Chapter Text
They had been walking for a good few hours, the sun had started setting already. Vox Machina returns triumphant yet again. This time a Drider had strayed too close to a local village and snatched one of the young children. Luckily enough they were able to save the child in time. After returning they had stayed the night, enjoying a feast supplied by the villagers in thanks.
Late the next morning, after having enjoyed a wonderful breakfast, they started their trek back to Emon. The sun had been high in the sky and a light breeze followed them through the forest. It had been a wonderful day. Laughter flowed around the group and stories were shared.
However, Vax noticed that Percy was avoiding him. He had been since that morning now that he thinks about it. Glances were thrown his way but once met quickly averted.
Vax and Percy had shared a room at the inn. He knew about Percival's nightmares so he wasn't surprised when he heard Percy whimper in his sleep. When Vax laid a hand on his shoulder this morning to ask him how he slept, the gunslinger had blurted out a ‘’Fine’’ and quickly returned to his meal. But this time his ears were the same color as the berries on his plate.
So he had stayed back closing of the group. Keeping his eye on the De Rolo that was currently bickering with Scanlan and Grog about, well the gods know what. He tried to see if there was something different. Anything to tell him what the nightmare might have been about.
Scanlan had started complaining and dragging his feet, something about short legs and unfair advantages. Vex found a suitable spot for camp and they set off on their assigned jobs. Percy and Keyleth had gone off to collect firewood while he and his sister offered to look for dinner.
Not far they found a stream with plenty of fish, it was here Vax decided to open his mouth.
"You know," he said, casting a sidelong glance at his sister, "Percy's been a bit quiet today. Haven't you noticed?"
‘’You’re as subtle as ever brother.’’
Vax huffed out a laugh. ‘’What? I can’t help having such keen eyes,’’ Uncomfortable he shifted his weight to his other foot. Taking his eyes off the traps they had set up for a moment. ‘’But seriously, he nearly choked on his waffle this morning when I talked to him. Dont you think that’s, I don’t know, weird for him?’’
"Well, for Percy, that's practically jumping out of his skin. But yes," she agreed, adjusting one of the traps. "It is a bit odd. He's normally so composed."
Vax leaned back on his hunches shifting around the stones that littered the small bank. "Exactly. And did you see the color of his ears? I've never seen him blush like that. Not even when Scanlan was flirting with him the other day."
Vex chuckled again, shaking her head. "Well, maybe Scanlan should take notes," she teased.
Vax shot her a cold look.” I'm serious Vex! And not only is he acting fucking weird but he’s also fucking avoiding me!’’ His voice got louder with every word. Making Vex flinch.
Vex held up her hands in a placating gesture. "Okay, okay, I get it. But yelling won't solve anything," she said calmly. "You need to talk to him. Find out what's going on."
Vax let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair. "And how am I supposed to do that when he's avoiding me?"
‘’I suppose that could prove to be a bit of a problem.’’ She fiddled with her braid, deep in thought. ‘’Perhaps take him out?’’
‘’Gods Vex I just want to know what's wrong not kill him!’’ Was she insane? Frustrated he started aggressively plucking the tall grass at his feet. “And besides, no one here knows speak with dead”
‘’No you fucking idiot. Like a date! It would get you two alone long enough that you could figure out what is bothering him!’’
Vax’s thought stopped for a moment, just blinking up at his sister who was looking all kinds of smug.
‘’Vex’alhia, dearest sister o’ mine… Do you truly believe he would say yes to that!? In case I was unclear: HE. IS .AVOIDING.ME!’’
Vex rolled her eyes at his dramatic response. "Come on, brother," she said, crossing her arms. "You're overthinking this. He's not avoiding you because he's mad at you. If he were, he'd probably be yelling at you too."
She crouched down beside him, the smirk on her lips turning into a more serious expression. "But he's not. He's been quiet and shy whenever you're around.’’
Vax sighed in frustration, his fingers still tugging at the tall grass. "I know he's acting strange. That's what's bothering me. It's not like him to shut me out like this."
He looked out at the tranquil stream, watching the shimmering reflections of light dancing on its surface. "I just want to help him, if he's going through something. But how can I do that if he keeps dodging me?"
Vex placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You know Percy. He's a private person. He doesn't like to share his troubles, especially when they're weighing heavily on him."
With a final clap on his shoulder, she righted herself "What's the worst that could happen? He snaps at you for a bit? At least you'll have your answer then."
Vax let out another sigh, she had a point. Yes, Percy would be pissed but he would have his answer, and maybe, just for once, they could talk it out like damn adults instead of this tedious fucking tension.
‘’Alright, tonight after everyone’s gone to bed, he usually gets up one more time to piss. I’ll corner him there.’’
Vex’s brow quirked in amusement. ‘’You’re adorable you know that.’’
‘’Fuck you.’’
Vex chuckled, flicking her brother's ear playfully.
"Just be gentle with him, alright?" she said, her expression turning serious again. "He's clearly going through something. The last thing he needs is you pressuring him too much."
Vax turned to stare at the stream again.
With their modest catch, the twins made their way back to the campsite, where the others had already set up a campfire.
Vax glanced at Percy as they settled down around the fire. The gunslinger was conspicuously avoiding his gaze, instead staring into the crackling flames.
Vax caught Vex's eye across the fire, a subtle nod exchanged between them. The others were occupied, preparing dinner and chatting amongst themselves, oblivious to his plan.
As the minutes ticked by painfully slowly, Vax tried to maintain an air of normalcy, joining in the conversation when necessary. But his mind was elsewhere, counting down the moments until he could corner Percy.
After everyone grew tired of Scanlan’s lewd stories and escapades they moved to their respective tents. Vax crept into his but waiting near the entrance, looking to a small gap left between the flaps. Soon he saw Percy leave his tent and walk into the forest. Vax moved to follow melting into the shadows.
Vax silently followed Percy into the shadowed depths of the forest, careful to keep a safe distance. He watched as the gunslinger moved from tree to tree, eventually stopping beside a thick oak.
Vax waited, heart pounding in his chest, and as if on cue, he saw Percy unbutton his trousers and begin to relieve himself against the trunk of the oak. Now was his chance.
‘’Evening De Rolo.’’
Percy's lips parted in surprise, his face flushing slightly at being caught off guard like that. He quickly buttoned up his trousers again, turning to face Vax. "Damn it, Vax! Ever heard of privacy?"
The rogue cut right to the chase. ‘’You’ve been avoiding me. And don’t say you didn’t, I'm not stupid Percival.’’
Percy's expression hardened, the embarrassment momentarily replaced by a defensive glare. "I haven't no idea what you’re talking about," he retorted, crossing his arms.
"Cut the bullshit, Percy," Vax snapped, his patience wearing thin. ‘’Ever since this morning you basically bolt the other fucking way when I approach you! And when I try to talk to you, you ignore me for fucking Shorthalt? Really Percy? Do you want me to believe you rather listen to fucking Scanlan than talk to me? Something's going on, and you're not gonna hide it from me any longer."
Percy's jaw clenched, his shoulders tensing at Vax's outburst. But rather than meet it, he merely crossed his arms, his expression guarded.
He couldn't deny the truth in Vax's words. He had been avoiding him, actively so. ‘’Listen Vax, it’s not your fault -’’
‘’If you dare to say the ‘’it’s mine fault and not you’’ line, I will kill you where you stand.’’
Percy's mouth snapped shut, his words dying on his lips. He knew all too well what Vax was capable of when provoked.
He took a moment to collect himself, clearly not pleased with the situation. He huffed a sigh, running a hand through his hair, messing up the perfect order of locks.
"It's not that simple, Vax," he said, his voice terse. "It's something I need to deal with alone."
Vax moved closer till their noses were nearly touching, poking his finger into the gunslinger's chest. ‘’Bullshit, not buyin' it.’’
Percy let out a frustrated sigh, trying very hard to ignore the way his heart raced and his palms tingled feeling Vax's body so near.
"Why can't you just leave it alone?" he ground out, fighting to maintain his composure. "Why do you always insist on prying and prodding until you get your damn answers?"
Vax's eyes narrowed, his stubbornness refusing to back down. ‘’Because I care you idiot, because it kills me seeing you like this, because I want to fucking help you Godsdammint!’’
Percy's resolve cracked as Vax's words struck a chord deep within him. His eyes widened slightly, a hint of surprise and vulnerability flickering across his face.
He swallowed hard, his throat feeling suddenly dry. "I... I don't need your help," he managed to say, but his voice lacked its usual conviction. It sounded weak, even to his own ears.
Hearing the usual strong voice sound so weak hurt him in a way he couldn't begin to explain. ‘’Freddy…Please…’’ Vax moved closer, placing his hands on the other man's upper arms, rubbing up and down hoping it would soothe him.
Looking into Percy’s eyes he could swear he saw fear. He hated it.
A moment passed and Percy took a big breath.
‘’I had a dream about you…’’