the moment, and pulling him close to his side was as much about assurance of his safety as it was enjoying his bare skin against him in the warm sun.
Percy put his arm about Vax’s waist and, with a happy him, leaned into him bonelessly, leaving little doubt that walking properly was somewhat beyond him at the moment. “An even more marvelous idea.”
Very slowly and carefully, Vax led him across the pool deck to the hot tub, then helped Percy climb in before following after. Once they were carefully seated in the warm jets, Vax leaned back beside Percy and sighed. "Who made you the daiquiri, anyway?”
The water felt incredible and Percy sank into it with a groan. “Molly.” He indicated who he was talking about with his drink, making the bright blue liquid slosh around in the glass. “I wanted something different, and he was horrified I’d never had a daiquiri, so he made me one. I feel very American.”
"Trust Molly to make you American by dying your tongue blue," Vax told him wryly, leaning in for another kiss.
Percy started to meet Vax for the kiss, then pulled away suddenly. “It’s blue? Really?” He stuck out his tongue and tried to look at it.
Vax just watched him, grinning, and leaned in to steal a sip of his daiquiri.
Percy, having concluded that, yes, his tongue was a little blue, now stuck it out at Vax. “Thief,” he accused without any venom, then, after chasing the straw for a moment, managed to take a long drink himself.
For a few moments, Vax let him, leaning against Percy's side and soaking up the warmth and the sun. He didn't like the sun. He'd felt uncomfortable with it ever since he'd manifested his powers. But with Percy here, it was easier, and he closed his eyes, pretending he wasn't so vulnerable. "I think I should talk to Nolan.”
“Oh?” Percy set his glass down on the edge of the hot tub and tilted his head to look at Vax, his gaze unfocused, but attentive. His hand, a little sticky from his drink, found Vax’s and he interlaced their fingers. “What are you thinking about saying to him?”
"Just that, you know, we're not the enemy. Or something. We have Shaun's best interests at heart," Vax lifted Percy's hand to his lips, kissing the stickiness away.
Percy tried not to stare at Vax sucking daiquiri off his hand and failed. “Show that there’s no bad blood,” he said in understanding. “That’s a good idea. I might do the same. Once I’m more sober.”
"That would be a solid idea, Freddy," Vax grinned, looking up into his eyes. "Even if you're an adorable drunk.”
Percy beamed at his boyfriend at being called adorable. “I like it when you call me Freddy,” he informed him thoughtfully as he lifted his legs to let them be buffeted about by the bubbling water. “It feels like something that’s just ours. I liked it when you called me love too. That was nice.”
Vax blinked at the 'was' in that sentence and reflected that he probably didn't use the term that often. Maybe just when he was trying to make a point about Percy being...well, his love. And he probably shouldn't just use it to make a point. He turned Percy's hand over and kissed his palm. "Yeah? You wouldn't mind being called 'love' more often?”
Watching Vax with a soft, fond smile, Percy replied, “Of course. I like how it sounds when you say it. Though, to be fair, everything you call me sounds good.” He kissed Vax, then grinned playfully at him. “Even the insults.”
Percy took Vax’s hand in his again, playing with his fingers. “Is there anything you want me to call you?”
"Names don't matter," Vax told him as he relaxed against Percy's shoulder. "But I love it when try to explain things to me. One of your projects, or just homework. I love listening to it. You get so...into it.”
Percy blinked in surprise, though it turned into a smile. “Really?” He’d assumed that sort of thing put everyone to sleep. “You should hang-out with me in my workshop sometime. I can explain while I work.”
"I thought I might just be in the way," Vax pointed out.
“Never,” Percy said as he rested his head against Vax’s. “I’d enjoy the company.”
"And I won't be in Shaun's way either?" Vax asked curiously.
“Never,” Percy repeated, then lifted his head so he could turn to face his boyfriend. He took both his hands in his. “I want you there. I’d have asked you sooner had I known—It bores most people to tears.”
"Trust me when I say that you could never bore me," Vax drawled, leaning in to steal another kiss. "Especially when you're sweaty and covered in grease.”
Smirking, Percy ached an eyebrow. “Really? Someone’s got a fantasy they never shared with the class. You like me dirty, do you, dear?” His voice had dropped a little, flirty, playful and his fingers snuck under Vax’s shirt to caress bare skin.
"I like you rumpled, scruffy, dirty, and generally out of sorts," Vax hummed, biting gently at his ear. "Because you so very rarely are.”
Percy made a happy sound and his hands slipped the rest of the way under Vax’s shirt to ran up his chest. “You excel at getting me that way. You know just how to make me come undone.”
Vax shivered slightly at the wording and the touches, but managed to get himself under control just enough to squeeze Percy's thigh and reply, "We aren't having sex until you sober up a bit, love.”
Percy dropped his head onto Vax’s shoulder with a disappointed sound, and put his arms around his bare middle in a loose embrace. “Stop being a gentleman. It’s too cute.” He sighed. “Fortunately, I love you for more than your incredible body and the amazing sex.”
Vax couldn't help laughing softly at that, moving to shift their positions until Percy was sitting in his lap. "You know better than to accuse me of being a fucking gentleman, Freddy. For fuck's sake, I wouldn't know manners if they slapped me in the face. I'll take the incredible body and amazing sex, though…"
Percy leaned against Vax happily. Now he was warm, loose, and had the best seat in the house. Also, Vax smelled good. How did he always smell so good?
While his finger twirled a lock of Vax’s hair, Percy said, “You should just agree that I, as a gentleman, know a gentleman when I see one because otherwise I’ll have to go on about you also being a ruffian.” He managed to make the word sound completely sexual. “Are you going to rough me up, dear?”
"Jesus, Percival," Vax managed under his breath, suddenly feeling a lot less clothed than he was. His body was also valiantly trying to show just how aroused he was, even despite the jacuzzi around them. "Is that the daiquiri talking?”
“No. Yes.” Percy held his thumb and forefinger a few scant inches apart. “A bit. I admit it has been a terrible detriment to my subtlety, but if you think, even sober, I wouldn’t be sitting here in this incredible hot tub seducing my incredible boyfriend, then you don’t know me at all.”
Percy smirked playfully, the mischievous glint in his eyes masked by the sunglasses. “I also may be enjoying testing your resolve.”
There was nothing new about that. They said 'watch out for the quiet ones', but Percy took it to a whole new level. "That, and you really want me to rough you up," Vax pointed out, one hand sliding beneath the water to give Percy's ass a squeeze through his shorts.
Percy squirmed in surprise, then laughed. “Can you blame me?”
"The things I'm going to do to you when the shadows come out," Vax promised, low and quiet in his ear. "Enjoy the sunlight while you can…"
In retrospect, Percy had probably asked for that. He shivered, his pulse quickening. “Dark places for dark deeds, hm?” he asked, then broke with a breathless laugh. “God, Vax, now I’m not going to be able to think of anything else all day.”
Percy dropped his head back into Vax’s shoulder with a sigh. “We need to talk about something else because I’m this close to begging.”
Vax shivered in response. "Beg later. Tell me what you're working on right now.”
A perfect distraction, and Percy was immensely grateful for it. “Arrows for your sister.” He was experimenting with carbon and composite materials now which presented a new and unique challenge in etching the requested images into the shaft without compromising balance, precision, or durability. He explained this as his hands moved, illustrating his descriptions.
“You know,” Percy said, after describing the plans he had for a reinforced arrow needed for a grappling enchantment Vex had in mind, “I could make almost any of those for her. I could build an explosive arrow, or a bola arrow. No magic needed.” Which, of course, inevitably devolved into how he’d go about doing it.
Vax listened carefully, one hand thoughtfully caressing Percy's as he took in the descriptions and the excitement in his boyfriend's voice. When he finished describing the materials he'd need for a bola arrow, Vax just shook his head. "You know, when I told her what happened with us and the gun, she told me she was experimenting with arrows. I pointed out that she could blow her hand off just as easy with one of those.”
Percy made an expansive gesture of his hands that sent a splash of water across the hot tub. “Yes, thank you!” he said it like he’d had this same argument with people hundreds of times. He had, but only in his head to practice for when he’d have to make this same argument with people hundreds of times. “The gun was tested as safely as possible. Yes, there was some risk involved, but that’s true of any—Wait. You told her? When?”
Cringing a little, Vax tried a sheepish smile. "The next day.”
Percy pushed his sunglasses up onto his head to stare at Vax in disbelief. “The next day? That was nearly a month ago! Why didn’t you tell me?” Vex hadn’t said anything to him either. Was she mad? Was that why Vax had avoided telling him?
Vax shrugged. "It didn't seem like something that needed telling? I was going to tell you, obviously. I just did, really.”
A little too drunk for this, Percy just looked confused. That was—Alright, that was true, but… “It’s been a month, Vax. And it’s your sister, who would eviscerate me if anything happened to you, learning that you’d shot yourself with a gun I invented.”
He had a point there. Vax felt a little guilty then, for not keeping Percival in the loop. He tended to keep Percy and Vex in separate buckets in his head, intent on keeping his relationship with Vex sacred, and his relationship with Percy intimate. But, he supposed, that was a little dangerous when it came to something like the incident with the gun. "I'm sorry," he sighed quietly, looking into Percy's eyes and reaching up to caress the back of his neck. "I should have told you.”
Percy kissed Vax. “Thank you.” He cupped his cheek briefly, then tucked his damp hair behind an ear, his gaze a little unfocused from intoxication, but serious. “I hope you know that I know how important your sister is to you. I’d never get between you.”
Not willingly, Vax thought as he leaned into the touch. Unfortunately, Percy already was, and didn't even know it. Course, Vex would never openly admit it, but Vax knew. She still had feelings for him, and he wasn't sure what the fuck to do about it. Not that he was going to tell Percy that. "Thanks. Actually...she and I decided to take a little trip in a few weeks. Just the two of us, to celebrate our mum's birthday.”
“That’s great,” Percy told Vax with a smile. The two could use some time with just each other. It’d be good for them. “Where are you going?”
"Camping. Somewhere." Vax shrugged. "We left it open. Montana, maybe.”
Percy didn’t know much about Montana, so he nodded as he reached for the speared fruit still sitting in his glass. “Just let us know where you end up.” He sat up quickly, nearly losing his fruit in the process. "I could do some research on Montana for you.”
Vax wasn't at all sure what the emphasis on 'research' was all about, a little frown crinkling in his brow. "What? Why?”
“To find the best places to go,” Percy said as he pulled a strawberry off the spear. “Little known campsites with an incredible view and no children running around screaming. That diner with great food, or the roadside attraction that’s too ridiculous to miss out on.”
Percy took a bite of the strawberry, and its juices dribbled down his fingers, staining them red. “It’s fun.”
"You know we're only looking for woods, right?" Vax smiled, leaning in to lick a little of the juice from his fingers.
“I’ll find the best woods, then.” Percy offered Vax his fingers, then thought better of it and offered him the rest of the strawberry instead. “Great view, no children. Maybe a lake. But, I still think you should go to diner where you get can a cheesy souvenir t-shirt.”
Vax bit into the strawberry, humming softly as he swallowed and licked the juice from his lips. "I doubt a bear would be welcome there.”
Percy’s eyes followed Vax’s tongue, then stared as his pink, juice-stained mouth. He mentally shook himself from his current line of though which largely involved that mouth and less clothes and cleared his throat. “They can deal.”
“Or Trinket could be a necklace?” Percy finished off the last bit of the fruit, then sucked the juice off his fingers.
"Or that," Vax agreed distantly, watching Percy suck at his fingers. His thoughts were far from his sister and Trinket, and his hand couldn't help stroking Percy's thigh beneath the surface of the water. Damn the sun and the way it illuminated the entire party.
Want curled hot and low in Percy’s stomach, and he could feel his body responding in a way that was entirely inappropriate for being in a stranger’s hot tub in broad daylight and surrounded by people. He staunchly tried not to think about it and rested his head against Vax’s shoulder as he asked, “Where would you want to go if you could go anywhere? Cost is no object.”
"What, the two of us?" Vax blinked at him, suddenly distracted from the shape of Percy's hipbone.
Percy, who had been going happily boneless under Vax’s attentions, made a disappointed sound when it stopped. “No, just in general. But, also, yes, if that’s what you’d want your trip to be.”
"I've never actually thought about it," Vax admitted, sitting back a little.
“I’ll give you some time to think about it,” Percy said, pulling another fruit off the spear and popping it into his mouth. It tasted both blue, and pineapple-y.
Vax watched, not even bothering to hide his stare. "In the meantime, keep doing what you're doing right now."
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They clearly had a blast at your party, Shaun
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