Gods, Vax’ildan. He was just… so him. Cold and quiet one moment, soft and devastatingly sweet the next. And his new raven armor? Yeah, that wasn’t helping you think straight either.

With dragons tearing the world apart, it definitely wasn’t the best time to be hopelessly in love with a rogue. And your teammates weren’t helping—especially Vex. You knew the twins were close, but godsdammit, you just wanted to kiss him once. Just once. Even if it happened by accident. Actually no—that made you sound like a complete simp for a man.

But you’d been traveling with him for so long, and his voice alone scratched that itch under your skin. And of course Vex knew you liked him. Everyone did. Hell, Vax literally confessed he loved you during the Briarwood mess—horrible timing, but still. He even tried to kiss you.

So who was Vex to say anything? No one calls her out for calling Percy “darling” every other sentence. No one mentions how Scanlan and Pike are definitely, secretly, maybe, absolutely in love. And Grog? Grog doesn’t like anyone on the team unless they gave him ale first.

So why was Vex being so godsdamn nosey about your feelings?

But anyway—after what felt like a century of running, fighting, nearly dying, and watching Vax get possessed by a goddess—you all finally got a moment to rest. Blessed silence. No dragons. No undead. No shouting.

And for once… You had Vax alone.

The two of you sat perched high in a tree, well out of Vex’s line of sight. Assuming she hadn’t found her flying broom yet. Which was unlikely, but you’d take the risk.

Vax scooted closer, carefully, like you were a skittish animal he didn’t want to startle. His cheeks were faintly pink, and he kept glancing at your lips like he wasn’t supposed to.

When he finally spoke, his voice was soft, teasing, and way too intimate for your heart to handle.

Vax: “Soooo… how are your elemental powers coming along, antlers?”

Gods, damn him and that stupid nickname