Work Text:
Vex had always been aware of herself.
Of her posture, her breath, the way she held her shoulders as if bracing for something unseen. Even in moments meant for rest, her mind rarely quieted. There was always a calculation, a readiness, a voice reminding her not to lose control.
Until Percy.
This time, she didn’t notice when the tension left her body—only that it was gone. Her thoughts slipped away, not into fear or vigilance, but into nothing at all. Just warmth. Just him. The steady cadence of his breath, the way his hand fit so naturally against her back.
Percy’s touch was careful, reverent, as if he were afraid of breaking something precious. He murmured her name once, soft and grounding, and something in her finally gave.
The sound that left her was quiet but unmistakable—soft, higher than she’d ever allow herself to make on purpose. Unplanned. Honest. The kind of sound you make when you forget to guard yourself.
Percy froze for half a heartbeat.
Vex didn’t notice. She couldn’t. Her mind was blissfully blank, the world narrowed to warmth and closeness and the rare, terrifying relief of not having to be anything at all. No Lady Vex’ahlia. No hunter. No survivor.
Just Vex.
And Percy had noticed.
Vex didn’t see his reaction. Her mind was blank in a way it had never been before. For the first time in her life, she wasn’t thinking about who she needed to be or what might come next.
She was just there.
When the moment passed and the room settled back into quiet, awareness came rushing back all at once. Heat climbed her face as embarrassment set in. She shifted, already bracing herself.
Percy cleared his throat.
“For what it’s worth,” he said carefully, clearly flustered, “You sounded lovley.”
Vex turned to stare at him.
“You cannot be serious,” she said flatly.
“I am,” he replied, cheeks pink but eyes sincere.
Then she huffed, shook her head, and grabbed his shirt, pulling him into a kiss before he could say anything else.
When the broke apart she shook her head, amused, and nestled into his arms. “You are strange, Percival.”
He smiled against her hair. “I’ve been told.”
Percy shifted just enough to rest his chin lightly against Vex’s shoulder, a small, satisfied smirk curving his mouth.
She shook her head, lips tugging into a faint smile she didn’t bother hiding. If it was anyone else, she’d already be halfway out of the bed, dignity bristling back into place.
But with him?
She let herself stay.
And that, somehow, made all the difference.