Work Text:
Percy hadn't experienced a loud Christmas since the death of his family. Before, it was always the laughter and screaming of four younger siblings. They'd been a nightmare then. Ludwig had grown into an age where he was quieter, but the twins still ran around causing irreparable chaos. Cassandra was a menace, but the adults saw her as too cute to care much. He'd hated it back then. Now that he had the noise again, he was reminded how much he missed it.
Vox Machina were all gathered in the game room of Pike’s great great (great?) grandfather's house. Scanlan, Pike, Grog, and Vex all had a controller in hand, the colorful sights of Mario Kart glowing on the screen. “Damn it, Pike! I was just about to win!” Scanlan shouted as his kart was hit with a red shell and Pike overtook him. “And I thought you loved me.” Pike giggled evilly from her seat in a beanbag chair near the TV. Ruthlessly, she threw a green shell back behind her and hit Scanlan yet again, allowing Vex to overtake him. “No! My glorious win!”
“You weren’t going to win, Shorthalt,” Vex replied as she overtook Pike for first. Pike let out a shout, but it was too late. Vex claimed 1st, Pike claimed 2nd, and Scanlan claimed 4th. Meanwhile, Grog was still stuck in the pack all the way back in 12th place. When he finally crossed the finish line in 10th, the entire room cheered. Pike gave him a fist bump and Grog celebrated his rise from consistent 12th to 10th with a beer from the mini fridge.
Percy was settled on the couch. Pike had insisted he lay down so he didn’t “aggravate his injuries,” so he was given a blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and the perfect spot to watch them all play. Vax was sitting in front of the couch, his own cup of hot cocoa in hand. Occasionally, he’d glance back at Percy, as if afraid he’d disappear. Percy responded to every look with a polite smile. Kiki was perched on the chair beside the couch, already snuggled in her brand new sweater Grog had bought for her. It was something she’d seen at the farmer’s market, and Grog had gone back to buy it the next weekend.
Christmas itself had been an… interesting affair. Percy hadn’t actually celebrated Christmas in quite some time. The Briarwoods gave a few gifts maybe, when he’d lived with them. Orthax had always enjoyed spending the day watching Christmas movies and laughing about how stupid some were. He’d always wear stupid Christmas sweaters. They got more elaborate every year. Once, he nearly set himself on fire with how many lights he’d managed to attach to one. Percy had taken over making the sweaters after that incident. But he’d also spike your cider so you’d be more agreeable, the voice in Percy’s head reminded. He frowned and set his cocoa on the table beside his head.
Due to his hospital stay, Percy really didn’t have much time to buy or make gifts. He had plans, of course. A metal flower bouquet for Keyleth, made from scraps she’d given him and tinfoil he’d saved from their hang outs. A prayer necklace for Pike that glowed since hers had broken recently. A pedestal for Vax’s vintage throwing knives and daggers he liked to collect. But everything had been taken from him when he was locked in the house. Nothing to harm himself with meant he also had nothing to make things with. All of Vox Machina assured him they didn’t mind. He still felt bad regardless.
Vax had bought him a brand new glasses case, since Orthax hadn’t returned his favorite one with the blue velvet lining when he returned his personal possessions. Grog made him a friendship bracelet that said Four Eyes on it. The goliath had given everyone a bracelet, with none of them having their actual names on it. The most egregious name was Vex, who was given a bracelet that said Boobs. Scanlan had laughed so hard he fell off the couch. Kiki had gifted him a dinosaur plushie that was weighted and could be heated, “for comfort.” It was tucked against his side, warm and soft, right where pain had begun to radiate a few minutes ago.
They all exchanged gifts. Scanlan bought the twins matching shirts that said “Set: Do Not Separate” that they were currently wearing. Pike bought Scanlan a new microphone, since his old one was from back in high school. Vax bought Vex an outfit to match with Trinket, who was curled against her side, dozing off. They’d all chipped in to buy Grog a bunch of workout snacks, which he’d already gone through half of. Even without any gifts to give of his own, Percy was glad to sit around with his friends after so long.
“Hey, de Rolo!” Scanlan called from the carpet, breaking Percy from his thoughts. He held his controller out. “You gonna join the fun? Vax and Kiki are racing Vex.” Percy stared at the controller while the other three chose their characters. He’d never actually played Mario Kart. Or really any video game. He’d always preferred reading, even when all of his siblings would sit around a TV and play games together. He hesitated for a moment before grabbing the controller.
“How do I play?” He asked as he flipped through the character options. He finally settled on a metallic, pink Peach. The label helpfully informed him she was called Pink Gold Peach. Kiki had chosen Yoshi, Vex had chosen Rosalina, and Vax, strangely, had chosen Waluigi. Percy scoffed at the Waluigi choice. He got the distinct impression Vax did so to annoy Vex, who immediately shot him a glare. The choice also annoyed Percy, given he thought the character was idiotic. Percy stopped looking through the vehicle options to look at Scanlan. “I’ve never played Mario Kart before. Are the controls weird?”
“Seriously?” Vax asked from below. He’d already chosen his bike, wheels, and parachute. Percy got the sense he’d played this game before, as well as Vex, given they had immediately known what they were going to pick. “You’ve never even played one game? Not classic or anything? You have no idea how any of the controls work?” Percy shook his head as he returned to his choices. “Damn… we’re gonna smoke you.” Percy huffed out a laugh and finally settled on a bike and wheels.
“Wanna bet on it?” Percy asked with a grin while scrolling through his parachute options. Vax looked up at him from the floor, returning his grin. “Five bucks says I can beat you,” Percy teased once he settled on one. Vax scoffed and grabbed his wallet from his back pocket. He pulled out ten bucks. Vax’s wallet was a mess of tears and tape, and the ten dollars was some of the only cash within it.
“Ten bucks says you won’t beat all of us.” Percy smirked and took the ten. Vax settled back against the couch. “You’re going down, de Rolo,” Vax said as the race began. Percy sat up against the pillows with a laugh. “Get ready to lose for the first time in your rich boy life.”
Percy, in fact, did not lose. The first race, after they paused so he could look at the controls, was close. Percy stayed with the rest of them in the top four for the most part, swerving ahead of the rest of the pack with little difficulty. He stayed in fourth until Vex got hit with a blue shell and Percy used a red shell to knock Keyleth out of second at the last moment. He won the first race.
The second race didn’t start as well for Percy. He didn’t know the track like the twins did, causing him to miss some of the shortcuts. He glanced over at the other screen to see the twins were somewhere completely different that had far more boost pads than his current path and huffed in annoyance. However, by the second lap, he was catching up. He followed a similar path to the twins, learning the shortcuts he could take. By the third lap, he was pulling ahead. Even with the alliance the twins had formed against him, Percy still managed to win first place for the second time. Kiki gave him a high five.
The third race was where Vax started to say goodbye to his ten bucks. Percy’s reflexes were unmatched. He adapted to the track by the second lap, and he knew exactly how and when to use his items. Pretty soon, Vax was struggling to even get into second place. Seemingly every time he did, Percy would fall back into second just to hit him with a red shell. When Vax looked up at him accusingly, the man was just smirking and he’d reclaim first. He won the third race.
The fourth and final race was a disaster. Not only did Keyleth and Percy gang up, but Vex joined them to screw over her twin. Vax was getting targeted by red shells and green shells alike. Percy stayed comfortably in first place while Vex and Kiki bullied Vax. Percy won first place, and thus secured Vax’s ten bucks. “Fuck! My money! My super limited money!”
“You’re the one who offered ten bucks, Vax’ildan.” Percy handed Scanlan back the controller and settled back into his cushions. Vax fell dramatically against the floor, nearly spilling his hot chocolate. “Vax, don’t make a mess just because you’re sad you lost,” Percy chastised. The half-elf merely shot him a glare and stood from the floor.
“I’m gonna go get some more hot cocoa and marshmallows,” Vax announced, gathering Vex, Pike, and Scanlan’s cups. Percy looked down at his own half empty cup. He’d been laying down for the past few hours. Some walking could do him some good, even if Pike would disagree. “Want a refill?” Vax asked, offering his hand out for Percy’s mug. Percy pushed the covers off, ignoring Pike’s protest, and stood.
“I’ll get my own, actually. All this sitting is starting to get to me.” Vax grinned and nodded. Percy took Grog and Keyleth’s mugs so they could do an all around refill. After carefully navigating the stairs so as to not upset any injuries, Percy followed Vax into the kitchen. Grandpa Wilhand was downstairs, but he was distracted by the TV. Percy leaned against the counter while Vax brewed the hot water necessary for a new round of hot cocoa.
“How’s your Christmas been?” Vax asked once the kettle was on. He sat on the counter opposite to Percy, leaning on his knees. “Have you enjoyed it?” Percy nodded, watching the kettle rather than Vax. Orthax’s Christmases had never been this pleasant. Percy’s hand wandered to his chest, where he could feel the bandages beneath the shirt. I need to stop comparing Orthax to now. He’s gone. Forever.
“I have.” Percy let out a sigh and looked down at the floor. “I haven’t enjoyed myself in quite some time around the holidays.” You haven't enjoyed yourself recently period. “Our group is… lively. It’s hard to wrap my head around. I haven’t been around people like this since…” Since your family died. He swallowed the words. “Anyways,” Percy continued, raising his gaze to look Vax in the eye. “This has been quite enjoyable. I truly appreciate all of the gifts. When I’m cleared to work on my projects again, I’ll have to finish my gifts.” Vax gave him a small smile, which Percy returned.
“Yeah…” Vax looked down at his hands, and his foot tapped nervously against the cabinets. “So…” Vax trailed off and hopped off the counter. He awkwardly walked closer to where Percy was leaning. “I, uh. Well, I know that Orthax is… out of the picture now.” Percy tilted his head curiously. Out of my life forever, hopefully, he thought. His hands drifted to the bruises beneath his clothes again. “So I was wondering if you, uh… wanted to go to a movie with me. Alone. Like… as a date.”
All at once, Percy’s world froze. Date? He looked away from Vax’s hopeful eyes. Date? “Oh.” Percy swallowed thickly. His grip tightened on the counter. Date? I can’t date right now. Not after Orthax. I need time. I can’t just jump back into a relationship. Not after what he did. Percy opened his mouth to say something, but nothing would come out. He caught Vax’s eye and the rejection died in his throat.
You owe him, his thoughts reminded. Vax saved you. He risked his life to get you out of that house. The least you could do is date him. You’ve already been leading him on. Don’t be selfish. Percy closed his mouth and looked back at the floor. Who cares if you’re not ready? He deserves something. You owe him. You owe him.
You owe him.
“Sure,” Percy finally said, forcing a smile. “Yeah, let’s go see a movie. Maybe next week?” Percy couldn’t believe what he was saying. He didn’t want to be with Vax. Maybe later. When he wasn’t still having nightmares of hands on his hips and fists connecting with his body. But not now. He still couldn’t bring himself to say anything.
You owe him.
“Awesome!” Vax looked so excited. It made Percy’s heart ache. “Uh, maybe we can go see Jurassic? I can see if any theaters are doing a showing around here.” Percy nodded at Vax’s excited ramble, despite the idea making him feel sick. Holding hands. Driving together. The things boyfriends did. He was going to throw up. His heart beat quickly.
You owe him.
The kettle clicked off. Vax grabbed it and the cocoa powder to make new mugs of hot cocoa. He was grinning happily at the mugs. Percy held his stomach, trying to force down the nausea. Vax is nice. We’ll be fine. He’s not Orthax, he tried to convince himself. When Vax looked up at him, Percy forced what he hoped was a casual smile. Vax grabbed some of the mugs, and Percy grabbed the others. They walked together up the stairs.
You owe him.
Percy sat at the couch again, setting down both Keyleth’s and his own mug on the table. He couldn’t drink right now. He laid down, pulling the blanket on. He could feel the creeping cold move up his spine and he swallowed the saliva in his mouth. Vax sat in front of him, and he looked up with a grin. Percy didn’t have the mind to return it. Any sudden moves felt… bad. There was a weakness in his stomach, a trembling spreading to his limbs. Not here. Not now.
You owe him.
Percy was no stranger to his body betraying him. But he didn’t want it to happen. It always happened with Orthax. He didn’t want it to happen with Vax. He didn’t want to associate the man who saved him with… With Orthax not taking no for an answer? Percy shook his head and took a breath. With the fear and weakness, he corrected. He wouldn't associate Vax with that. Vax was kind. Nice. He wasn’t like that. Percy should be happy. He wasn’t being fair. Vax loved him. And Percy…
Percy owed him.
He was fine.
They’d be fine.