Ship: Perc'ildan (Percy de Rolo & Vax'ildan)

Relationship: All over

Genre: Fluff/Angst

Prompt: based on events in Critical Role (so spoilers), there are also events I made up or switched out characters for.

A/N: I'm testing out writing ships that aren't Sidemen. Let me know how you like it. Also, check out critical role, the story is really captivating.

Art from Tumblr. By: wheresnewyork

--------

~Third Person POV~

Percy isn't sure exactly sure when he fell in love. He had an inkling of the feeling many times, but not sure when he accepted, if he even had yet.

The first feeling was in the Underdark. They had just finished battling the Beholder and were running from the Illithid. The nasty creatures were breaking into the temple all around them. In a flurry of movements, most of Vox Machina was on their beloved carpet ready to flee. He was seated next to one of the twins. More specifically, Vax'ildan. The half-elf was still mostly a mystery to him, even after traveling with the group for over a year. Ever since they rescued him, Vax has mostly kept his distance... but not today. Today, the rogue is grinning like they hadn't almost died, grinning like he was just told the best news ever. Percy was about to ask what he was so happy for, when Vax leaned over, wrapped his arm around his neck, and kissed him. It was simply on the cheek, but it was closer to his lips than any chaste cheek kiss should be.

"Let's get out of here you bastard."

Bastard.

The word was the twins own form of endearment, and Vax just called him it.

~

The second time, Vax almost got killed. Percy hadn't felt good about this whole ordeal. The people that had killed his family, taken over his home, Whitestone, and ruined his life, were here. Sitting at a table close to them. The magic Vox Machina had used on Percy wouldn't last long, but it was enough that the Briarwoods couldn't tell it was him. Vax, who Percy was currently disguised as, snuck after Sylas and Delilah. Seeing as he is the rogue of the group, the task was easy. He snuck into their bed chambers. 

They had a safe word for a reason. The word would alert the other members that one of them was in trouble, but they received no word from Vax. No whispered word of Jenga reached their ears. The group cautiously made their way up to the chambers as well, and that's when fear struck their hearts. A half-hearted, barely audible whisper of 'Jenga' floated out of their earrings. 

It was that night that Percy discovered the truth of his enemies. Two puncture wounds on Vax's neck confirmed that. He made himself known to them so that they knew who killed them when he put a bullet through their chests. Unfortunately, the couple escaped before either of their deaths could be brought around.

Percy will admit it now, he lost control. So, maybe shooting the carriage driver's hand wasn't the smartest move, but he was angry. Angry and upset... with himself. He pulled his friends, no, family into this stupid quarrel and he would be damned if any of them died, because of his stupid need for revenge. 

He helped carry Vax to the temple of Seranrae that night. The half-elf was not good. He was tired, worn out, but what's to be expected when you get bitten by a vampire? Percy couldn't help but feel admiration for him. He'd risked his life to help Percy, and to Percy, that was the greatest compliment someone could give him. 

~

The third time, he wasn't even there for, but he felt the feeling when Vex'ahlia was telling how her brother stood up for him. Percy was upset and had stayed behind at Greyskull Keep, instead of going with the group to see Sovereign Uriel. Vex was astounded that her brother had pushed for Uriel to see the true color of the Briarwoods. 

The group had tried to coax him out of his workshop after returning with news that they were under investigation. If anything, it had made him feel worse. Due to his past and his actions, the group was banned from leaving Emon. He relocked himself back in his workshop as the group finally left to help some town members. When he finally emerged from his self-imposed isolation, he was met by invisible beings trying to kill the carriage driver and Jarret. 

That's the fourth time we felt the feeling. After dispensing with the creatures, Vox Machina returning and helping half way through the fight, Vax had pulled Percy aside. The two are too close for Percy's comfort, the heat from his forge making it unbearable, but he can't find it in himself to move.

"Percival? Are you alright?"

Percy said nothing but nodded tentatively. Vax stares at Percy, his keen eyes barely moving from the others. He leans a bit closer but seems to shake himself before patting Percy's shoulder and disappearing out the door. 

~

The fifth time was when Percy was losing control. Orthax was raging through his brain and blood, taking his movements away from him. Smoke was billowing out from his mask and all around him really. He could see Vox Machina fighting Sylas and Delilah and he technically was too, but it was off. His movements jerky and questionable. His normal on target aim was veered greatly, almost hitting his teammates. His jaw was starting to hurt from clenching. Suddenly, Vax is by his side. He trails his hands up Percy's arms and forces him to lower the gun.

"Percival? How are you?"

"FiNe."

The voice that leaves him isn't his. It's gravely and layered, demonic almost. Vax flinches a bit but holds his ground. 

"Darling, take off the mask."

He throws one of his daggers then and moves away.

~

Now, Percy has locked in his workshop again. The Briarwoods are dead now. Dr. Ripley had escaped, but they'd find her soon enough. For now, Percy just wants to focus on his growing affections towards Vax'ildan. It was new for the gunslinger, looking at someone romantically. Having not felt it before, Percy was stuck. He didn't know how to confront 'the feeling' as he liked to call it.

He's so busy in his musings, that he doesn't hear the click of the lock being undone. He doesn't hear the door slide open either. He doesn't even feel the arms slip around his waist or the fact that he is pulled onto someone's lap.

"Percival, darling? Come back to me."

That gets his attention. He slowly becomes aware of the warmth that he feels. This is different from the heat of the forge, and he likes it.

"There we are. Now, where were you?"

"What?"

"Where did your brain take you? You are always going off, eyes glazed over. Where did you go?"

"Memories."

"Good ones I hope."

"Somewhat... Why are you here?"

Vax pulls Percy's chin so he faces him. Percy can see the fear, but also the joy and hope. He watches as Vax slowly gets closer and closer. He can feel breaths cascade over his lips. Neither move, too scared to mess it up. Percy takes in a deep breath and lunges forward. The movement catches Vax off guard and they tumble off the bench. Percy's glasses fall off and Vax becomes a blurry figure before him. Neither seems to mind as they giggle a bit and kiss again. 

~

A tipsy Pike stumbles down the hallway. She had just remembered that she had promised to cure some cuts on Percy's hands. She had completely forgotten because as soon as they had arrived back at the Keep, the whirlwinds that are Grog and Scanlan had dragged her to a pub. Now, three drinks down, the gnome was making her way to the human's workshop. The door was already open when she got there. That should have alarmed her, but her judgment was impaired due to the ale. She flips in and walks around the benches in the room. 

Two intertwined bodies in her path make her stop. They aren't moving other than their breathing and the occasional twitch. She walks around them and smiles, finally seeing who they were. Scanlan now owes her 500 gold pieces, but first. The cot in the corner of the room catches her eye, and she quickly retrieves the few blankets that are there. 

She drapes the material over the sleeping figures and gives them each a motherly kiss on the forehead. Vax, the ever perceptive bastard smiles a bit.

"G'night Pike."

"Good night Vax. I approve."