alignmyheart | IC Inbox [Erku]

I mean, I'm not mad at you or Vax, if that's what you're asking. Neither of you could've known what was going to happen in the future. I reckoned with it and I came to the conclusion that I can't be angry with either of you for things that happened before you knew.

But.

It's all a lot, otherwise.

It wasn't, but I'm grateful to know that.

It is a lot.

[There's a pause, then:]

Would you like to do this face to face?

Oh. Yes, that would be nice.

The door between the houses is open and I have... several alcohol options if that suits.

[a few minutes later, Keyleth appears at the door, waving shyly]

Hi, I heard there was alcohol?

[Percy isn't far, the kitchen visible from the door connecting the houses. He offers Keyleth a wry smile.]

There is. Enough to drink ourselves silly if that's the goal.

[she crosses into the kitchen, holds out her arms]

Well. That doesn't take me much, you know that. Hi, Percy. I missed you.

[He gently catches one of her arms to pull her right into a hug. He tips his head down to press a kiss to her hair.]

I missed you, [he murmurs with heavy feeling.] Felt rather lonely for quite some time... And I missed you very much.

[He missed Vex, of course, but that was yet different. He and Keyleth didn't always see eye to eye, but she's family.]

I'm sorry I didn't seek you out sooner. I needed to sort some things out, and be by myself for a little bit.

[Even with all of their differences, Keyleth would always consider Percy one of her very best friends. She adored him.]

We've all been in a bit of a state.

[Percy disappeared for twenty four hours the day Vex arrived and things have been fraught ever since. He holds her for a moment longer, trying to push down the rather overwhelming rush. He's been holding it back thus far, there's no need to let it go now.

He gives Keyleth another gentle squeeze before he lets her go.]

We've wine and liquor, [he says after clearing his throat.]

We have.

[she holds him very, very tightly, and strokes his hair lightly. She wants to tell him it's okay to cry, but she keeps it to herself, just for now.]

Um. Liquor. Please. [beat] Percy? It's okay to cry. [there it is.]

[Hearing her say it has far more effect than Percy is anticipating. He laughs, but it sounds more like the air just got knocked out of him.]

I appreciate that, [he says as he gets glasses down. Percy considers their options and picks something he thinks she'll like. It's a bit floral, a bit sweet, and he adds ice to water it down. Even if the aim is to get drunk, they needn't rush it.]

I'm all right.

Yeah.

[she waits for him to pour the drink, chewing on her lower lip.]

Yeah. Me too.

[He slides a glass to her and holds his own, staring down at it like it might hold answers. Hasn't he wanted her here for this very reason? It all seems terribly selfish now. Percy looks up, giving her a dry look.]

We're both a mess, aren't we?

[she accepts her drink gratefully. although the plan was to pace herself, she can't help taking a big swallow, nodding]

Gods, we are, aren't we.

[she's trying very hard to stem the flow of her own tears]

I do want to be happy. I'm trying not to be selfish.

[Percy steps closer to slide an arm around Keyleth. He kisses the top of her head, lingering there for a moment.]

I'm asking you to be selfish. Flat out encouraging it.

[He can't do much just yet, but he wants to be here for her.]

[she takes a breath, leans against him just a little bit, and summons the courage such an act requires.]

i.

i just wish i could truly relax and feel secure with him, but i still feel like I'm out on the fringes, like...like there's so many things that he's still holding back from me even though I want to give him everything and I don't understand why.

I think the trouble is the time he's been here, [he says after a moment.] He's jumped on every opportunity he could, and that--things developed. Obviously. And I'm quite certain he's afraid of hurting you further.

[That doesn't necessarily excuse some of the things Vax has done - or hasn't done - and Percy doubts it will make Keyleth feel any better. But... Percy at least somewhat understands the circumstances.]

[it doesn't. Keyleth's forehead wrinkles, and she takes another drink with a huff of frustration.]

I told him I didn't care about that. It's hurt me more to be held at arms length like I'm--like--like the things that we've been through and all the work we did to get here meant nothing.

[sure, the idea of having to share isn't one she loves, but she's gotten used to it. she's made her peace with that, because what else could she do?]

Then hit him over the head with something heavy and tell him to stop being an ass.

[A faint smile flickers across his mouth. The same advice could be given to Vex and Percy wouldn't blame her for a moment. He bumps gently against Keyleth.]

Have you mustered the will to tell him all this?

[she giggles at that]

No! I could never!

...Not...exactly. I don't want to upset him, or have us fight. We're good at that, and...

[It's worth it to hear her laugh.]

Yes you could, I've seen you embrace violence, Keyleth. [Percy smiles, though the look softens.]

I think he deserves to hear it, darling. He cares about you, you can recover from a fight if one kicks up. Though I'm not sure he has a leg to stand on.

Not to him! That's my whole hus--boy--that's Vax!

Yeah, maybe you're right. ...for now, though, I think I might need another drink.

[pause]

I'm glad you and Vexy are getting better. I want...wait. That's stupid, I'm not going to say that out loud. Drink, please.

We are doing better. But we still fought, [he points out.]

[He takes her glass so that he can refill it, but he's quite keen to know what Keyleth is holding back. And he is prepared to hold her drink hostage.]

What were you going to say, darling?

It feels...well, I guess it's not so different. Not now. But it feels different. Because.

[she makes grabby hands for the drink, but realizes, falters, frowns]

I...I always want you guys to be happy and work things out and live happily ever after, I guess. Because...I just do.

IC Inbox [Erku]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)