Vox Machina One-Shots

Tell Me No Lies

| Author's Note: Spoilers for Critical Role, won't spoil too much of the story, because there's not an exact time for this at the moment. This chapter's name came from "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt. |

The tankers of ale collided, as the air was filled with the sound of boisterous laughter, Pike smiled as she drank the last bit of her ale, she scanned the room, watching her friends; Grog and Vax were once again engaging in another drinking contest, Keyleth was passed out on a nearby table, she couldn't find Scanlan and shudder at the thought of what he might be doing, and to the far right she eyed Percy... and Vex, she could ignore the ache in her heart when she saw them together, she wouldn't lie and say that they don't belong together, they do, everyone could see that, the way they melt towards each other, the gentle touches, the kisses, the whispers of love to one of another.
Pike sighed as he pushed herself away from the bar, made her way to her room of the inn, she knew it would be difficult to find love, she was a gnome, she was okay with that, but most people don't seem that interested in her, well except Scanlan but he's a flirt who can tell if his affections are true, she opened the door of her room and climbed in bed, she stared at the ceiling unsure what to do until a knocking at the door shook her from her thoughts, she called out, glancing at the door.

"Yeah?"

"Pike, it's Percy" Her heart sank when she heard his voice before realizing someone might have gotten hurt,

"What happen? Did you guys get into a fight?" A chuckle melted away her panic as he spoke again,

"No, thankfully, I just wanted to check on you."

"Oh, well I'm okay, no need to worry about me.."

Her voice was drowned out as he open the door, the tavern music becoming slightly loud as the door open, Percy stood at the threshold as if he was waiting for a invitation in, Pike merely shook her head, as he sat on the foot of her bed. They sat in silence for what to Pike seemed like hours, Percy was the first to break the silence,

"Were you not enjoying the festivities?"

"No, I mean, yes I was, it just got too much, y'know?"

Percy merely nodded, which oddly enough made Pike calm a bit more, before they knew it, they were talking and laughing, the door remained open as they watch their friends pass the door, Grog carrying an unconscious Vax, while Vex struggled to keep Keyleth up as the staggered passed the door, Percy stood up and was shocked when he felt a hand on his his own, he glanced down at Pike, her face held different emotions; need, desperation, hurt, he slowly sat back down.

"Pike?"

"I'm sorry, Percy, I'm sorry."

She willed herself to not cry, but there she was crying, Percy wipe his thumb over her cheek, his rough and callous hand felt like such a comfort. She didn't deserve this, not from him.

"Please don't cry, Pike. Is there something I can do to help?"

She should say no, tell him to leave, she could be selfless and push her feelings down, but tonight was different she wanted to be selfish, so she nodded her head.

"Lay with me? Just for tonight."

She watched him, part of her hopes he says no and then leaves, she hopes he breaks her heart and tells her he doesn't feel like that for her, but she knows Percy, he's too kind for that. He slowly stood and made his way to the door, she feel her heart dropped, but he didn't leave, he closed the door, unsure what to do Pike pulled down the cover of her bed, Percy slowly removed his jacket and shoes, she removed her armor and climbed into bed, she laid on her side, she watched the lantern's light dim and then she felt the bed dip as Percy laid beside her, one arm wrapped over her form.

"Is this okay?"

"Yes.."

They laid in silence, Percy's breathing became slow and she knew he had fallen asleep, she closed her eye tightly, heart aching as she laid in bed with the man she loved, for a moment she turned to face him, and smiled. His face was smooth, empty of fear and panic, and held only comfort and calmness, she let herself believe this was real, that Percy loved her and they were lovers sharing a bed, she sighed and lean her head against him and listen to his heartbeat, soon enough sleep took over, she didn't fear what would happen in the morning, because for right now this was enough for her.