Hello and welcome to a new fic, reader! Whether you're new or old, I'm glad you decided to check one of my fics out. This one is my first, and hopefully not my last, Critical Role fanfic, so it might not be my best, but I hope that you might like it.
Warning: This fic contains spoilers for the Taryon Darrington Arc from Campaign One.
Disclaimer: All the characters are owned by the cast and crew of Critical Role. Without them, this fic wouldn't exist.
ENJOY!
It was obvious, wasn't it? Tary and Percy kept stealing glances at each other from opposite sides of the table, their smiles barely concealed behind their glasses. But, despite this, neither of them had said a word! Vex grimaced in annoyance, her eyes darting between her lover and her best friend, brows knitted together as she drank, a plan beginning to form in her mind.
'Seems I'll have to help them. But how? Hmm...maybe if they were alone...' She wondered to herself. Then, she glanced at Percy, a smirk pulling at her lips, eyes lit up with mischief. 'Perfect.'
Thus, she watched and waited as Percy and Keyleth chatted, though about what she couldn't tell. A minute, maybe two, passed by before she saw an opportunity, and then gently tapped him on the shoulder. With a curious hum, Percy looked at her, his lips quickly dipping into a worried frown, his cheeks burning pink with embarrassment, eyes soft behind his glasses.
"Yes dear? Is something wrong?" He nervously asked. Did he think he had been neglecting her? Vex smiled softly at the thought and intertwined their fingers beneath the table.
"Not at all." She reassured. Then, lowering her voice, she asked. "Can I ask a favour of you, darling?"
"Oh! Of course, anything." Percy responded, a tad uncertain as he sat a little straighter in his chair. What was she up to?
"Do you recall what Tary said? To his father, I mean." She started. Percy blinked, thought, then nodded. "Did you...you know...know that he felt that way?"
Immediately, Percy shook his head. He could still hear the hesitation in his voice as he tried to get the words out, then the certainty as he uttered his confession. The type of man he would want to marry. Though he had been surprised, he now thought back, and realised how obvious Tary had been. The lovestruck glances, how close he was to him, all the silent praises he gave that brightened Tary's face. Briefly, he stared at his friend.
'How could I have missed all that?'
"Why do you ask?" He questioned, eyes still fixed upon his friend. Then, as if pulled out of a trance, he turned his head to look at Vex again, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "It's not because of jealousy, is it?"
Vex pouted and glared at him, Percy quickly raising his hands up in mock defense. She rolled her eyes, chuckling, then shuffled closer to him.
"That's a fantastic joke you have there, darling." She retorted dryly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "But no, it's not that."
Percy stared at her, a brow raised and a glint of doubt in his eyes.
"I just think that, maybe, a small talk might clear the air." She explained, an expression of soft sincerity upon her face. "Just the two of you. Without any distractions."
Percy stared at her for a moment, wondering if she was serious. His eyes observed her expression, and after concluding that she was, in fact, not joking, he grimaced. He took a sip of his drink.
"If I trusted my own voice, I would, but..." He said, worry in his eyes. He stared into his glass, then sighed. "I also don't want him to think that I don't care about him. What am I to do..."
"Percy." Vex lovingly cooed, pulling him out of his own head. "I doubt anything could make him think badly of you. You just need to listen to him, and see where things go. Okay?"
He stared at her, then glanced at Tary. She could hear the cogs turning inside his head, thoughts swirling behind his glasses. Finally, he nodded, and with one long sip of his wine, he stood up and walked around the table: back straight and expression unreadable, unnoticed by the rest of the group.
"Hey Tary! Think you can drink me under the table?" Grog loudly challenged with a toothy grin. Tary looked up at him, perplexed.
"I'm not quite sure what that means, but I'd be willing to give it a go!" Tary proclaimed, determination quickly spreading across his face as he grabbed his wooden mug.
Grog quickly did the same, as did Vax and Pike who sat beside the goliath and Tary respectively. The rims of each of their mugs almost touched their lips before a loud cough reached Tary's ears, making him jump and turn in his chair.
"Oh, Percy! Care to join us?" Tary cheerfully asked, cheeks lightly flushed. Whether that was from drinking or blushing, Percy couldn't tell.
"Can I have a word with you?" He asked, a polite but blunt tone to his voice. Tary blinked, features falling ever so slightly as his heart painfully skipped a beat.
"Yes, of course." He hastily responded, blush darkening as he put down his mug, then looked at Grog. "I'll return shortly, my friend, and I'll be sure to give you a worthy challenger."
The goliath grinned, before quickly returning his attention to his other challengers. Then, they were swinging back their mugs, and Percy and Tary, followed closely by Doty 2.0, made their way out of the tavern. Behind them, Vex smiled, her eyes following the three of them until they were finally out of sight.
"So...where exactly are we going?" Tary curiously asked, gnawing worry beginning to creep in as they walked through Whitestone, the shorter man moving a step or two behind Percy.
"The workshop. I'd like this to be private."
Tary's features dimmed, worry tugging at his lips and dread seizing his heart. Was he mad about what he'd said? The thought that he may have angered his dearest friend made his blood run cold. Did he intend to humiliate, but had found the kindness to not do so before the rest of the party. Though fearful, Tary stayed silent, and kept walking, the beauty of Whitestone a temporary reprieve from his own mind.
Once inside the castle, Percy unlocked the workshop door; pushing it open, before stepping aside, offering to let Tary step inside first. Quickly, he turned to his mechanical assistant and gently commanded him to remain outside. Doty 2.0 answered with an affirmative "Tary". With a nervous smile, Tary entered the workshop, thanking Percy as he passed him, before he joined him, glancing over his shoulder at Doty 2.0 with a reassuring look in his eyes.
Behind Tary, the heavy door closed with an audible thud. Now, alone, it was just them.
"...What did you want to talk about? I'm all ears." Tary awkwardly said, plastering a brave smile on his face.
As Percy moved further into the workshop, Tary slowly turned to face him, letting cold blue eyes dart across his face, his brows knitted together in deep thought. Tary could almost hear the wheels turning in his friend's mind, alongside the thunderous racing of his own heart.
"What you said to your father about me. Was it true?" Percy finally asked, a firm but gentle curiosity in his voice.
As if to answer him, Tary's face became a deep shade of pink. He hadn't expected Percy to actually acknowledge what he'd said, nor had he thought that he would want to speak of it. Yet, as the seconds ticked by, he knew he had not misheard.
'I just need to tell him the truth...no matter what happens from here...'
Though full of dread, Tary quickly nodded.
"It was. And it still is." He replied, nervously. Then, hastily, he said. "But do not be alarmed, Percival, I respect you and Vex'ahlia's relationship, and I would never be so cruel as to come between you."
He stared expectantly at Percy. Would he be angry? Disgusted? As he took in his friend's face, however, he saw that Percy was smirking. In fact, it was quite smug. Tary blinked, taking a cautious step back.
"You're...not mad?" He asked.
"Mad?" Percy repeated, chuckling. "Hardly. I'm actually quite flattered that you think me a good choice for marriage."
'He...He was flattered? Percival Fredrickstein Von Musel Klossowski De Rolo III was flattered by my confession?!'
At that thought, all he could do was stare: eyes wide, lips parted, warmth spreading across his face. Percy couldn't help but smirk at the sight, though as Tary's silence dragged on, he sighed, and moved closer. Tary tried not to shrink beneath Percy's gaze, his tall and lanky form looming over him. His body stiffened up, heart racing inside his chest as their eyes met.
"If it's any consolation, I would happily return your affections, if things were different." Percy explained, a softness to his words that Tary had only ever heard directed at Vex'ahlia.
Was he trying to let him down gently? Probably, but the words still made his heart flutter.
"Well, that's...that's very kind of you." Tary stammered out, desperately wishing to wipe the blush from his face.
For a man who spoke through miles of flowery language, Percy had effortlessly tripped him into simplicity. He smiled, taking some small amount of amusement in this, along with a hint of fondness. Had he always had this power over his theatrical friend? But something still irked him. Why him? His smile and gaze fell, doubt and nerves creeping into his mind.
'It doesn't matter. I shouldn't pry further. What if I push too far, or scare him away?'
'You just need to listen to him, and see where things go. Okay?'
Vex's voice, full of confidence and reassurance, echoed in his mind. She soothed his worries away, as she always did. He could do this. Still nervous, but curious, Percy spoke up.
"Do you mind humoring me, Tary?" He asked as he walked over to the workshop bench, then sat upon one of the wooden stools.
"Of course." Tary instantly answered, hastily sitting opposite his friend. "Wait. Humor you about what exactly?"
Glancing over at the desk, Percy fell into silent thought. His eyes darted slowly across the wooden surface, where papers, gun parts, and tinkering tools were all scattered about.
"What is it about me that you like? Is there anything you might..." He asked, pushing at his glasses as his voice softened to a mutter, and then trailed off.
'Keep things positive, Percival.' He told himself, clenching his hands together in his lap. He looked at his friend. 'Don't be miserable, he doesn't need that.'
Tary stared at him, patiently waiting for him to continue, concern in his eyes.
"I'm simply curious." He explained, smiling a small smile at him. It took a few seconds, but eventually, Tary smiled back and began to think; rifling through his memories for answers.
Compliments and praises were born from each moment, some that he quickly tossed aside out of embarrassment. Too cheesy, too weird, too vague. But before long, he had a list that he was happy with, despite the blush that had stretched down his neck.
"Well, for starters, you're the smartest man I know."
'You're not so bad yourself.'
"And you're a fantastic inventor. I've never seen anything quite like those guns of yours." Tary cheerfully professed, eyes alight with amazement.
Percy stopped himself from grimacing, his heart sinking deep into the pit of his stomach. He had birthed a new bloody weapon of destruction into this world, that wasn't something he could possibly be proud of. But, despite the horrid feeling the thought caused, he pushed the thought aside, and then kept listening as his friend continued.
"Your voice is utterly entrancing, your hair is as white as snow, and your eyes are the rarest blue gems." Tary listed, a dreamy tone in his voice and an affectionate smile on his face. "The way you dress: your coat, your glasses, it makes you appear all cool and mysterious."
'Even my glasses are to his liking?' Percy thought, a faint blush blooming in his cheeks.
Pausing, Tary studied Percy's face, trying to gauge if he had unnerved or upset his dear friend. He had been completely silent the whole time. Was he being too much again?
"I can stop talking, if you'd like." He hastily offered, heart pounding and features burning.
"No no, it's fine." Percy reassured, a small but flattered smile on his face. "Please. Continue."
Tary almost pinched himself in disbelief. Was he dreaming? He couldn't be sure, but he'd certainly try to remember this dream if that were the case.
"I still remember the first time I saw you, saw Vox Machina. I'm...quite embarrassed by my past self. I was terribly selfish, thoughtless, and unfair. But, I'm relieved that I didn't screw it up." He confessed, embarrassment burning across his face. Then, with a sad smile, he added. "All the adventures we went through, the dangers we survived. But, to me, the greatest adventure...was being with you. I just wish..."
His voice trailed off, tears welling up in his eyes as his gaze drifted away from Percy. He would have to leave soon, and his heart ached just thinking about it, a sob rising up in his throat. How long would it even be before he would ever see them all again?
"I just wish that I could stay. I still have so much to learn, I'm not ready to-"
Whatever else he was about to utter vanished, his entire self now focusing upon the hands now grasping at his shoulders. Surprised, he looked at Percy, who glared at him; fire in his eyes, while his own widened with worry.
"Don't you dare speak as if this will be it!" Percy shouted, a plea in his voice. "And stop being so damn hard on yourself! You've changed, we both have."
For a moment, they simply stared at one another. It was then that Tary thought he saw a single stray tear run down Percy's cheek, before he quietly let go of him.
'Should I ask? He looks...so sad. No, don't pry, Tary. That's not what a good friend would do. Is it?' He contemplated, mind racing with uncertainty as he wiped his eyes with the backs of his hands.
'Why did I say that? Why isn't he saying anything? Was I too harsh?'
Percy glanced at the desk, frowning, before removing his glasses; rubbing at his eyes as a small sigh left his lips. This was why he didn't trust his own voice. But at that point, he realised, if he'd already gone wrong, then whatever came out of his mouth next couldn't possibly make the conversation any worse.
"Is there anything else that you like?" Percy quietly asked, putting his glasses back on as he continued to not look at his friend. "Anything that you might...detest?"
Tary's eyes widened, arms going stiff as a frown tugged at his lips. Why would he ask him that? He couldn't honestly remember a time when he'd disliked, let alone hated Percy, so where could he have possibly gotten that idea from?
"I mean...honestly, I don't think there is." He confessed, a soft honesty to his voice. His face burned with embarrassment as, with a nervous chuckle, he added. "I'm sure that sounds rather absurd, even from me."
"Not at all. Like I said, I'm flattered that you think so highly of me." Percy reassured, the smallest hint of a smile tugging at his lips, before it immediately fell.
He was so naive. It was almost comforting, to know someone so blissfully unaware of his worst traits, and yet, he hated that Tary had been given such a clean version of himself, not marred by cruelty, death, and trauma. Even if they had known one another sooner, he was certain that Tary would have never fallen for him, not if he had seen the countless lives he'd taken.
Before he could stop himself, and with a cold mask upon his face, he said.
"But you wouldn't think that if you knew of the blood on my hands."
Instantly, the coldness melted away, and as quickly as possibly, he stood and made his way towards the door. A trembling apology spilled from his lips, hands shaking at his sides as his heart pounded inside his chest.
"Percy, wait!" Tary cried out, following after him. Percy kept walking. "I know I haven't known you as long as everyone else, but I assure you that nothing would dampen what I feel."
The words reached him, and yet he didn't stop; drawing closer towards the workshop door. His hand reached out for its handle, right as Tary reached out for his other hand, grasping it tightly between both his own. With pleading eyes, he stared up at Percy, who couldn't bring himself to turn around and face his friend.
"It doesn't matter to me what you've done. Whether you tell me or you don't, I'll still stand by you, Percy." He proclaimed, voice unwavering. And as Percy listened, his shoulders sank, hand falling to his side.
Though a part of him still felt that Tary was naive, he couldn't help but feel a soft warmth swelling in his heart, which fluttered at his friend's words. Was it so wrong of him to feel nice about someone who loved and cared about him?
Running his fingers through his hair, he let out a small sigh of mock defeat, then finally turned around, Tary letting go of his hand as he did so. His face was visibly painted pink with a bashful blush.
'I've never seen him like this. Is that...because of me?' Tary thought, gaze fixed upon his friend's flustered face.
"You are terribly sweet, Tary." He complimented, smiling fondly. In that moment, Tary had to admit. Percy was capable of cuteness.
"I do try. But, I'm serious, there are a lot of bad people out there, and you're definitely not one of them." Tary reassured, a matter of factly tone to his words.
Though a part of him disagreed, Percy felt a warmth of happiness wash over him. He was not the first to utter such reassurances, but it was still nice to hear, and so, as a form of gratitude, he stepped, then wrapped his arms around him.
"Thank you." He said. Tary blinked in surprise, heart fluttering inside his chest, before he quietly returned the embrace.
'Stay calm, Tary. Don't, say, anything.'
'What do I do now? We can't stay like this…' Percy wondered, heart beating just a little faster at the prospect. 'Maybe we could…no no, that's no good.'
Then, he remembered how it felt when Tary had grasped at his hand. A smirk pulled at the corner of his lips. That would do the trick. Thus, he slowly pulled back, and with his back perfectly straight, he outstretched his hand, like a dashing prince to a lovestruck suitor.
Taryon stared up at him, down at his hand, and then again at Percy. Was he...?
"You wouldn't keep a gentleman waiting, would you?" Percy asked. Tary blushed, then swallowed and shook his head.
"N-No, b-but are you sure?" He nervously stammered out, heart racing.
"Quite sure." Percy answered, now happily radiating confidence. "After all, it's just the two of us."
Tary stared up at him, awestruck. He was right. It was just them. Thus, with some hesitation, he reached out and gently placed his hand in Percy's own; slowly intertwining their fingers together. The soft fabric of his glove caressed his skin, while the warmth of Percy's hand washed away his nerves. Tary's heart fluttered, while Percy smiled. It was nice.
"It's been a long time since I last held someone's hand." Tary confessed with a sigh, a fond smile never reaching his sad eyes; fixated on their hands. "I'd almost forgotten how it felt."
Those words made Percy's confident demeanor dim, his lips dipping into a frown. Gently, he squeezed Tary's hand, pulling his gaze back up to his face.
"We can stay like this a little longer, if you want." Percy kindly offered, trying to soothe away the sorrow in his friend's eyes. Quietly, Tary nodded.
They stood together, holding each other's hands, letting the moment take them as minutes passed. He wished he could have stayed there forever, as selfish as that sounded to him. But, as both their eyes began to wander, Tary couldn't help but to stare at his friend's face: his glass covered eyes, to his perfect nose, to his sharp cheekbones, then finally, down to his mouth; tracing across his top lip and then along the bottom one.
At the same time, Percy also glanced down at Tary's lips, surrounded by his well kept golden goatee. Just once, how would it feel to kiss him?
Compelled by curiosity, or maybe something Vex would be better at deciphering, Percy stepped closer. His left hand caressed up his friend's arm, before he rested it upon his shoulder; waiting for a reaction. Tary blushed as he stole a glance at Percy's hand. But he didn't pull away, so Percy gently cupped his cheek, heat spreading down to Tary's neck.
"Percy..." He breathed, voice barely above a whisper.
"I...I'd like to kiss you. Give both of us a taste of what could've been." Percy explained, his thumb shakily stroking Tary's cheek. "If you'd like to as well, of course."
As the words were played over and over in his mind, Tary's heart skipped a beat. Was he serious? He stared up at Percy, trying to find any flicker of falsehood. But, there was none. He must have been dreaming, and yet this felt far more real than any dream he had experienced. It was as if he were finally a part of his childhood stories. His own ridiculously romantic adventure.
There was no way he could refuse. Except...
'Vex... I must tell her. It's the only way.' He thought, holding the vow close to his chest.
Finally, with a swift nod, Tary slowly reached up, and clasped his hand on the back of Percy's neck, their fingers still intertwined beside them. Cheeks burned with excitement, their nervous hearts pulsing loudly in their ears. But, in Percy's eyes, Tary saw reassurance. He was in good hands. Thus, as Percy leaned down, he closed his eyes, and kissed him.
A blissful flutter filled his stomach as everything went quiet, smooth lips kissing him with a passion that made Tary melt. He could even taste the wine they had both drunk, strong and sweet. It was perfect, and after a few seconds, their hands parted; fingers running through white and blonde hair, Percy wrapping his other arm around Tary's waist, while he slipped both his arms around his dear friend's neck; both men holding the other flush against them.
Percy was quite surprised by how much he was enjoying it. Tary was rusty, yes, but his eagerness was endearing. Their lips parted, soft pants and pleased sighs reaching his ears, before they kissed once more, the hairs of Tary's goatee brushing against his face, making his mind of science and logic pause to drink it all in.
When they finally pulled away from each other, they stared through half lidded eyes, lips parted as heavy pants spilled from them. A second passed, before Tary realised he was clinging to Percy, who had dipped him back in the heat of the kiss. It was as if they had completed their own private dance, and it brought a big smile to his flustered face.
"That was amazing, Percy. You're...a very good kisser."
"You're not half bad yourself."
"You're not so bad yourself." Percy fondly responded, his glasses now resting upon the end of his nose, revealing his dilated pupils. Tary blushed, mind swimming in joy.
Despite the silence that followed, neither of them pulled away, and so their eyes drifted. Both men waited for the other to speak up, Percy pushing up his glasses while Tary bit his lip.
"Do you...?" Tary shyly started, face burning and heart racing. Percy nodded, then pulled his friend into another passionate kiss; stepping backwards into the shadows of the workshop.
Five minutes later, they hurried their way back to the tavern, Doty stomping a few steps behind them. Their faces were flushed and their lips were red. Once inside, they immediately caught sight of Grog, Vax, Keyleth and Pike, who were all drunkenly rambling between one another. Both of them blinked, Tary still dazed from all the kissing, while Percy sighed, before making his way towards the table, Tary and Doty following a second later.
"There you two are!" Vex cheerfully exclaimed, putting down her glass as Percy sat beside her. Tary waved politely at her as he sat next to Pike, who immediately tried to enrapture him with the drinking game he'd missed, a big bright smile on her little face.
"Sorry we took so long." Percy apologized as he planted a kiss against her cheek. Then, jokingly, he added. "I do hope we didn't leave you with dull company."
"Of course not, darling." Vex said with a smile, a chuckle leaving her lips. She glanced between her lover and her friend, before she curiously whispered. "Did everything go well?"
"Quite well." He whispered back, and Vex's eyes lit up with joy.
"That's wonderful." She beamed, resting her hand upon his. "I told you you'd be fine."
"Indeed. It appears I made the mistake of underestimating your faith in me, dear." Percy responded, smiling fondly as he laced his fingers with her's.
He glanced over at Tary, who at the same time, glanced over at him, smiling shyly as pink painted his cheeks. But, just as quickly as their eyes met, Tary grabbed his glass and finished off its contents; looking behind him up at Doty as he did so. Percy did the same, looking between the blonde and the goliath at the window behind them. The sun was beginning to set.
"Well, I think it's time we all leave. These four are definitely going to need some sleep." He suggested, eyeing his drunk friends with worry and faint annoyance.
Thus, with some difficulty, Vox Machina exited the tavern and made their way towards Whitestone castle. Vax, nowhere near as drunk as the others, had Keyleth's arm wrapped around his waist, steadying her as they walked, while Grog stumbled along with Pike atop his shoulders, drunken grins stretching from ear to ear across their flushed faces. Ahead of them, Tary walked along beside his tall metal companion, his gaze moving between the ground and Vex, whose hand was intertwined with Percy's as the two of them led the way.
They were so happy. How could he have been so cruel as to threaten that!
'I just have to get her alone, away from Percival. Then I can tell her everything.' He told himself, guilt stricken as he stared at his dearest friends.
As the sun was slowly setting over the city, barely visible behind its protective walls, cold winds brushed against their tired forms as they drew closer, before all of Vox Machina finally entered the castle. Then, in pairs, they all made their way to their respective rooms, until eventually, it was just Tary, Doty, Vex and Percy walking through the hall towards their rooms. Now was his chance. Percy began to enter his and Vex's quarters, when he called to her.
"Vex'ahlia? Can I talk to you?" Tary asked, though as she glanced at him, he couldn't meet her gaze. "Please?"
She stared at him, then at Percy, who watched on in confusion.
"Hmm. Alright." Vex agreed, before pecking Percy on the cheek. "I won't be long, darling."
Percy smiled at her, though it didn't reach his eyes as he looked at Tary. I hope you know what you're doing, they said. Then, without a word, he stepped into their room, and closed the door behind him. Immediately, Vex went to him, and then gently pulled Tary further out of earshot, Doty following along behind them.
"Is everything okay, Tary?" She asked with a worried frown. "You've been awfully quiet since you and Percy came back."
"Y-Yes. W-Well no." Tary indecisively stuttered, eyes darting around the hallway. "It's just...umm...I..."
He tried to get the words out, but fear closed his throat. At the same time, he rubbed at his arm, face reddening with embarrassment, while guilty tears stung at his eyes. He just needed to get it out, why was it so hard? Vex watched him, her worry worsening, and so he hung his head, shutting his eyes and then, without a second thought, he let the words tumble out.
"I kissed Percy, I kissed him over and over behind your back!"
Every muscle in Tary's body tightened, limbs shaking as he shrank into a sobbing mess; waiting for Vex'halia's justified wrath to come down upon him like a roaring inferno.
Seconds passed.
A few more came and went, yet still, he heard nothing.
Hesitantly, he lifted his head out of his hands, tears streaking down his cheeks as he peaked up at her, prepared for hatred. But, he doesn't see that. Instead, her arms were crossed, eyebrow raised as a small smile tugged at her lips. She looked impressed, curious. However, no matter how long he looked, Tary could find no trace of anger or disdain in her face.
"You did, did you?" She asked, studying his nervous expression.
"Um...yes! I kissed him, in the workshop. Right on the lips!" He answered, fidgeting beneath her gaze. Then, bewildered, he said. "But, you're...you're not furious with me? I kissed your Percy, I betrayed our friendship, you should be furious!"
Tary was an awful liar. It was something Vex had known for a long while. However, she hadn't meant to cause any upset, and so her features softened, a hint of concern in her eyes. Had she made a mistake? Quickly, she stepped closer and pulled him into a tight hug, a surprised gasp reaching her ears as Tary's arms hung at his sides. A beat passed, then it clicked, and he slowly returned the embrace.
"I forgive you, dear." She cooed to him. Tary listened, and though stunned, he began to understand. She then pulled back to look into his eyes. "I didn't mean for this to worry you. I just wanted you to have some joy and closure, just you and Percy."
At first, Tary smiled at her, relieved. Then, as her words sank in, a light went off in his head, and his jaw hit the floor.
"You set all this up!" He proclaimed in amazement, the cogs turning in his head as he added. "That's why you and Percy were whispering so much!"
"Guilty as charged, dear." She cheekily responded. "Does that help?"
"Tremendously. But, why would you do that for me?"
"Oooh, it's pretty simple really." Vex cheerfully answered, smirking smugly. "The two of you were clearly beating around the bush, so I decided to give you a gentle push in the right direction."
Tary's ears burned at her words, cheeks growing pink with embarrassment. Had he been that obvious?
"Oh! Well...we were looking at each other a lot." He bashfully conceded. "But, I'm glad you did this, Vex'ahlia."
"So am I, Tary."
After that silence fell over the hallway. Both of them waited for the other to turn away, but neither did, curiosity spurring them on to stay a little longer.
"Soooo...how was he?" Vex inquired, wondering if he would lie a little better this time.
As a dark blush flared up across his face, Tary quickly began to think, to remember the warmth of Percy's lips, the soft caress of his hands, and his voice... He smiled fondly at the memory, his blue-green eyes alight with unrestrained joy. If he had the choice- with Vex's blessing -he would have gladly returned to that single moment, if only to enjoy it one more time.
"I...well...I don't have much to put it up against, but it was fantastic." He confessed, a tad bashful as he spoke. But he preferred it to the shame and guilt that had previously eaten at him.
"Ah, just as I'd hoped." She said, a smile widening across her face. Then, firmly, she placed her hands on his shoulders. "Now, I want you to do something with that."
"Oh! Uh, of course! Anything for a friend." He awkwardly, but eagerly, responded, his body now devoid of fearful tension.
"Cherish that moment. Let it push you forward: towards love, towards becoming a great adventurer, whatever path you choose from here. I know you have it in you, we all do." She confidently advised, a stern yet caring tone to her words. Tary listened, blinking in surprise, and then answered.
"I will. That, I assure you, is a Darrington promise."
With that, she gently patted him on the shoulder, and then turned to make her way back to her and Percy's room. Tary silently sighed in relief, turning on his heel to flee to his own room, right as Vex's voice suddenly pierced through the air.
"Oh, and Goldie?"
Tary tensed up from head to toe, eyes wide with panic, before he quickly spun around to face her. The door was now open.
"Did you kiss him first?" She asked, her eyes flickering between him and Percy.
A pause. Tary blushed, and he could picture Percy's own face turning pink at her question. Nervously, he laughed.
"Haha ha...no." He confessed, visibly shrinking as that single word left him. Vex chuckled, but still smiled fondly at him. Then, seemingly unaffected by his lie, she strutted into the room, and closed the door behind her, leaving Tary alone without the weight of guilt and shame on his shoulders as he slowly returned to his room.
Doty glanced down at him, tilting his head slightly as they walked. Though his face lacked an expression, his voice made up for it in Tary's eyes.
"Tary?" Doty asked, a caring concern in the utterance of his name.
"I'm alright now, Doty. No need to worry."
That night, while the rest of Vox Machina slept in their respective rooms, Taryon Darrington tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Eventually, he just laid there, staring up at the ceiling; mind racing as memory after memory flashed across his eyes. His first adventure, the writings of Doty and Doty 2.0. All the things he had learned, the bonds he had forged and the friends he had miraculously made. All of it tugged at his heart, a pained frown on his face.
'I don't want to leave...' He thought, sighing sorrowfully. 'But, my family needs me. I promised that I'd make the Darrington name one to be fondly remembered.'
Turning onto his side, he glanced down at Doty 2.0, who was lying flat upon the floor: silent and unmoving. It would've been eerie if Tary had not been familiar with how his creation 'slept'. With a sad smile, he then looked over at his writing desk, his book resting upon it. The pages had seen better days, but his words remained unharmed by the many battles he'd survived.
'Good thing I still have some pages left. I must remember to purchase a new one for the Darrington Brigade.' He cheerfully noted, fingers itching to write stories. He closed his eyes, and smiled dreamily. 'My very own team.'
Alas, his smile soon became melancholic, eyes welling up with tears, before he quickly wiped them away, and looked back up at the ceiling. The next story couldn't start, until this one ended. He swallowed, and took a deep breath. He would see them all again, he told himself. He'd been telling himself this since nightfall, yet a single thought kept gnawing at his brain.
'What if this is it? What if something happens to them while I'm gone? What if they...what if he…?'
It pierced his aching heart, and a tear rolled down his cheek. Then another, and another, catching in his hair as he tried desperately to rid himself of the pain.
They were Vox Machina, they had slain the worst of the worst! All of them fought for each other, they were practically a family! They would not die, he was certain!
'But…no, I can't think like this. I need to be strong.' He thought, sitting up in his bed. 'They will be fine. They're heroes.'
He had only spent little more than a year with them, yet he was certain that- as much as they would miss him -they would want to venture off on his journey. After everything they had taught him, he could, like them, make the world just a little less terrible for all, like he'd always dreamed.
'I can't let them down.' He told himself as he hastily rubbed at his face, wiping the tears from his eyes. Then, gently, his fingers brushed across his lips.
A soft wave of calm washed over him, his mind quietened and comforted by thoughts of white hair, intense blue eyes, circular glasses and firm lips. His heart fluttered, a smile lighting up his face; determination burning in his tired eyes as he slipped under the warm covers.
'I won't let you down, Percival. The Darrington Brigade will make the world a safer place for everyone. I promise.'
THE END
Thank you for reading this fic, it means a lot to me that you've taken time out of your day to give my writing a read. I have a few ideas for a couple more fics for Critical Role, so if you'd be interested in that, let me know.
And as always, don't forget to leave your thoughts and feedback in the comment section down below, before you go!
BYE! BYE!