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Gwaine was easily amused. Always smiling, laughing. He loved pranks and jokes. He loved to make them and even to be the object of it. Gwaine was exuberant and loud. He loved to be the centre of the attention, to amuse his audience.
Elyan wrapped his arm around Gwaine's neck and pulled him close. "You think you're funny, do yeh?" he shouted as he mock-punched Gwaine in the stomach and then bumped his hip to Gwaine's. A tiny surge of jealousy travelled up Percival's spine but he remained stoic. He only smirked as he watched Gwaine be the centre of another ruse at the tavern, another quirk everyone laughed at. His eyes locked with Gwaine's for a moment before Percival looked away and took a giant swig of his ale. Gwaine was easily amused and he loved amusing them all along with him. Percival was certain that before the evening would be over, Gwaine would be tricking his friends again, another prank, another roar of laughter, and another round of ale to celebrate their evening.
But Percival knew that it was just a mask, a protecting wall to hide who he really was, to conceal his sentimental side.
When the evening promised to continue on with some knights going home in the arms of a beloved they'd met at the tavern, Percival decided to take his leave as well. He didn't know what Gwaine's evening plans would be and he didn't wish to watch. He didn't wish to wait around for Gwaine to choose him, if Gwaine wanted to come to him, he would. If he didn't…well, it wasn't as though Percival had any real claim on the man to begin with. Percival knew parts of Gwaine that Gwaine never dared to show anyone else, but because of this reason, Percival also knew Gwaine wouldn't come if simply beckoned.
"Don't tell me, you're cross…" Gwaine whispered hotly while sliding into Percival's bed, shirtless. His feet were cold and his breath smelled of meat and ale.
He moaned when Percival closed his eyes, shifting half an inch closer. He didn't wish to seem all too desperate for Gwaine, though he was beyond happy the Knight had come to him yet again. "I'm not cross." Percival's response was low.
"Then what are you?" Gwaine jerked his hips forward.
"D' you really wanna know?" Percival asked, his breath caught and his legs tangled with Gwaine's. He felt Gwaine's heart beat rapidly against his chest.
"Hmm…" Gwaine said, burying his face in Percival's neck. His hot breath sending electric shocks down Percival's spine.
Percival pulled Gwaine close, his hands travelling down to undress Gwaine completely before he mumbled. "I love watching you laugh. I love watching you have a great time with the other men. I wish sometimes that that smile reached your eyes, like—"
"It does with you," Gwaine replied quickly before he looked up and into Percival's eyes and gave a blinding grin.
"I know. And that's what I love the most."
Percival knew he was the only one to see Gwaine without that mask, when, at night, the Knight came to his chambers to seek protection and tenderness. Then, Gwaine stopped jesting to finally love.