Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Percy’s cock is so hard as it presses against Vax’s bottom the next morning. Not that Vax can say anything, his almost hurts for how hard he is.  

Their arms are still wrapped around each other, their legs tangled, as much of their bodies touching as possible, and it feels amazing. 

Laying there, his eyes closed, Vax just enjoys the feeling. He knows the exact moment that Percy wakes up though, because there’s a gasp from behind him, a soft inhale of breath and then the rock of Percy’s hips to rub his cock against the cleft of Vax’s arse. It’s very purposeful, it’s very intentional, and both of them make a soft, pleased noise. 

Percy’s hands are resting against Vax’s chest, but one starts to move down, starts to make its way to Vax’s belly, and Vax holds his breath. 

“Are you hard?” Percy whispers, his hand pausing in its movement, deciding to ask the question rather than finding out for himself. 

“Of course I am,” Vax breathes out, touching his fingers to the back of Percy’s hand, wanting to encourage it lower. He expects Percy to pull back, to move his hips away, but he doesn’t. He remains pressed there, his hips moving just slightly, but even that is enough to take Vax’s breath away. 

He wants them both naked, he wants there to be nothing between them, he wants to feel all of Percy’s skin against his own. 

Percy does feel hesitant though, and Vax understands. It must be a huge thing to feel this way now, after not doing so for so long. Because Vax knows Percy and Vex didn’t cuddle in the end, they didn’t sleep like this, they didn’t wake up with Percy hard and pressed against her. Percy just wasn’t interested. But now he definitely feels interested. 

Perhaps he just needed some time. Perhaps it was stress and pressure and now it’s okay again. But Vax isn’t going to put all his hope on that, because the odds are it won’t change, Percy won’t want anything more, he just can’t help what his body is doing. 

Vax pulls away and gets out of the bed, pulling on his robe. And then he doesn’t know what to do with himself. It’s the day of the party so he should be thinking about getting ready, or making them both some breakfast.

“I’m going to make tea,” he announces to Percy, looking over his shoulder and wishing he hadn’t because Percy looks so forlorn, he looks embarrassed and flushed and is still laying where Vax left him, like he’d just been abandoned. Vax can’t have that. He turns properly and kneels on the bed again, stroking his fingers through Percy’s hair. Because Vax is a sucker for punishment, and this should end with him throwing in everything he has. “We’ve got enough for breakfast. I can do us some toast if we’re going to be eating loads later.”

“That would be good,” Percy nods, immediately looking calmer, and maybe it was kind of cruel to pull away from him as he did. 

“And then we’ll get ready. You won’t take long, you’re already gorgeous,” Vax winks, getting off the bed slower this time, letting his fingers linger until they just can’t touch anymore. That seems better. It’s a much nicer way to part. Percy is smiling, and Vax would do anything to make that happen. 

Percy joins him in the kitchen about five minutes later, wrapped in his own robe and not looking as spooked as he had before. The toast is almost done, and the tea is ready, and Vax is satisfied with his achievement, small as it is. 

“I should have had something made for you,” Percy says as he sits down. “Something fitted so that you don’t look swamped in my clothes. I didn’t think-”

“It’ll be fine,” Vax replies gently. “I have belts.”

Percy smiles and his cheeks colour, but Vax doesn’t have time to question it as a knock at the door interrupts them. 

“Oh. I’ll just-” Percy grins, ducking his head and scampering off to the door whilst Vax smiles and pours their tea, listening all the while to the voices in the hallway in case Percy needs him, still not quite able to shake the need to worry and protect. 

The other man returns not long after with his arms full of the bags from the bakery. 

“Well, I don’t know if we look like we can’t fend for ourselves-” Percy jokes. “But we have some breakfast rolls to add to our toast. With bacon and eggs.”

“Oh, hey, that sounds good,” Vax says, eyes wide as he looks at the bags, the smell from inside them already permeating the room, covering the smell of his meagre offerings.

“I still want the toast, though,” Percy adds, sitting down. “As well as the rolls.”

“You don’t have to,” Vax starts, because he knows Percy is just being polite, but Percy shakes his head. 

“You made it. It’s our first breakfast together , and I want to have what you made.”

“You’re ever so sentimental,” Vax replies, his expression soft and a blush rising into his cheeks, so that despite trying to sound playful the sincerity leaks through. He puts the toast on the table, then takes the seat next to Percy. 

“I know,” Percy smiles his brilliant, beautiful smile before they start to eat. 

There are sounds outside, people laughing and moving by, probably preparing the town for the party this afternoon. 

“I think the others were invited,” Percy says, finishing one slice of toast. “I doubt many of them will show, but Cassandra sent them invites. Did you get one?”

“I don’t know. I normally just let Vex look at the post. I don’t know if she’ll be coming,” Vax frowns, wondering if Percy would be upset with that, wondering if he might want to rekindle their romance, perhaps. 

“It’d be good to see her again- though maybe- I wouldn’t want to-” he frowns. “I’d like to just settle down with you a little while before I tell her. I know it isn’t as though she hasn’t moved on, but this is different.”

Vax pauses and frowns at him, unable to settle his demons. “You’re serious about this, then? Us, I mean?” It seems stupid to ask, but if Vex turned up today, would Percy want her? Why wouldn’t he want her?

Percy looks at him with a desperately hurt expression, and Vax immediately regrets asking. The second misstep of the day. He’s doing great. 

“I’m sorry. I just mean- maybe if you- I’m sorry,” he starts, scrambling to try and work out how to apologise better. 

“No, it’s okay,” Percy says gently, composing himself. “This is brand new, after all. For both of us.” He reaches out and puts his hand on Vax’s thigh. “I only have eyes for you, Vax.”

“You were married to my identical twin,” Vax teases lightly. 

Percy gives him a pointedly unimpressed look. “You’re two very different people. And things with Vex didn’t end just because of the sex,” he adds. “There were other things. We turned into different people. I was still in my early twenties when we married. We grew apart. You and I grew into each other, I think. But I’m not pushing my thoughts onto you. I’m a hopeless romantic.”

“And I- really like that about you,” Vax says quietly. 

Percy lifts his hand and touches Vax’s cheek, and it’s so gentle and affectionate. “Will you be okay if Keyleth is here?”

“Yes,” Vax replies confidently. “We spoke when I was on my way here, when I was staying in Zephrah. It was nice to spend time with her, but there’s definitely nothing romantic there anymore.”

“I guess you and I really are meant to be, then,” Percy shrugs, tucking Vax’s hair behind his ear. 

Vax is completely lost in his eyes, and the thought of sharing Percy today is kind of annoying when they could just be doing this, staring at each other, touching gently, getting to know each other better. 

“What are the plans for today?” Vax asks at length, leaning into the fingers still stroking his hair. 

“Well, I’m going to find us some clothes to wear, and then we’ll head outside for lunch with everyone in town, then up to the house for dinner and to exchange gifts and so on,” Percy replies, listing off the schedule with such surety, it’s obviously a tradition he’s been through many times. “Then there’s usually some dancing. I know it sounds dull, but it’s really rather lovely.”

That is a lot of time around other people. But it’s only one day, and Vax gets to spend the rest of the days with Percy forever, so it won’t make much difference. He’s just impatient. 

“Do they do this for your birthday, too?” he asks. 

“When I allow it. Vex loved the grandeur, but it isn’t for me,” Percy shrugs.

At least once Vax wants to watch Percy be the centre of attention. Just once, then there can be quiet birthdays. He’s never been particularly fond of them himself, but Percy deserves to be admired. 

It might be nice to see Keyleth again, actually. He thinks she’d like to see him happy and know it’s for real. She cares about Percy deeply too, so it would be good for her to see the proof, to know that Vax isn’t living in solitude missing what they had. 

Vax stands behind Percy and watches him go back and forth over several different shirts that he’s thinking of giving to him to wear. 

“Darling, just let me wear the grey one,” Vax says as Percy ponders them again. “It’ll bring out the colour of your eyes.”

“ My shirt should- oh-” Percy pauses and smiles over his shoulder. “You’re teasing me. Because you’ll be close... Okay.” He hands over the grey shirt, though like all of Percy’s clothes it’s going to be a little big on Vax. “I guess I just have to keep standing next to you, hm?”

“I wasn’t planning on going far, anyway,” Vax whispers, sliding his arms around Percy’s waist and kissing his shoulder. 

“Well, I have to go and have a bath,” Percy says, stepping gently away from Vax’s embrace, who assumes the shoulder kiss was a bit too much. But then Percy pauses and reaches for his hand, lacing their fingers together. “Do you want to join me?”

“In- the bathroom?” Vax asks, feeling heat rising in his cheeks at the thought of sitting there watching Percy bathe, even though they’ve done it before. For some reason this new step in their relationship makes it a little more…daunting? Intimate?

“In the bath,” Percy replies.

If Vax had to pull a word out to describe the look on Percy’s face right now it would be ‘shy’ or ‘hopeful’. And Vax really doesn’t think he’s going to be able to hide his enthusiasm if they’re naked and pressed together in the warm water. Not even pressed together, just sitting opposite each other will be enough. But Percy must know that. He must know what is going to happen. Still, he leads Vax by the hand out of their bedroom and towards the bathroom. 

He lets go to start the bath filling with water (splashing in a few drops of something that makes it bubble and smell like cake) but then stands back and looks unsure of himself. Vax is about to say he’ll just come back later, Percy can have the first bath, there’s no need for them to be awkward, when the other man speaks again. 

“Do you want to sit back-to-chest or facing each other?”

Vax’s heart just melts at the fact that Percy is so worried about something so trivial, the look of consternation on his face is adorable. Stepping forward, he reclaims Percy’s hand. 

“You get in and I’ll sit against your chest,” he says, because Percy is broader for one, but he also won’t have to put up with Vax’s cock poking him in the back. 

“Okay,” Percy nods, the fingers of his free hand moving to the fastenings of Vax’s robe, pushing it off of his shoulders in an effortless, one-handed gesture that is genuinely impressive and leaves Vax in just the little shorts he slept in. 

“Percival, I didn’t know you had such moves,” Vax laughs, having to unwind their fingers so that he can run both of his hands over Percy’s chest, peeling off his robe slower to enjoy the reveal. 

“Why waste time when I can have you almost naked in a heartbeat?” Percy grins, his fingers now light on Vax’s hips and trailing up his ribs whilst Vax takes the opportunity to move his own touch down Percy’s chest, parting the robe as he goes until it’s fully open, revealing his abs and firm stomach and pecs. 

“You’re going to be a handful, aren’t you?” Vax murmurs, sliding his hands indulgently over Percy’s wide, strong shoulder to finally push his robe down. 

“Oh, a little bit more than that, wouldn’t you say?” Percy asks, his voice a rumble, his eyes shining with amusement and okay, they’re going there-

“Quite a lot more it felt like this morning,” Vax smirks, watching Percy’s face carefully for any sign of discomfort, though he’s just met with a warm expression. 

“Well, I don’t like to brag.”

“I can do that for you,” Vax smiles, winding his arms around Percy’s shoulders. “I get to tell everyone my boyfriend has a big dick.”

“And do I get to say something similar?” Percy asks without missing a beat, his hands sliding down the back of Vax’s underwear which pulls a slow, shuddering breath from them both. Vax’s cock twitches, already starting to fill, but he has no idea how to maintain his self control around this man.

“You’ve seen me naked before,” Vax whispers. “You know.”

“You’d seen me naked before too, but apparently took no notice until I was hard and pressed against you,” Percy replies, grinning. 

“Well, perhaps I wasn’t staring,” Vax tries, though they both know that isn’t true, so he amends his statement. “I couldn’t trust myself to keep my hands off of you if I looked too long.” That is more like the truth. 

“Well, fortunately we don’t have to worry about that now,” Percy whispers, glancing at the bath and suddenly pulling away to stop the water before it reaches too high. 

Vax misses his hands immediately, but he at least gets to see Percy in the glory of just his underwear that does nothing to hide the way his cock is gradually hardening, too. And then the underwear is gone. Percy undresses so quickly that it takes a second for Vax’s brain to catch up, and then he’s staring at Percy’s beautiful, naked body. 

Vax has, of course, seen Percy naked before, but never alone, never when he’s half hard, and never so close. And he stares. He has no idea what else to do. And not just at Percy’s cock, but the muscles of his thighs and stomach and backside. 

“You don’t have to stare, you can look any time you want,” Percy winks, climbing into the bath and settling against the back. He gets comfortable and then spreads his goddamn legs like he doesn’t know what he’s doing. 

Mouth dry, Vax just continues to stare, admiring every inch that is on display for him. 

“Darling, really,” Percy chuckles. “I thought you were going to share the bath with me, not just watch.”

“Is that your polite way of telling me to take all of my clothes off?” Vax replies, his face starting to flush as he pulls off his underwear. Percy’s eyes drop almost lazily between his legs and this- this is too much but Vax is going to roll with it. 

He climbs into the bath facing Percy, his cock very much on eye level with the other man, and Percy hums happily. 

Vax really is just rolling with it. 

He takes his time turning around, giving Percy a view of his backside too, before he sits down. There’s a pause, just a second, before he moves back, back until Percy's naked, hardening cock is pressed just above his arse and he can feel the tickle of Percy’s chest hair between his shoulder blades. Strong thighs bracket him in, flexing slightly at his sides, and for a moment he has to close his eyes against the potential sensory overload. 

Percy waits for him, too. Vax can hear his shallow breaths, and it takes a few more seconds but Vax finally leans all the way back, resting against Percy’s chest and letting his head fall onto his shoulder. Percy’s hands come to rest on Vax’s upper thighs and he lets out a long, contented sigh that stirs Vax’s hair. 

Vax can feel the pulse of Percy’s cock, he can feel it still hardening. His own is very much the same, and he doesn’t know what to do. He will stay with Percy, be with Percy, but this is a lot . He doesn’t know if he can deal with this proximity and not be able to do anything about it, he’s going to need to find a place to work out this sexual frustration that isn’t going to make Percy feel uncomfortable.

Percy nuzzles the shell of Vax’s ear and a shiver runs through him. 

“Hey, Vax?” Gods, even Percy’s voice turns him on. 

“Yeah, darling?”

He can feel the very rapid flutter of Percy’s heart against his back, and places his hand gently over Percy’s, support for whatever he needs to stay. Still, Percy takes his time, but Vax has all the time in the world for him. He’ll sit here until bedtime if he has to. It does take a little while, Percy’s fingers draw on Vax’s thigh, and Vax turns his head to touch his nose to Percy’s jaw for encouragement, but there’s no rush. 

One more deep breath, and then Percy speaks. 

“I think I might be gay.”

Of all the things in the world, that isn’t what Vax is expecting Percy to say. 

He turns enough so that they can look at each other, some of the water sloshing over the side with the rapidity of his movement. 

“That’s- different.” That isn’t what he means to say. That isn’t- that doesn’t convey the enormity of how he feels. It isn’t the support he wants to give and Vax wishes he could take it back.

Percy laughs and obviously doesn’t take that the wrong way.

“I mean, I can’t really deny what’s happening here,” he says, smiling in that beautiful, bashful way he has now. “I can’t deny how much I want you, Vax. Physically. And I’ve always liked men of course, but I guess maybe- I don’t know, really. But I can’t deny this, and I won’t deny us this possibility. I want to be physical with you.”

Fuck. That is also a lot. 

Vax blinks. He thought it was good before, he thought he had everything he wanted, and now he gets more? He doesn’t think he’s ever done anything good enough to be rewarded with this. And Percy isn’t the kind of man to turn on a whim, he must have been thinking about it, and sure the proof is undeniable, but Vax knows as well as anyone that sometimes you just can’t control your body. He has to tread carefully, they should both tread carefully, give each other time to feel this out and make sure it’s what Percy genuinely wants, but the look on his face says that it’s clear as day to him.

Turning fully to kneel between the other man’s thighs, Vax runs his fingers along Percy’s jaw, cupping his face gently. “I really want to kiss you, Freddy.”

“Yes, please. Please, Vax,” Percy nods, and he is leaning in before he even finishes the sentence. 

Vax meets him immediately, fitting their lips together in the softest, sweetest kiss. There are fireworks through Vax’s body, heat rolling through him, sparks in his veins that feel like they’re going to light him up from the inside. 

Percy’s hands move to Vax’s hips and grip, as though Vax can keep him from flying away. Vax needs that too. He needs to be grounded. He feels so light he must be floating. It’s so much more than he ever imagined, it’s so much sweeter than anything he has felt before. 

They barely break the first soft, wonderful kiss when Percy’s lips part and he kisses Vax hungrily, hard and rough and dirty in a way that takes Vax’s breath away, his tongue pressing into Vax’s mouth so that they can taste each other. It’s absolute heaven .  

Vax moves physically closer so that they are chest-to-chest, and his aching erection brushes against Percy’s. Big, strong hands roam over his back, and then over his arse, and Vax rolls his hips forward, the kiss breaking again for them both to moan. 

“Gods, I really want to carry on but I don’t think I’ll be able to stop, and I will never hear the end of it if I ditch her birthday party to have sex,” Percy rasps, still smearing their lips together like losing contact is the last thing on Exandria he wants to do.

Vax laughs, resting their foreheads together, giving them a little space to breathe. “You’re going to be the death of me, Percival. But I waited this long, I can wait a few more hours.”

“Would you wash me, though? Even if it’s just my hair?” Percy asks gently, a shyness stealing over his voice again as if Vax would deny him anything. 

“I’ll wash all of you, of course,” Vax replies, because it’s a nice thing to do for someone, and it’s intimate, it’s a lot of touching, and that’s what he wants right now. 

He starts with one arm, soaping up a flannel and rubbing gently over Percy’s pale skin. 

“I know it’s probably the same for you, but it’s been a long time since I was with a man,” Percy starts, his eyes moving slowly over Vax’s face as though he’s committing him to memory, or seeing him in a slightly new light. 

“Oh, yeah. It’s been a while. I haven’t even touched myself like that for a very long time,” Vax replies. “But we can go as slow as you need.”

“I don’t think slow is what I’m going to be thinking of,” Percy admits, tipping his head slightly and leaning forward for Vax to wash his shoulder. “I want you. I want this so much. But we’ll play off each other.”

“Do you have a preference?” Vax asks, pushing Percy back again gently so that he can wash his chest. 

“No, I don’t think so. I like giving and receiving, and also just a lot of touching,” Percy muses, wearing the thoughtful expression he does when he’s puzzling over a problem. “Oh, and blow jobs. I love giving blow jobs.”

Vax drops the flannel and his knees almost give out from under him because he absolutely isn’t expecting that. His hand presses against Percy’s shoulder to steady himself and his eyes widen almost comically.

“Percival!”

Percy grins. “I’m just really good at it.”

Vax retrieves the flannel and starts down the other side of Percy’s body to give himself a moment to process. “I’ve nearly always...bottomed,” he starts. “And I like it. I enjoy it a lot. I guess I kind of like someone using me for their pleasure, and being manhandled or held down-” Vax trails off slowly, keeping his eyes lowered as he finishes on Percy’s hand, washing each finger carefully and lovingly. “But you can’t just tell me things like this before I have to spend a day being decent in front of your sister.” 

“Oh, but you’re going to have such a lovely time when we get back,” Percy coos, sliding his fingers slowly up and down Vax’s ribs as the elf cups water in his hands and drizzles it over Percy’s hair.

Percy sits there, smiling sweetly as Vax wets his hair, and obediently doesn’t say anything else in order to prevent them both from getting more worked up as he starts to wash the lovely white strands. Still white. Vax likes the colour, he likes the salt and pepper look of Percy’s chest hair, he just likes all of him a lot. 

“You know how beautiful you are, don’t you?” Vax says softly. It’s really not a question, because how could Percy not know?

“The way you’re looking at me makes me believe that you think so,” Percy replies diplomatically, his hands coming to rest on Vax’s hips. 

“I do,” Vax assures him, rubbing in the soap and massaging Percy’s scalp gently. 

“It’s never been easy to keep my eyes off of you,” Percy continues. “And please, don’t compare yourself to Vex. There’s so much difference between the two of you.”

Vax doesn’t protest, because he had been about to say something, joking about how Percy got to look at his twin so it was no real hardship. But he bites his tongue and smiles.

“I’m sorry, I’m a little insecure,” Vax shrugs, still indulging in his hair touching. “She’s always been the more beautiful of the two of us. She’s always been-” he doesn’t know the words, he just knows what he feels. Vex is just better than him in every way. 

“That’s okay. I can keep reassuring you. Every day, multiple times a day if you need me to,” Percy replies, like it is just that easy, leaning in to kiss Vax’s shoulder. 

“You’re a wonderful man, Percival,” Vax replies, finally beginning to rinse the soap out.

“Do you want me to wash your hair?” Percy asks, his wet hands running over Vax again, hips to ribs then around his back, pausing before he touches Vax’s bottom.

“It’ll take far too long if we do it now,” Vax replies. “But later.” He wants Percy’s hand to move lower, he wants to be touched, but they don’t have time and he wants to indulge. He wants them to take their time and go on all night. 

“Well, I’ll look forward to it then,” Percy purrs. And Vax knows he’s always been this sexy, but it’s so much more now, now that he knows they can be- intimate. His amount of self control right now is amazing him. 

He takes the opportunity to kiss Percy again, sliding their tongues together, gratified when Percy kisses back, when his hands slide down to grope Vax’s arse, when his hips move beneath Vax and their cocks brush together. 

“I’m going to get out of the bath,” Vax murmurs. “Otherwise we’re not going anywhere.” He kisses Percy once more and stands, even if the grip on him is still firm, and Vax really doesn’t want to step out of the warm water or the embrace, but he has to. “You’re the worst,” he adds with a grin, even as he stretches and shows off his body to Percy, flexing his muscles, pleased as the other man looks at him with much interest. “Compose yourself, Freddy,” Vax winks, stepping out of the water and padding off towards the bedroom, naked and dripping. 

He feels as though he’s in heaven. He really can’t believe this happened. He can’t believe he could be so lucky. This is their home, their bedroom, their bed . He can’t believe he gets this.

“Vax?” he turns to see Percy standing in the doorway, still as naked and wet as he is. “How about a little something to take the edge off?”

“A little something?” Vax teases, looking down at Percy’s cock which rests hard against his belly.

“Well, I was thinking of sucking you off.”

Again, Vax almost swoons. Dirty talk in that accent is going to be the end of him. Colour floods into his cheeks and he’s amazed he has blood to spare.

“You- Percival - well-” he stammers, once more trying to get his brain to function. He’d be absolutely mad to say no, wouldn’t he? “Well, you did say you enjoyed it, and who am I to deny you?” Vax laughs a little nervously before he turns and drops onto the bed, sitting on the edge and spreading his legs in invitation, not sure if he’ll be able to get any more words out. It isn’t the sexiest thing he’s ever said, and it absolutely isn’t the sexiest he’s ever looked, but apparently no more of that blood is going to his brain. Inside he has never been more nervous. It’s been some time, and the last few days have already had him a little bit on edge, and the way Percy walks towards him is not doing him any favours. Percy has a confidence to him that Vax feels as though he hasn’t seen for a long time, and he’s really fucking excited. 

Percy sinks to his knees with unbelievable grace, and Vax’s cock twitches when his legs are pushed further apart to make space for Percy’s broad shoulders. If his thighs ache for the rest of the day then he’ll be very happy.

“You look really good down there,” Vax grins, biting his lip against a moan with the slide of Percy’s hands up to his hips. 

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Percy replies with a wink, before leaning forward and closing his mouth over the first few inches of Vax’s erection, sinking down deeper without pause until Vax hits the back of his throat. 

“Fuck, gods, Percy! Fuck!” Vax cries, just as Percy moans and the sound vibrates through him. 

He feels the pleasure bubble up inside him, his fingers petting slowly through Percy’s hair as his lips begin to move up, tongue curling around Vax’s length, another pleased sound rolling through him. 

Already Vax’s thighs shake, his breathing is rough and laboured. 

“Go slow, Percy,” Vax manages to rasp, because even if they’re on a time limit he doesn’t want to come yet. 

Percy’s gorgeous eyes lift and look up at him, and there will be a time where Vax is going to let that make him come, but not today. He meets Percy’s gaze though, stroking his hair as he watches Percy’s lips stretch around him. 

He takes it back. Vax has never felt this sexy. 

His breath catches as he watches Percy sink down again, all the way down until Vax once again hits the back of his throat. He feels the muscles working around him, and honestly, he never thought anyone could look so content deepthroating someone, but Percy seems incredibly happy. He swallows, pauses, swallows again, and it’s so, so good. 

“Baby, you can’t spend the night talking to important people if your voice is wrecked,” he whimpers, though it seems like a pointless warning at this point. 

Percy slides all the way back up again and Vax’s thighs shake as his lips part from Vax’s cock with a soft sucking sound. 

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know what they’d all be thinking?” Percy grins, his voice rough already. 

“You’re very naughty,” Vax chides, still toying with Percy’s hair, the fingers of his other hand brushing over Percy's pretty, pink lips. 

“You’re enjoying it, though?” Percy asks, flicking his tongue out over Vax’s fingers, though he seems to genuinely be asking. 

“Of course I am, this is the best sex I’ve ever had,” Vax replies sincerely. 

Percy smiles, then flicks out his tongue again, this time grazing over the head of Vax’s cock before his lips once more close around him. One of his hands lifts and wraps around the base of Vax’s cock, covering what his mouth can’t comfortably reach.

This time he starts bobbing his head up and down slowly, which immediately begins to wind Vax up tight. 

“Oh, Percy,” he sighs, stroking his fingers slowly through the damp strands. “Percy, you lovely, beautiful man.” He can’t help himself, the sentiment leaves his lips before he can stop them. 

Percy moans, and if he enjoys the pet names, if he enjoys the praise, then Vax will lavish it on him for as long and as much as he wants. It isn’t something Vax realised he liked until this moment, but praising Percy makes him feel warm and tingly inside. 

Percy is sliding up and down with enthusiasm, sometimes moving his hand so that he can sink all the way down again, letting Vax hit the back of his throat. Each time he does Vax tells him he's a good boy, and each time Percy moans. 

He likes the thought that little Lord Percy might like to be dominated, though he doesn’t think of him that way anymore, of course. They could play with it, though. 

“Good boy,” he whispers again, making Percy purr around his cock. Vax’s thighs shake helplessly, the knot of pleasure building up in his belly quicker. He keeps his head tipped, wanting to watch Percy’s lips stretched around him. And that’s all it takes. 

“Percy, I’m going to come,” he warns him, giving Percy enough time to pull back. But Percy does the opposite. He sinks down lower, taking Vax deep again. Vax cries out as the pleasure rushes through him, stealing his breath away with the intensity of it. His fingers tighten in Percy’s hair and his hips twitch, more moans dragged from him when he feels Percy swallow around him. 

It’s the best orgasm Vax has ever had. Hands down. He doesn’t need to think about it.

Slowly, Percy pulls back and looks up at Vax with glassy eyes and swollen lips (curled into an incredibly smug grin), and never in all of Vax’s thoughts about this man had he imagined him looking this beautiful. He’s trying to catch his breath, though watching Percy licking his lips is really not helping in that regard. 

“You’re really fucking good at that,” Vax purrs, sliding his fingers slowly through Percy’s hair.

The grin melts into a smile that lights up the other man’s face. Who knew that Percy had a praise kink?

“It’s been a long time. I was maybe too enthusiastic,” Percy replies, his voice wrecked. 

“Well, if you ever feel like you need more practise, darling, you know where I am,” Vax chuckles, stroking the short white strands with so much fondness, hoping he can convey those feelings through touch alone because he really doesn’t have the words.

“Mhm, in our bed,” Percy replies, bracing himself on Vax’s thighs and pushing himself up. His cock is beautiful and hard and flushed against his stomach, and Vax can’t take his eyes off of it.

“What can I do for you?” he asks, because he absolutely has to do something. He’s had so much self control around this man for so long, and now it’s wearing thin. He’s desperate for Percy. Percy, who is already turning away and looking at their clothes. “Freddy?”

“Nothing yet,” Percy replies with a little smile over his shoulder. “Can we wait until later?”

“Oh, of course,” Vax nods, leaning back on his arms to try and catch his breath and trying not to feel too concerned, like he’s pushed Percy too far.

“You look gorgeous,” Percy adds, the warmth in his expression assuaging the concerns that Vax is having that Percy may have changed his mind, may have realised he was wrong, that he doesn’t want this. “Maybe later you can be inside me again. In a different way.”

Vax’s eyebrows raise, because that is absolutely not what he was expecting. Enjoying being on his knees is one thing, but Vax has never imagined that Percy would want anything other than to be the one very much in control.

“You seem surprised,” Percy says, pulling on some underwear, his expression still warm and inviting Vax’s questions. 

“I just never thought you would enjoy that. And yes, I have imagined,” Vax smiles, colour in his cheeks.

“The Lord of Whitestone likes to get fucked,” Percy chuckles, a matching blush flooding up from his chest. “I had a very good time at sea.”

“Oh, I bet you did,” Vax says suggestively, looking Percy up and down. “How long do we have to be out?” 

Percy laughs out loud, pulling on his trousers. “Only a couple of hours. Time will fly, I promise,” he winks. “Then we have no other engagements for a while, so it’s a small hurdle to get over.”

“Well, you have a room at the castle, don’t you?” Vax grins, though he’s worried that he’s pushing it a little bit, he doesn’t want Percy to think he only has a one track mind and that he can’t make it through a couple of hours.

Percy walks over to him and stands between Vax’s legs, leaning down and bracing himself beside Vax’s arms on the bed. “The longer you wait the better it will be, darling. This was barely scratching the surface,” he teases softly, leaning in to kiss Vax once before he pulls away and starts to dress again, leaving the lingering taste of his mouth and Vax’s orgasm on his lips. 

Vax eventually stands as Percy’s doing his tie, pulling on his borrowed clothes and enjoying the scent of Percy all around him. He pauses as the two of them stand side by side in a mirror, checking themselves one last time, and fuck- they look good together. Vax thinks he should have known that, because Vex and Percy made a gorgeous couple, but it’s different when he’s seeing them through his eyes, looking at himself standing there beside Percy, whose gaze in their reflection is on him, warm and admiring. It feels like a dream. 

The rain has held off, and even though there are a few dark clouds passing on the horizon the sky is blue above and the sun bright and warm over Whitestone. All of the townsfolk are gathered in celebration. There have been tables dragged out of the houses and picnic blankets spread across the ground, and everyone seems to be carrying food of some kind, settling down in groups to share their offerings with their friends and families and neighbours. 

There are many greetings cast Percy and Vax’s way as they walk, and Vax pays rapt attention to all the names, intending to learn them all so that he can make Percy proud. He waves, he says hello, he beams when he feels Percy’s hand brush against his own as they walk. 

“Do you want people to know?” Percy asks as they head towards the larger, more ornate table set out before the castle where Cassandra is standing with Innes, accepting well wishes and small gifts from the people of Whitestone. Both of them look stunning, they look like they belong in the castle, and Vax immediately hopes that he looks reasonably worthy of being here with Percy. 

“That feels like something I should be asking you,” Vax replies softly. “You’re the scoundrel that moved on to his ex-wife’s twin.”

Percy laughs, and Vax is so glad of the frequency of that recently. It washes away his worries, because that’s all for him. Because of him. Their fingers twine together gently as they walk. Percy looks so happy, Vax highly doubts anyone would begrudge him that, no matter how complicated it seems.

The guards greet them both with a bow and step aside to let them behind the head table. Cassandra turns to smile at them as they approach, her eyes falling pointedly on their joined hands. 

“Happy birthday, darling,” Percy greets, not letting go of Vax’s hand as he pulls Cassandra into a one-armed hug and kisses her cheek. She looks beautiful in a long, deep blue gown with lighter blues for accents, her hair tied up in elaborate matching ribbons

“Thank you,” Cassandra beams, stepping back from the embrace and looking Percy up and down. “I thought you might have forgotten where I lived, but I see you’ve probably just been busy.”

“Yes, busy making your birthday presents,” Percy retorts, giving Vax’s hand a squeeze. He reaches into the packet of his jacket and removes the little bag that contains the ring and the necklace together. “From Vax and I-”

Cassandra takes it with a grin. “A joint present already! You do move fast,” she teases, leaning in to kiss Percy’s cheek. “Thank you. And you,” she adds, kissing Vax too. 

“You’re welcome. Happy Birthday,” Vax replies, his nervousness about Cassandra’s thoughts on their new relationship quelled by the warm expression on her face. 

“Come, sit down. Percy is next to me, but you can sit wherever you like, really,” she says, leading them both back down the length of the table to the centre where she is situated. “And you owe me one hundred gold,” Cassandra adds in a whisper to her brother, who chuckles as though he’s glad to hand it over.

The table is big. It used to fit all of the de Rolos for occasions like this, so just the four of them in the middle really hammers home to Vax how much they have lost. They've been through so much. But he watches Innes beam at Cassandra as she approaches, unable to take her eyes off of her, and that’s exactly how he feels about Percy. It’s not a huge family, but it’s a start. 

Innes comes to greet them both with kisses, her pleased expression matching Cassandra’s when she sees their joined hands. She looks as beautiful as Cassandra, though her dress is a rusty colour, simple in its cut and design, but she is stunning enough that she doesn’t need much else to stand out. “I’m so happy for you both,” she says softly. “I’m glad you got to it sooner rather than later.”

Vax is blushing, looking terribly pleased with himself, glad for the acceptance. 

“Are any of the boring people here yet?” Percy asks under his breath, looking around, back towards the castle. 

“A few, but they’re staying inside for this,” Innes replies. “Oh, I’m so excited to see their faces when Lord de Rolo walks in with a new gentleman friend, too. All the eligible daughters that are going to have to get dragged to another tedious engagement so that their parents can try and find them a husband- And they’re going to be in tears over your family line, you know. You and Cassandra should really think of the children,” she teases.

Percy laughs another of his bright, genuinely laughs. “I think between the four of us we can come up with something,” he says softly. “In time.”

Vax can only imagine what that implies, but he has a good idea. He could maybe imagine helping to raise a couple of children here, helping them sneak around the corridors of the castle and showing them all the hidden passageways. Children with no one else to care for them, who deserve to have the happy lives their parents struggled for. Children they can wow with their stories of dragons and adventure. He’s never thought about it before, but looking at Percy beside him, nothing seems frightening anymore. 

Percy walks towards the seats where Cassandra has sat, talking with some more well-wishers from the town. He pulls out a chair two down from her and gestures for Vax to sit. 

“You spoil me,” Vax says softly. It’s nice. He feels valued. He feels important. 

Percy sits too, and the townsfolk talking to Cassandra greet him, giving Vax a nod in turn. They know who he is. If they don’t then they probably knew Vex and they can put the pieces together. It isn’t as though no one here knows Vox Machina. 

He’d like to know what they’re thinking, though. Not that it matters. It isn’t going to change anything. Percy isn’t bothered, Vax loves him too much care, and that’s all there is to it. 

Lunch is brought out to them. It’s very simple, just small sandwiches and salad and bread, nothing flashy, and not dissimilar to what everyone else in town is eating. Presumably there will be something a little more formal for dinner with the inside guests. Salad with fruit for one thing.

Breakfast was quite filling, and Vax knows there’s a big dinner later. So he’s more than happy with the smaller offering, and he knows it's important that they don’t sit here making a show of their wealth in front of the residents of Whitestone.

“Our guests have been very generous with gifts,” Cassandra says, taking another sandwich from the platter. “I’m not looking forward to opening everything. It’s so tiresome. And then we have to find somewhere to put them.”

“This is why I don’t make such a ceremony of my birthday,” Percy replies, his head propped up on his hand, gazing out at the people in front of them, bathed in the sunlight, laughing and playing, a million miles away from where they had been a few years ago. The Sun Tree is in full bloom, cutting a beautiful silhouette against the bright sky. 

“Well, one of us has to,” Cassandra chides him. “Anyway, there are certainly some people wanting to introduce you to their very eligible daughters. Some arrived the day before yesterday, and they were terribly disappointed to find out that you had your own home.”

“I’m grateful you didn’t tell them where we live,” Percy says, his soft expression turning into a little frown. The ‘we’ comes so easily. He doesn’t hesitate. It’s their home. “Innes told us they’re very keen.”

“Oh no, I wanted to watch you turn them down myself. That’s the best birthday gift you could give me,” Cassandra beams, biting into her sandwich. 

“Well, I’d hate to be selfish. I’m sure many of them have sons,” Percy adds, his face lighting up at the realisation that he might get to taunt his sister with that. 

Cassandra narrows her eyes slightly as she swallows. “I have already put those in their place,” she replies curtly. “But thank you for your concern, Percival”

“As I thank you for yours,” Percy grins. “Though I plan to make sure they’re all very aware that I’m unavailable come the end of the evening,” he adds, placing his hand firmly on Vax’s knee. 

Vax feels the warmth flood into his cheeks and he smiles to himself, though he’s sure there are some eyes on him from the townsfolk sitting close by. 

“They’ll continue on out here for the rest of the day,” Percy tells him quietly, leaning in as though his words are of the utmost secrecy, though it’s very obviously just to be closer to Vax. “There’s a big cake that will get brought out later. Mum always insisted on that for any of these gatherings. Obviously the Briarwoods didn’t follow the tradition, but I think we’ve more than made up for it. And please don’t feel as though you have to eat a lot.”

Vax is grateful for that, though the food is delicious. He wants to enjoy whatever is offered this evening, too. And he certainly wants to make sure he isn’t too full to enjoy whatever else the night has in store for them. 

“I’m going to hold your hand all evening,” Percy continues, picking at his food with his free one. “Is that okay? In front of the distinguished guests.”

Vax turns his head and smiles at Percy. “Of course that’s okay. I’m more than happy to be paraded around like a fancy looking shield so that you can use me to deter people from marrying you to their daughters.”

Percy rolls his eyes. They both know that isn’t true. That isn’t the reason. “If it doesn’t work you should probably be prepared for me to kiss you,” he adds, giving Vax a wink that would make his knees weak if he wasn’t sitting down.

“Just to make sure they get the picture, huh?,” Vax smiles, dancing his fingers over the back of Percy’s hand.

“Mhm. And as we leave I’ll tell them I’m just desperate to have my boyfriend inside me again. Emphasis on again .”

Vax always thought that Percy had a dirty mind, but now he’s really getting to enjoy it. It’s for him, whatever was said and done in his marriage is gone. It’s the two of them-

“Oh, some of your friends sent gifts,” Cassandra says, interrupting the moment. “A few. Pike and Scanlan said they’d visit soon and bring Grog. Keyleth also said she’d be visiting soon-”

“It’ll be wonderful to see her,” Percy says with genuine enthusiasm, letting Cassandra know that there are no hard feelings between any of them. 

“I haven’t heard from Vex,” Cassandra adds, looking a little bit crestfallen. After all, Vex lived here for so long, they were as close as sisters. 

“I’m sure the deliveries are just slow from Vasselheim,” Vax says, leaning forward to see Cassandra. “They’re good at supplies and trade items, but not so much for personal post.”

It seems to make Cassandra happier, the bright smile returning to her face. 

“Is that why we never heard from you,” Percy teases, leaning over and kissing Vax’s hair. 

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder,” Vax replies. “Clearly that worked.”

They sit there for almost an hour. It’s warm and pleasant, and Vax eats a polite amount but leaves enough room for later. He already knows the food that comes out of the castle kitchens is incredible, and it’s likely to be more so for this occasion. The sun is still high in the sky when Cassandra rises and thanks everyone for coming, thanks them for their generous gifts and their time, and wishes them all a wonderful day. 

That seems like their cue to leave, to head back up towards the castle itself to a gentle smattering of applause and cheers from the people gathered closest to the table. 

The inside of the castle is modestly decorated with streamers and lights in the colours of Whitestone, and Vax is impressed with the magic on offer. And the castle is buzzing. It’s apparent that everyone currently wandering around is important in some way, and even from a glance he can tell those who have bought their children to be prospective spouses to the two de Rolos; their children- well, they’re around Percy and Cassandra’s age- look bored and unimpressed with being there, dressed in their finest clothes which also look unpleasant to spend a whole day in. Syldor never had the inclination to show off his children, so this isn’t something Vax has ever been afflicted with, but he still empathises. The guests all turn when the doors open, unfortunate children included, and the ones who have brought daughters to win Percy’s favour are suddenly very alert. 

Percy’s hand is on the small of Vax’s back, but moves around to take Vax’s, lacing their fingers together as they begin to mingle with the guests. 

“Just think, I had your cock in my mouth three hours ago,” Percy whispers quickly right against the shell of Vax’s ear, the sweetest smile on his face as he reaches out to shake the hand of a blue-skinned gentleman who has been desperately trying to catch his eye. 

Vax’s cheeks flush, and he looks pleased and equally impressed with Percy’s gumption, and the fact that he is feeling bold enough and comfortable enough with Vax to say such a thing. Their joined hands are enough reassurance, but that’s just a little something else that fills Vax with a joy he doesn’t think he’s experienced before. The joy of belonging to someone. Of them being proud to have him at their side.

“Mr. Orchardson, so good to see you-” Percy smiles as they shake hands.

The blue-skinned man doesn’t have a child hanging around them, and Vax knows Percy’s choice of guest is intentional.

“Lord Percival. It’s been far too long. You always say you’re going to visit us in Wildemount,” Orchardson beams, maybe a little too brightly.

“We shall make a trip, I promise. This is my partner, Vax’ildan, by the way,” Percy adds, turning and smiling at Vax with such warmth that Vax feels it in his soul.

He feels himself flush even deeper, but he holds out his free hand to the other man. And if Mr. Orchardson has anything to say about Vax, or about Percy’s penchant for twins, he stays quiet and greets Vax warmly.

“Well, I’ll expect you both sometime. We can take you all around. A tour!”

“We’ll plan something for the summer,” Percy promises with genuine enthusiasm in his voice. 

A brief conversation about the improvements in Whitestone follows, and then they say their goodbyes and move on. Percy is clearly picking the people they speak to carefully, and apparently etiquette says they only spend about five minutes with each person, but each person or couple gets the introduction from Percy to his partner, Vax. And each of them seems to accept that without question.

Within the hour they’ve run out of guests who aren’t holding onto their eligible heirs. Percy has kept hold of Vax’s hand though, and leans in to him constantly. If anyone is watching (which many people are)  it would be impossible to assume there was nothing intimate going on between them. But Vax knows these kinds of people, and knows they will either see what they want to see or they’ll assume they know better anyway. If Percy is with someone it doesn’t matter because their child is better and he’ll choose them.

Percy has steered himself and Vax towards the table of gifts, and is casually looking things over, reading tags and making comments on what he thinks is in there, though Vax watches him glancing around the room nervously between each observation. 

“I was hoping we might be able to sneak away,” Percy says quietly. “But there are a lot of people watching us.”

“Oh, were you thinking of dragging me off to your room?” Vax grins, leaning in in a very suggestive way.

“Yes,” Percy grins. “There are a lot of rooms in this castle, and I’d like you to fuck me in all of them-” 

Vax beams and leans up to go in for a kiss, but a voice cuts through the pleasant tension between them. 

“Lord de Rolo! How lovely to see you!”

Percy rolls his eyes and then turns with the fakest smile plastered on his face, well practised in his feigned politeness. 

Before them is an elven man with long, blond hair. His skin is almost golden in colour, and with his long, pale blue robes he paints an incredible picture. Vax is quite struck by his beauty, which is even more obvious in the woman beside him, clearly his daughter. She is stunning. The flutter in his chest settles in his stomach as a knot of anxiety because there’s no way Percy can’t see how gorgeous she is. 

“Mr. Ismani. Fiona-” Percy bows slightly, though his hand remains at Vax’s hip. “It’s been a terribly long time since I’ve had the pleasure-”

“Oh, quite. Though we spent a great deal of time here when your parents were alive,” the elven man says. “You and Fiona spent a lot of time together as children.”

“Yes, many, many years ago,” Percy says jovially, as though recalling a fond memory.

“It’s such a shame we were unable to attend your wedding,” Mr. Ismani says with a look that implies he isn’t at all sad. “And I’m so sorry it didn’t end well. Such a pity for you. Half-elf wasn’t she? Your ex-wife?” 

“I guess I have a type,” Percy shrugs, giving Vax a little wink.

Despite that very pointed look, Ismani’s eyes light up even more. “Quite. Well, you’re a young man in your prime. You should be thinking of finding happiness again.”

“Oh,” Vax watches Percy’s smile grow. “Oh, I have. This is my partner, Vax’ildan.” He turns to look at Vax properly, his expression softening.

Vax feels Ismani’s eyes on him even as he smiles back at Percy, so many emotions dancing over his face it’s impossible to know which one will win.

“That’s good,” Ismani says, though his false platitudes are not as well hidden as Percy’s. “Wonderful, but you should really think of taking another wife. Having children at your age means you can enjoy many years with them.”

“Vax and I have discussed having children, but it’s probably for another time. We’ve not been together long and we have a lot of lost time to make up for,” Percy replies, before placing his hand on Ismani’s arm. “Thank you so much for your advice and concern, though. Since father died I’ve always appreciated any advice from my elders regarding these things. We will take it into consideration.”

Vax really, really hopes he never forgets the shocked, surprised expression on the older man’s face. 

“Hopefully you’ll make it to our wedding this time around. We really mustn’t leave it so long between catch ups,” Percy continues effortlessly. “Take care, Mr. Ismani. Fiona. Wonderful to see you.” With that, he leads Vax away, which is good because Ismani’s woeful expression is going to make Vax laugh out loud despite his best efforts. 

“Percival de Rolo, I have seen you destroy things before but that was brutal ,” Vax chuckles finally when they’re on the other side of the room.

“I thought you might enjoy it,” Percy chuckles, drawing Vax in close to him. “Nothing gives me greater pleasure than telling people you’re mine, apparently. And also putting people in their place. And I got to do both then.” He kisses Vax’s nose and then his lips, and Vax doesn’t think he’s ever been happier. He winds his arms slowly around Percy’s shoulders, emboldened, and Percy only pulls him closer, regardless of them still being in public. 

“Well, this is a whole development! When the fuck did this happen?”

Vax and Percy turn their heads simultaneously at the familiar voice, looking down to see Kima standing there with the smuggest expression on her face. Just beyond her is Allura, approaching with a little more decorum.

“Hey, good to see you, Kima,” Percy greets, his tone far more genuine than it had been in their conversation prior. 

“Uh-huh, uh-huh, what’s this?” Kima asks, gesturing between the two men. “When did this happen?”

“I guess it’s been building for a few years,” Percy says, thinking about the answer carefully and glancing at Vax for the confirmation neither of them need. Many years. So many years. “But Vax has been staying with me, and it’s become obvious over the last few days that it’s the right time for us to make this step.”

It’s very diplomatic, but Kima isn’t into it.

“So he just showed up and fell into your bed?”

“No, we haven’t-” Percy starts, his cheeks flushing suddenly, though he presses into Vax for comfort rather than pulling away.

“I’ve been here a while,” Vax interjects, his arm moving down to slide around Percy’s waist to keep him safe. “I’ve been staying with Percy completely platonically, but we’ve had time alone to talk and get to know each other again. And it just kind of happened.”

Kima looks between them again, and apparently makes a decision. “Huh. Percy just prefers dick.”

Percy laughs, but Allura looks shocked. “Kima!”

“What? That explains everything,” Kima shrugs. “But I’m happy for both of you.” She smacks Vax on the backside and then gives Percy a wink. 

“It’s wonderful to see you both,” Allura says politely, her cheeks as pink as Percy’s. “Especially you, Vax’ildan. It’s been so long.”

“Yes, well, hopefully that will change now,” Vax smiles. “You should always be able to find me in Whitestone.”

Percy’s hand squeezes Vax’s hip, as though the offer he made earlier, hearing it repeated to other people, makes it more real. Makes it an actual thing that is happening.

“How have you two been?” Vax asks, leaning into Percy now that they’re in good company. 

He’s been missing long enough that there is a lot of conversation to be had, he has a lot to be caught up on. The comings and goings in Emon, news of Gilmore’s happy marriage and growing family- it says a lot about his contentment now that there isn’t even the smallest sting at that news. He wants Gilmore to be happy. Nothing but the best for him. And it couldn’t get much better than the regent of Marquet. In turn he tells them how Vex is doing, and similarly Percy doesn’t seem at all upset by the news of her new, carefree lifestyle.

They talk until a bell rings and they are called for dinner, filing into the big dining hall that has never been used in all the time Vax stayed here or visited. It was always in darkness, like many of the rooms in Whitestone. Vax had investigated it, of course, he had learnt every inch of the castle when they were using it as their base, but it looks so much better now that it’s alive again.

It’s like a completely different room. Clean and lit up, the high ceiling filling with the voices of the guests. Cassandra is given the seat of honour in the centre of the head table just as she had been outside, with Innes on one side of her and Percy’s place reserved on the other. And there are four chairs, the place for Vax set aside even here among all these important people and the children they desperately want to be in Vax’s place. 

Percy holds his hand as they walk through the dining room of elaborately decorated tables, up to the top of the room where he pulls his chair out for him again. It is not something Vax really wants from Percy, but he understands the importance of it in front of all of those people. He understands the role Percy is playing, even if Vax is remembering what Lord de Rolo promised him when they got home. 

Vax sits and enjoys the looks, disgruntled and annoyed, that are cast his way, and he wonders if Innes feels the same. He’ll ask her tomorrow. But she looks beautiful beside Cassandra, they look wonderful together, and the two of them are very clearly in love. 

Dinner is, of course, an extravagant affair, and Vax is glad he saved some space for the food, though he also doesn’t want to eat too much now if he is taking Percy to bed later. There will be a lot of leftovers. They can come up for the rest of the week and help to finish them up.

“No one will be offended if you can’t eat it all,” Percy whispers to him. “The foods are rich, and I know you’re not used to eating so much in the temple. It’s mostly to please the guests. They’re used to very indulgent things. Don’t worry about it.”

Vax appreciates that Percy is so attentive. Gods, he loves this man so much.

“We can come up for lunch or dinner tomorrow,” Vax says softly. “Or take some home. I don’t want to eat too much if I’m going to be throwing you around for the rest of the night.”

A lovely blush colours Percy’s cheeks, and he looks very pleased with himself. 

“You make a good point,” he smiles, reaching beneath the table and placing his hand high on Vax’s thigh and squeezing. “We can leave before Cassandra opens her presents. That part of the evening is incredibly dull,” he adds. “It’s as everyone heads into the ballroom after dinner, so we can sneak away without anyone bothering us.”

It seems as though some of the guests are trying to make the best of a bad situation, and are clearly negotiating marriages with people who have also been disappointed by the de Rolos and their audacity to fall in love with people they chose. Vax watches people move between tables as they eat, and it’s a terrible world that he’s glad he and Vex, and Percy and Cassandra don’t have to be a part of. Syldor would never have tried to marry them off to anyone, and Percy had said once that his older siblings had been able to choose their partners without interference from their parents.

His heart skips in his chest when the plates begin to be cleared, and the guests are invited to move into the ballroom when they’re ready. It’s home time.

Percy leans over to whisper something to Cassandra, who rolls her eyes but smiles fondly at her brother, then leans forward to say goodbye to Vax.

“I suppose we’ll be seeing you at some point this week, but there’s no rush,” she says brightly. 

Vax can feel his cheeks glowing, especially when Innes looks over as well, a knowing smirk on her face. 

“We’ll surface for food,” Percy chuckles. “But if you’re concerned you can always send some down to us.”

“You can come up and see us just to remind yourselves that there are other people in the world other than each other,” Cassandra replies, though she’s still smiling and she looks genuinely happy for them both.

 Percy’s hand is in Vax’s then, and he’s pulling him out of the back of the dining hall, through the winding halls that are still full of servants rushing around with plates of food and jugs of drink and other bits and pieces the guests must have asked for. They smile at Percy and Vax as they pass, and there’s apparently quite a lot of affection between Percy and the people who work in the castle. That isn’t surprising, though. Percy has already demonstrated that he is kind to everyone, be they the townsfolk or the people in the castle. 

He is surprised, however, to find that it is still quite light out, and the sound of the party in the town is still audible before they’ve even crept around to the front of the castle. No doubt they’ll continue into the night, and the town will probably be rather quiet tomorrow. 

At least any noises that come from Percy’s house will be drowned out. No. Their house. 

Vax is hanging onto Percy, gripping his arm even as he holds his hand, beaming at him as they begin meandering home. 

“I can’t believe you snuck us out of your sister’s birthday party to have sex,” Vax giggles, far from drunk but still feeling it. 

“When you put it like that-” Percy laughs, turning and pulling Vax towards him so that they’re chest to chest. “You make it sound positively scandalous.”

“Mm, well, how would you put it?” Vax asks, his arms winding around Percy’s shoulders and leaning into him for a kiss. It’s been hours, and hours is too long when they have so many years to make up for.

“Percival?” a voice interrupts them again, and they both jump back like they’ve been burnt. “Vax’ildan?”

Vex stands about ten feet away, her eyebrows raised, a surprised look on her face as her gaze moves slowly between the two of them. A bag is slung over her shoulder, covered by her travelling cloak, and she looks dressed for the party they just left.

The three of them stare at each other for a few long moments. The sound of the party in the village continues unheeded by this sudden surprise, and though Vax’s heart is pounding hard in his chest and his hands are rather sweaty, he can see from his sister’s expression that she isn’t upset. She would have let them know by now. 

“Well, I can’t say I’m surprised,” Vex recovers herself first and smiles, letting out a breath and visibly relaxing. “How long?”

“Since yesterday,” Vax says quickly. “I’m so sorry. We were going to tell you.”

“Since yesterday?” Vex is surprised again, her brows furrowing as she scrutinises her brother. “But you must have been here almost a week? What took you so long?”

“I didn’t-uh- I didn’t realise-” Percy starts, frowning, and though he’s still holding onto Vax his arm slides back around his waist to pull him in closer. Vax has never been more relieved by anything. “I didn’t realise I was just gay.”

“Oh, darling,” Vex laughs with genuine warmth and fondness and so much love for Percy. “I’m so sorry we didn’t know sooner. We could have made things so much easier for you.” 

“I’m sorry I didn’t know. I’m sorry I changed,” Percy says sincerely, sounding apologetic but not remorseful. He squeezes Vax’s hip.

Vex looks at him for a few long moments. “It’s okay, darling. I know it was hard for you. I know it upset you.” She moves forward and takes Percy’s free hand. “As long as you’re happy now. Both of you,” she adds, looking at Vax as well. “I want you both to be happy.”

“I am,” Vax says, his voice cracking slightly. “Honestly, Stubby, for the first time in a long time I’m really happy.”

Vex lets go of Percy and throws her arms around her twin. It’s wonderful to know that she accepts this, that it isn’t weird for her. And it saves him having to go back and have this kind of awkward ‘would you guess I’m in love with your ex-husband? Oh, and the feeling is mutual!’ kind of conversation. He lets go of Percy too, just for a moment and just so that he can hug her back.

“I guess you’re going to be moving in here?” Vex says, stepping away a little bit so that she can look at him properly. “You’re going to leave me alone in Vasselheim.” 

“Yes,” Vax replies, because he doesn’t need to think about it. Of course he’s moving here. There’s no question about it. They knew all along. “You know this wasn’t the way we wanted you to find out, though-”

“Oh, no. I’m sure,” Vex nods earnestly. “I suppose I should have given you a heads up that I was coming. But you two-” she looks between them with a grin “-the party is still going on. Where are you off to?”

Vax knows that she knows exactly where they’re going, but if she doesn't then Percy’s flushed cheeks give it away. 

“We’re going to explore the new development in our relationship,” Vax says with a matching grin. “But there are lots of eligible men up in the castle that I’m sure will keep you occupied for the rest of the night.”

Vex laughs again, and Vax knows her well enough to know that it’s genuine, that she’s happy, that she’s pleased for them. 

“Well, I suppose I’ll see you both for a late breakfast tomorrow,” she says, kissing Vax’s cheek, then holding on to Percy. The two of them hug, and they seem as comfortable as he hopes he’ll be with Keyleth. Like the old friends they are. 

Patting them both on the arm, Vex bids them goodbye again and continues on towards the castle.

“Are you okay?” Vax asks before Percy can say anything, wondering again if he’s changed his mind, if he wants to pursue Vex again, if seeing her has made him realise he’s still in love with her.

“I’m fine,” Percy says gently, reaching for Vax’s hand again, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Are you okay?”

Vax steps in close and rests his head on Percy’s shoulder. “I didn’t really want her to find out like that,” he sighs. It is a lot better than doing it alone, than building up to it and trying to find the right words, because he’s not good with words.

“No, but it’s done now,” Percy says gently, his voice warm and soft beside Vax’s ear. “Would you like to go back to the castle? We can go and rejoin the party if you're not in the mood.”

“No,” Vax says, lifting his head to look at the other man, wondering if he’s looking for an out by offering one to Vax. “Would you?”

“No, darling. Let’s just go home,” Percy smiles gently. “We don’t have to do anything, though. We can just go to sleep.”

“Is that what you want?” Vax asks, pushing again, his uncertainty and his self-doubt flaring up almost painfully. 

Percy frowns and gathers Vax into his arms. “My wants haven’t changed since we left the castle, and seeing Vex, spending more time with her, is not going to change the way I feel about you. The split wasn’t a rushed decision, Vax. We tried to make it work for a while and we couldn’t. It isn’t going to suddenly change because we’ve had space from each other. I’m very certain about how I feel. About myself and about you. And if I have to keep telling you this then I’ll do it every day, every hour if you need it.”

Vax sighs and leans up to kiss him softly. 

“The last few days,” Percy continues, bumping their noses together. “-have been some of the best days of my life. And there is nothing in the world that will change how I feel about you.”

“You’re always so good with words,” Vax chuckles, pressing a tiny kiss to Percy’s nose. “Now, take me to bed.”

Percy kisses him soundly one more time, then takes his hand and leads him the rest of the way to the house. Their house. Their home. 

Vax can feels the bubbles of anticipation building in his chest at the anxiety of having sex for the first time in a long time. Although the blow job earlier had taken the edge off, as Percy had said it would, he’s still nervous. If it had been a long time since he had had sex, it has been even longer since he’d had sex with someone new. He wants to make sure Percy doesn’t regret his decision, he wants to make sure it’s good. 

The door of their home closes behind them, and Percy is immediately and more forcefully on Vax, pressing him up against the wall. And even though Percy only has two hands it feels as though they’re everywhere, all over Vax at the same time. It’s amazing, Vax wants to press into every touch but he just ends up writhing desperately against the wall. Their lips meet with the same passion, that same desire that makes it seem as though it’s been months not minutes since they last kissed.

Vax’s hands move over Percy’s chest, enjoying the broadness of his muscles, the firmness of them beneath his fingers and the subtle way the other man tries to press into his touch. Then he begins to work on the buttons, one after the other as quickly as he can whilst Percy distracts him with his own hands, which have now focused their attention on pushing Vax’s shirt up, despite not having undone it at all.

Vax finishes with Percy’s, and in the two seconds it takes for Percy to slide his incredible arms out of the sleeves, Vax manages to undo enough of his own buttons to pull the shirt off over his head, dropping it beside Percy’s on the hall floor. There are another few breathless moments where Vax just stares . It isn’t as though Percy has changed at all in the few hours it has been since he last saw him shirtless, but he needs this time. Because they’re going to have sex, and he just needs this pause, just to look Percy over, to wonder at how lucky he is, to enjoy his muscles visually before they’re pressed against him and Vax is distracted by other things. 

“Bed, now,” Vax whispers, hooking his fingers into the waistband of Percy’s trousers, tugging him towards their bedroom. 

“I really want you inside me,” Percy whispers, a note of desperation in his voice as he follows Vax eagerly, his cheeks flushed and his eyes bright.

“And you’ll have it, darling,” Vax replies. He loves that Percy, dominating, handsy, deliciously forceful Percy wants to have Vax inside him, fucking him, taking care of him.

Their hands are both on each other’s pants at the same time, pulling and tugging until first Percy’s and then Vax’s fall to the floor, followed by their underwear. Vax takes a step back, closer to the bed, wanting a few moments to look at Percy naked and hard, to look at his beautiful, flushed skin and the hunger in his eyes that thrills Vax all the way down to his soul. Percy stands still obediently and lets Vax admire him, his fingers moving at his sides as though he’s eager to touch but he’s holding back, forcing patience to allow Vax his few moments of thorough consideration.

Vax sits down on the bed and backs up against the pillows, and Percy finally follows, crawling up the end of the bed towards Vax, until he is close enough to run his fingers up Vax’s thighs, which makes the half-elf shiver happily.

“What position do you want to be in?” Vax asks, leaning up to meet Percy halfway for a kiss. 

Percy hums between their lips. “I think I want to be on my back. I want to see you.”

“We can do that.” Vax could have Percy in every way and not be disappointed, but the closeness that position offers is a good idea for the first time. 

Percy is still stronger than him, but he is very compliant as Vax flips them over,slowly swapping the position of their legs so that he can nudge Percy’s apart to accommodate his body between them. And gods, Percy looks gorgeous gazing up at him with so much want in his eyes. He’s just so beautiful. 

“There’s- in the drawer-” Percy points almost shyly to the short set of drawers on the side of the bed Vax has been sleeping on, and Vax leans over to open the top one, pulling out a small, almost new vial of lubricant.

Percy looks a little embarrassed, running his hands slowly over Vax’s ribs as though that might distract Vax from the fact that he has tried to enjoy himself at least once in the recent past.

Vax says nothing, just puts it beside Percy’s shoulder and leans down to kiss him again.

“Do you want me to do it for you?” he asks, their lips brushing together as he speaks, never going too far. “Or would you like to show me how you like it?”

Percy’s breathing stutters and Vax waits patiently for him to reply.

They have all the time in the world, Vax isn’t in any rush. Whatever will make Percy feel good and comfortable, whatever is right for him. 

“I want you to watch me,” Percy whispers eventually, and Vax feels the throb in his cock. Percy has never been shy, in all the time Vax has known him he would never have used that word as an accurate descriptor, but that it’s coming out now, that Percy is shy in bed is just adorable. 

“Good, wonderful, you beautiful man,” Vax all but purrs, and though he’s reluctant for there to be any space between them, he pulls back and kneels up between Percy’s legs to give him room to move.

Percy draws his knees closer to his chest, opening himself up. Vax’s mouth waters. It’s been a long, long time since he had sex. Keyleth was the last person before Percy’s mouth earlier, but he’s definitely glad for that mouth because otherwise it would be over too soon.

Percy picks up the lubricant and covers his slightly trembling fingers before reaching down. His eyes are locked with Vax’s, though they flutter closed as he starts to touch himself.

“How long has it been since you were with another man?” Vax asks, stroking Percy’s calves slowly with broad, soothing strokes.

“Long time. Few months before we met,” Percy rasps, the flush in his cheeks creeping down his throat and chest. “Though Vex-” he cuts himself off, his eyes widening again. He hasn’t pushed his fingers in yet, they’re still just circling around his entrance.

“Tell me,” Vax requests, reaching forward to touch Percy’s wrists, to gently guide him to fill himself.

“Vex would sometimes touch me-” Percy’s words come out in a rush as his finger slowly slides into him. “Like this. Because-” he breaks off as Vax guides him to pull out and push back in, his eyes closing blissfully for a moment, head sinking back into his pillows. 

“Because?” Vax prompts, his voice rough as Percy pushes in again.

“Because it used to get me off really quickly,” Percy pants, his finger as deep as it can get. His cock is glistening at the tip, the pre-come dribbling down his length.

Vax pulls his hand away again so that he can watch Percy properly, his eyes glued to where the other man is touching himself. He licks his lips as he watches that one finger move in and out, in and out.

“Add another one for me,” Vax whispers, his voice rough. He lifts his gaze and finds Percy’s locked on his, his pupils wide and making his eyes so, so dark. “Another one, Freddy.” 

Percy nods his head and Vax lowers his gaze again, watching as Percy’s middle finger slides in beside the first, as the ring of muscle stretches to accommodate him. Percy has lovely fingers, and they’re going to stretch him perfectly. His thighs shake as he stretches himself, and though Vax kind of hopes that he can feel that tightness and that stretch without preparation around his cock, he knows that he can’t this time. This time everything should be slow and careful, everything should feel good.

“You look beautiful,” he praises, lifting his eyes again to drink in the whole magnificence of Percy stretched out on the bed, his flushed skin and taunt muscles giving him so much to gaze at.

He slides his hands up Percy’s legs and then down his thighs, which quake in his grip as well. His lovely cock looks almost painfully hard, and his fingers are moving faster and faster in and out of him.

“Are you spreading them? Stretch yourself,” Vax instructs. He has never been this commanding in bed before, but he can see how easy it would be to enjoy this more often, especially with Percy being so responsive.

Percy nods his head obediently, his lips parted with his ragged breaths, eyes glassy. Vax leans in to kiss him and Percy moves up to meet him without hesitation. Their lips touch and Percy moans shamelessly at even the slightest contact. He’s perfect. Fuck . 

“One more finger,” Vax tells him, the words pressed against Percy's lips. “You're almost done.”

“Yes,” Percy whispers back, followed by a little gasp and shaky exhale as Vax assumes a third finger pushes into him. Percy’s eyes widen for a few seconds, his thigh muscles tightening beneath Vax’s hands before everything finally relaxes once more.

“You’re doing really well,” Vax murmurs, kissing Percy again. “But we can stop if you want to. We can stop whenever you want to.”

Percy nods, the movement bumping their noses together. 

Vax watches his arm as it moves slowly and carefully, guiding his fingers in and out whilst Vax presses kisses over his face to encourage and soothe, and just because he can. 

“Vax?” Percy’s usually calm and composed voice quivers as he speaks. “I think I’m ready.”

“Good boy,” Vax kisses Percy’s lips softly, then pulls back as Percy’s fingers withdraw, watching with a pleased expression as the muscle between Percy’s legs flutters and clenches, wanting something more to grip onto, bereft of something to stretch and fill.

Vax takes the lubricant and pours it into his hands, slicking up his cock. He doesn’t take his eyes off of Percy, who is flushed and breathing heavily and gazing right back at him. 

“I love you,” Vax says.

Percy’s face lights up like the goddamn sun. “I love you.”

He’s tight and it’s amazing. Vax moans the second he begins to press into the heat of Percy’s body and feels him clench around the tip of his cock. He eases himself in slowly and watches Percy’s eyes flutter, watches his lovely lips part with pleasure and to gasp out softer moans that all belong to Vax now. 

Percy’s fingers slide into Vax’s hair, holding onto him and keeping their lips grazing across each other, so that Vax can feel every shaky breath with every inch that he presses in. When he finally bottoms out, both of them moan quietly, pressing their lips together for another gentle kiss. Vax pauses just to bask in the feeling for a while longer. They continue to kiss, soft and gentle, even as Percy’s muscles tremble around Vax’s cock.

“Slow?” Vax asks.

Percy nods his head, one leg and then the other wrapping around Vax, joining at the small of his back. 

Drawing it out is exactly what Vax wants, too. His hips slide back and then he pushes in again, making Percy gasp, his own cock trapped between them and at the mercy of the friction between their bodies.

Vax thinks he should touch Percy, but that can wait. He isn’t rushing towards any conclusion right now.

Percy leans back into the pillows and closes his eyes as Vax thrusts in again, soft, sweet sounds following with each subsequent roll of their joined bodies. 

Vax wants more of that. 

His hands rest either side of Percy’s head, and he can’t help but shift his fingers into Percy’s hairline, stroking the pale strands gently as he moves in the same slow, steady motions that seems to be driving Percy crazy if the sounds he is making is anything to go by.

Leaning in, Vax presses his lips to Percy’s cheeks and the corners of his mouth, not wanting to muffle any of the soft moans his boyfriend is making.

Percy’s legs begin to tighten around him, the muscles that are gripping  Vax’s cock clenching harder, fluttering rapidly. And he begins to squirm, moving his hips to meet Vax with more urgency, grinding down against him.

“Vax-” Percy whimpers, the name soft on his lips before he arches and cries out, moving his legs a little higher up Vax’s back to take him even deeper. His body feels almost impossibly tight, and though Vax keeps the same pace he pushes in a little harder, watching Percy writhe with pleasure.

“Vax, I’m close,” Percy whimpers as he lifts his hips again, rubbing his cock between their bodies. 

Vax barely gets the chance to reply before Percy’s muscles clench even tighter and he clings to Vax before gasping and trembling beneath him. There’s a rush of heat between their bodies and ripples in the muscles surrounding Vax’s cock. 

He slows his thrusts to a stop, and though he’s not right on edge, watching the pleasure wash over Percy heightens everything.

“Don’t stop,” Percy rasps. “You don’t have to stop.”

“I can-” Vax pauses, distantly familiar with the feeling of being overwhelmed in this position and not wanting Percy to be uncomfortable in any way.

“No,” Percy shakes his head again. “I want to feel you.”

Vax’s breath catches at that implication, and he barely has time to draw it again properly before Percy’s lips are on his once more, kissing him deeply. 

“Move, Vax,” he murmurs into the barest space between their lips

Vax swallows and begins to roll his hips again. The first time Percy cries out and clenches tightly, but Vax doesn’t stop. He moves quicker and rougher than before, biting back his own moans so that he doesn’t miss out on the renewed sounds Percy is making.

Percy’s legs are still wrapped around Vax, so Vax is pressing deep every time, and if Percy is too overwhelmed or overstimulated then he’s really enjoying it, his head thrown back on the pillow, his cheeks and chest flushed.

The pleasure is winding tighter and tighter in Vax’s belly, and his hips move faster and faster, chasing his release. He gazes down at Percy and listens to him, making a note to have him moaning like this every chance he gets. Percy’s muscles grip Vax, his legs and arms wrapped tightly around him, and it’s almost too much but at the same time Vax never wants it to end. 

“There, there, don’t stop,” Percy gasps, and Vax realises that Percy is going to come again. And that is incredible. He doesn’t move to chase his own orgasm anymore, he just wants to make Percy come.

“You’re so, so beautiful,” Vax whispers as he continues to thrust, barely pulling out, keeping himself deep.

Percy cries out loudly again and arches his back, and this time his muscles grip Vax so tightly it’s impossible for him to pull out.

He follows Percy immediately after this time, the pleasure crashing through him in a glorious, blinding wave.

They both still, panting, leaning into each other, their lips brushing over each other’s heated skin.

“You are a wonder to me, Percival de Rolo,” Vax sighs eventually.

“You have my heart, Vax’ildan de Rolo,” Percy grins lazily at him, cheeky despite how well fucked he looks.

It has a nice ring to it, and even if Vax wants to chastise Percy for making his heart skip dangerously hard, the warmth that follows is so wonderful.

“As long as we don’t have to go through the whole pomp and circumstance you did with Vex. Just something simple,” he says. 

“Whatever you want,” Percy replies agreeably. “As long as you are my husband at the end of it.”

 Vax feels as though he is truly home at last.