Chapter Text
He’d found the long, curved blade near where she had found him. It felt appropriate, somehow, like the world was lining up circumstances to signal that they belonged together. He chuckled at the thought–-there was no possible way she could feel the same-–as he polished the blade, running the cloth along it and admiring the shine.
There was a peace in making things that never quite reached him when he wasn’t creating. Making things for Vex, however, put a sense of urgency into the task, no matter how much he tried to channel the usual calm. He needed to get it done soon so she could have it and use it.
He cut himself testing the blade, a minor wound, sending a wisp of blood through the water in front of him. Hells. He ran a finger lengthwise over the wound, gently assessing the damage. It’d heal in a few days, probably. He’d work around it.
Vex had just returned from a hunting trip when Percy had finished making the spear for her. He felt like a bit of an idiot–-it would have been so much more apt if he’d had it ready for her when she went out that day, but here he was. Giving it to her now because he couldn’t do anything else. Now, because he’d nearly lost her and he was afraid it might stick next time.
“Vex’ahlia,” he said, her name feeling like rainbow stained glass in his mouth–-beautiful, but ready to cut him to ribbons, “I have something for you.”
Vex took a moment to assess the siren as he tread water in front of her, hands behind his back. “I’d never have guessed,” she said lightly, smiling. “A surprise, no less?”
He nodded, cheeks coloring almost unnoticeably. He clutched just below the head of the spear with one hand, bringing it around to his front, supporting its shaft with his formerly empty hand. “It has a few different retractable features. You can toggle them here.” He ran his left index finger over the buttons near the bladeless end of the spear.
“There’s a net, a collapsible harpoon tube, and an ink cloud you can use for cover.” He paused for a moment before starting to speak again, this time self-consciously. “The blade isn’t much, but I–-” he cut himself off.
“You what, darling?” Vex asked. “You can tell me, if you want to.”
“I found it near where you said you found me.”
Vex felt something warm blossom in her chest. “Percival, I–I don’t know what to say.” She reached forward and took the spear from him, running a thumb over the buttons gently enough to avoid triggering any of the features. “Thank you.” She leaned forward to give him a kiss on his cheek.
His awkward blush deepened a shade. “You’re welcome.” I need you safe, Vex’ahlia. He doesn’t say it. Can’t bring himself to say it. It’s for the best. It has to be. Besides, this is probably a selfish desire, not love. He’s just being selfish, keeping himself from hurting if anything happens to her. Yes, that’s it: self-protection.
His chest ached terribly.