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winterknightsTitle: Bound to Be Talk Tomorrow - part 2
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
supercalvin29
Pairing: Percival/Gwaine
Prompt: Perwaine: first time meeting the parents for Christmas
Word Count: ~13k
Rating: PG-13
Contains (Highlight to view): *Mention of off-screen minor-character death*
Disclaimer: Merlin characters are the property of Shine and BBC. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: Thanks, as always, to my beta who put up with my random emails and questions <3
Summary: Gwaine and Percival have been together for half a year and it's about time they meet each other’s families. When Christmas comes around Gwaine and Percival spend time at each other’s homes, getting to know each other’s family and only getting closer because of it.
On A03
Early in the morning, Percival woke up to the feeling of someone crawling into his bed. He curled onto his side, his eyes still closed as he reached out to Gwaine.
“Should have stayed in my bed.” Gwaine said, his voice still rough with sleep. “I had to walk across the house.”
Percival grumbled, pulling Gwaine so that his back fitted against Percival’s chest. “Your mum was watching.” Percival mumbled, pressing his face into Gwaine’s hair. “Not that it matters. She probably isn’t ever going to like me.”
“Well she’s just going to have to get used to it.” Gwaine said, pulling Percival’s arm over his waist. Percival smiled sleepily, happy in Gwaine’s warmth on Christmas morning.
They dozed off for another hour, in and out of sleep. When they were more awake, warm under the piles of blankets, they rolled around in the sheets and pressed each other into the pillows. A while later, when the sun was rising, they simmered down with panting breaths and cooling skin.
“G’morning” Gwaine pressed a kiss to Percival's lips and tangled their legs together.
“Happy Christmas.” Percival said, his voice still rough.
“Mm, and a very happy Christmas so far.” Gwaine said with a smile. Percival snorted out a laugh, happiness blooming in his chest.
Eventually they left the bed, taking their showers and getting dressed back into their comfortable pajamas. When they walked down the hall, Amanda rushed past them, knocking Gwaine upside the head as she ran by.
“Come on, Gwaine! Keep up!” She yelled. With that challenge, Gwaine ran after her and slid down the stair railing to get to the kitchen faster. By the time Percival made it to the kitchen, Gwaine and Amanda were already fighting over the breakfast food.
The morning was spent by the fireplace and Christmas tree. Popcorn was popped, cookies were baked, and hot cocoa was served to all. Most of the morning Percival sat back to watch as Gwaine and Amanda quipped and mocked each other. Later on, Mr. and Mrs. Greene came down and the presents were passed around. Amanda got a new phone and Gwaine got a pair of headphones.
Percival was surprised when Mrs. Greene caught his attention. She gave him a small understand nod, maybe even apologetic, as she handed him a scarf that was tied off with a red bow. “Thank you for spending Christmas with us, Percival.”
Percival took the scarf in both hands, feeling the warm yarn and thick knitting. Since Gwaine had given her no warning, Percival knew she had found this at the last minute for him. “Thank you for having me, Mrs. Greene.” Percival said, realizing that she would eventually come around.
“Come again next year, Perce. We’d love to have you.” Mr. Greene said with a smile.
“Well,” Percival hesitated as he looked to Gwaine who was across the room, batting away Amanda’s hands from his headphones and making a face at her. “We’ll see how it goes, but yeah. I’d like that.”
Christmas day was more relaxed than the day before. They ate leftover food from the Christmas Eve party, enjoying the warm fireplace and the soft sound of Christmas carols in the background. At some point Percival laid on the couch, watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas and fell asleep. He woke up to the film credits, and Gwaine’s hand running up and down his leg, slowly waking him.
“Hey there, sleepyhead.” Gwaine said with a smile.
“Hey” Percival said groggily as he stretched. As he sat up, Percival noticed that Gwaine was wearing a coat and scarf, as if he had just come back from somewhere.
“Want to open presents?” Gwaine asked.
Percival nodded and they made their way back to Percival’s room where they could have some privacy.
Shedding his coat and scarf, Gwaine sat cross-legged on the bed. He didn’t seem to have a present with him, but Percival didn’t question it. Percival pulled Gwaine’s present out of his bag and joined him on the bed, sitting across from him. He set down the present in front of Gwaine, who picked it up with a wary eye.
“You got me a book?” Gwaine said dubiously as he lifted up the square and heavy package which was undeniably a book of some sort.
“Open it.” Percival said.
Gwaine ripped open the paper, but even when the cover was revealed he only stared at it.
Percival wasn’t sure if Gwaine didn’t like it or if he was still confused by being given a book.
“You like cooking, and since I’ve never seen you with a cookbook, I thought it might be nice to have.” Percival explained.
“I didn’t tell you I liked to cook.” Gwaine said, brows pulled together.
“But you always make food.” Percival said. At the time he had thought it was brilliant, but now he was very unsure of the gift. “You have the best hangover breakfast food, and you have an hour-long rant about apple pie, and even when we’re at my place you’re the one that cooks.”
“No, I do like to cook.” Gwaine interrupted, opening the book and flipping through the pages. “But I’ve never told you- or anyone- that I like to cook. You just knew.” He looked up, his brown eyes more serious than Percival expected.
“Yeah?” Percival said, still confused.
Gwaine leaned over, cupping Percival’s jaw and kissing him softly and slowly. “You’re the best boyfriend, you know that?” Gwaine said, looking up at Percival with smiling brown eyes.
Percival's heart beat quickly and he couldn’t help but smile. “Yes.” He said cheekily.
Gwaine laughed, “Good.” He pressed a quick kiss to Percival's lips before pulling away. “Alright, your turn.” He stood up to retrieve the gift. Surprisingly, he left the room for a moment before coming back inside, shutting the door behind himself. In his hand was a red box with a gold bow on the top. Holes were punched into the top of the box. Something skittered inside.
“Gwaine…” Percival eyed the present carefully as Gwaine sat back down on the bed.
Gwaine smiled, more tentative than usual. He carefully set the box down on the bed. Percival eyed the present for a moment before deciding that whatever was in there probably needed to come out sooner or later.
Percival pulled the bow on the box and lifted the lid.
“I thought Oreo might be a good name.” Gwaine said, “Not very original, but she looked like she needed a good home.”
Percival carefully scooped up the black and white bunny, small enough to fit in one hand. She had a thin red ribbon around her neck.
“Gwaine.” Percival breathed out in disbelief as he stared at the little rabbit in his hand. He could feel her little heart beat quickly against his palm. Her nose twitched.
“Is it a bad gift? I thought you might like a pet. You said you never had any as a kid and I swear if it's too much, Amanda won’t mind taking her instead- and I’ll get all the other supplies as soon as the stores open up after boxing day.”
“Only you, Gwaine.” Percival ran a finger down the bunny’s back, feeling her soft fur. “Only you would buy a rabbit on Christmas Day.” Percival said, realizing that Gwaine had gone out while Percival had been sleeping. He lifted the rabbit up to eye level to look into her big brown eyes.
“It was a bit of an impulse buy.” Gwaine admitted sheepishly. “I bought you a sweater a couple weeks ago, but I didn’t think it was good enough so I went out today. I saw her in the window and I thought this was a better gift.”
“It is.” Percival said as he pulled Gwaine into a kiss, careful to keep Ms. Oreo safely in his hands. “Thank you.”
***
On Boxing Day, Gwaine and Percival packed up the car and headed out for Percival’s home in Devon. Gwaine said his goodbyes to his parents, noticing that his mum was a bit nicer to Percival than she had when meeting him. Gwaine hugged his dad, who gave him a satisfied nod and a pointed look to Percival. Amanda tackled him into a hug and made him promise to come home more often. He promised, this time meaning it completely.
The drive to Devon would take a few hours so Gwaine offered to drive part of the way, but Percival just shook his head and silently took the driver’s seat. They didn’t talk much on the way there, and Percy kept the music low. The more and more they drove, the quieter and quieter Percival became.
At some point, Gwaine dozed off in the passenger seat. When he woke up, they were driving through the streets of a small town. Percival was still driving, not speaking, and eyes glued to the road.
Gwaine knew that Percival was never one for talking, which was why Gwaine usually filled up the silence with empty noise. But now Gwaine realized that he was too silent and something was wrong.
“We’re staying in a hotel.” Percival said, speaking for the first time in hours. “My Gran’s place doesn’t have enough room for all of us.”
“That’s alright.” Gwaine said, a joke about preferring to sleep in a hotel dying on his tongue.
They arrived at the tiny hotel that was more of a house converted to an Inn than anything else.
Barely a minute into the room, Percival said, “I need to show you something.”
“Okay.” Gwaine said. Instead of pulling something out of his bag, like Gwaine expected, Percival took the keys again and took Gwaine back to the car. Percival’s eyes skirted away from Gwaine and his posture was stiff. Sometimes Percival didn’t know how to say something in words, so he showed Gwaine instead. Understanding, Gwaine waited as Percival started the engine and pulled out of the drive. They drove to the outskirts of town, where a rod iron gate stood along an open field.
Percival parked and stepped out of the car. He took the poinsettia from the back of the car, which Gwaine hadn’t even noticed until that moment. Then Percival started walking and Gwaine followed. Gwaine stopped in his tracks when he read the sign in front of the iron gates. Cemetery.
“Percy…?” Gwaine asked, but Percival was still walking, his shoes pressing into the wet and muddy grass. Gwaine stared at the rows of headstones in front of him, his mind catching up slowly. Gwaine hurried to walk beside Percival, taking his hand in his as they walked between the graves. Percy didn’t look at him, eyes straight ahead. Gwaine’s heart sped up as the years on the tombstones grew closer and closer to the current year.
At the back of the cemetery, there was a new headstone with two names.
“Oh god.” Gwaine breathed out, looking down to see the names carved into stone: Pellinore Troyes and Lynn Troyes. Their death dates were the same day, only a year ago. January. Right before Gwaine and Percival had met. Percival set down the poinsettia without a word, his hand slipping out of Gwaine’s, making the ground fall from beneath Gwaine’s feet.
“Percival.” Gwaine said again, his words getting caught in his throat.
Percival crouched down, his hand pressing to the headstone.
“I would have mentioned it.” Percival said, his voice quiet and rough. “When we first met I didn’t want anyone to know.” Percival said with a small and hesitant small as he looked up at Gwaine. “Later on... I just didn’t know what to say.”
“You never do.” Gwaine said, the normal tease not coming through properly.
Percy let out a small huff of a laugh. He ducked his head and his fingers trailed over the words. ‘Mother. Father. May they rest in peace. Together.’
They stayed there for a long moment, silently. Gwaine was rethinking of the past year. Of his own family. Of his sister and his parents. Of Percival who had four other siblings that Gwaine had yet to meet.
Percival’s hands gripped the stone tighter, and Gwaine watched him struggle for a moment. He let out a choked off laugh, “Not exactly how I wanted to come out to my parents.” He said, his voice catching on the last couple words. He covered his face with his hand.
Gwaine didn’t hesitate as he knelt into the grass and grabbed Percival. Gwaine leaned Percival forward, his knees falling into the grass on either side of Gwaine’s legs, and wrapped his arms around him.
Gwaine gripped Percival’s sides tightly and Percival pressed his face into Gwaine’s neck. Gwaine knew Percival could be stoic at times, but Gwaine had also seen him angry, happy, and any number of emotions. But this grief was something he had tucked away, even from Gwaine.
Gwaine swallowed the lump in the back of his throat. “I’m sorry, Perce. I’m so sorry.”
Percival didn’t cry, but he held onto Gwaine tightly. It was a while before Percy pulled away and Gwaine felt the damp grass bleed into his trousers, making him feel cold.
Leaning back, Gwaine watched as a few tears fell from Percival's eyes. Percival ducked away and wiped his eyes with the heel of his hand “Sorry. I thought I would be fine.”
“It’s alright” Gwaine pushed Percival’s hands away and ran his thumb over Percival’s cheek. “Last year.” Gwaine said slowly. “Right before we met?”
Percy nodded. “Drunk driver after a party.”
“Fuck.” Gwaine said. “God, Percy. I wish I had known.”
Percy shook his head. “You were the friend I needed, even if you didn’t know it.”
Gwaine remembered always coming around and asking Percival to come out with him. He remembered Percival being the designated driver on so many occasions. He remembered wanting Percival to smile and be happy, and trying to get him out of his shell. Maybe that shell had been more than just shyness.
Gwaine looked down to the headstone and gathered up his strength.
He ran his fingers over the names. “It’s nice to meet you both.” Gwaine said, bolstering up his spirits for Percival. “Sir. Ma’am. You have a lovely son. Just wanted to make my intentions towards your clear: I’m here to stay.”
“Gwaine…” Percival leaned forward so that his forehead leaned against Gwaine’s temple.
Gwaine continued. “Well you see, Mr. and Mrs. Troyes, I’m head over heels for your son. I know, I don’t look the type. But our Perce here, am I right?”
Gwaine swallowed down the emotion in his throat. “I’m not always the best man, but I’ll try to be good for him. He deserves the best. I’m sure you would agree.”
Percival ran his hands into Gwaine’s hair, turning his head to capture his lips in a demanding kiss. Gwaine held onto Percival’s shirt for dear life, kissing him to tell him everything would be alright.
“My Dad would’ve absolutely hated you.” Percival said, smiling against Gwaine’s lips.
“No doubt.” Gwaine said, the smile on Percival’s lips making Gwaine’s spirits rise.
“Same with Mum.” Percival said. “But she would’ve secretly liked you.”
“I would have charmed her.” Gwaine said.
“No doubt.” Percival said.
“Thank you, Gwaine.” Percival said, his forehead pressing into Gwaine’s. “Thank you so much.”
“I’ll always be here, Perce.” Gwaine promised.
***
Back at the Inn, they laid out on the bed, eyes on the ceiling, and Percival talked. They talked like they had on that rooftop in January. Percival told Gwaine how he hadn’t been close with his parents. He was the eldest child, before his brother and three younger sisters, and they had worried over the younger children more than him. Not that they didn’t love him, just that he wasn’t as close to them.
When they had passed away, his siblings moved in with his Gran. She was a spry 65-year-old who easily took in her grandchildren after her son and daughter-in-law had passed away. Percival, already going to university, was determined to graduate and get a well-paying job so he could support his family. It was something he had already planned on doing, since neither of his parents had made much money, but it became more important after his parents passed away.
“We’re having Christmas dinner tomorrow.” Percival said, “You still up for coming?”
“Of course.” Gwaine said and paused before asking. “Does your family know about me?”
“Gran does.” Percival said, “My brother and sisters don’t.”
“And…?”
“I don’t know.” Percival said. “Gran was fine with it. More than. But I really don’t know how my brother and sisters will be.”
Gwaine nodded. “Well you somehow charmed my mum so I think we can handle the kids, don’t you?”
Percival turn his head to smile at Gwaine, “I guess so.”
***
Gwaine woke up to the sound of Percival’s voice.
“-time.” Percival said. “I’ll call you then. No. Tom doesn’t know. No- Rebecca doesn’t- Yeah Gran, I’m aware I should have told them. Gran I didn’t exactly tell you either, you know- No ma’am. Yes, ma’am. Yes, I love you too.”
Gwaine stretched, telling Percival he was awake. When he opened his eyes, Percival was just hanging up his phone.
“Morning.” Percival said.
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing, just called my Gran to tell her we arrived.” Percival said, and started gathering up Ms. Oreo’s food and cage.
“What are you doing?” Gwaine asked.
“You want to leave her in the hotel?” Percival asked rhetorically. Gwaine grunted, not fully awake yet. Percival tapped Gwaine’s leg as he passed by, “Come on, time to get up.”
Gwaine whined, but eventually Percival pulled him out of bed and they started their day. By noon they made it to Gran’s house. The little house had a gated front yard with toys scattered around a playset in the damp grass. The porch was small, but it had a pile of firewood and a bench big enough for maybe two people if they were friendly.
When Percival opened the gate, a small bell jingled, alerting the people inside that they had arrived.
“Percy! Percy! Percy!”
A little girl with sparkly green boots and a messy brown ponytail, dashed out of the house at lightening speeds. She grinned, showing off her missing tooth, as she ran straight to her big brother. Percival knelt down and picked her up with an easy swoop. She giggled and held on tight to her brother’s neck.
“Hello there, Quinn. How have you been?”
“I grew an inch!” Quinn declared. “Gran measured me today! She says I’ll be as tall as you one day, Perce!” She said, her lisp accenting the ‘c’ in Percival's name.
Before she could continue or Percival could answer, two more girls ran out of the house.
“Percy!”
The shorter blonde girl jumped onto the arm that wasn’t holding Quinn, “Happy Christmas, Perce!”
Percival grunted as she unbalanced him. “Emma, you’re going to pull me over.”
“You’re fine.” Emma rolled her eyes and continued to hang onto his elbow.
The older sister, looking in the early stages of awkward teenagehood, came up to Percival's front and gave him a proper hug.
“Hey there, Rebecca. Mind getting one of these two?” Percival said.
She smiled, “Nah.” Then she held onto Percival’s shoulders, making a total of three sisters all hanging on their big brother.
“Becca!” Percival protested, to giggling from all three girls. To his credit, Percival didn’t even appear to be struggling.
“Rebecca! Emma! Quinn! Gran’s going to make you all be on dish duty if you break Percival before he has even come into the house!” Stepping down from the steps was a boy, tall and skinny without an ounce of the muscle that his brother had.
They all popped off Percival in an instant. They made way for their brother who walked up to Percival, toe to toe. He was almost as tall as Percival, though he still had a couple more inches to go. After a pause, the brother pulled Percival into a hug, clapping his shoulder a couple times. “Happy Christmas, Perce.”
“Happy Christmas, Tom.” Percival said, pulling back and looking over his brother. “Is that a Christmas sweater?”
Tom ducked his head in embarrassment. “Shut up, Sarah bought it for me.”
Percival made a questioning face and Tom rolled his eyes. Gwaine recognized the silent speak between siblings, having used it with Amanda over the years.
“Bunny!”
Suddenly, Quinn darted right in front of Gwaine, who was holding Ms. Oreo’s cage and food. All four siblings’ eyes were on Gwaine in a matter of seconds. He froze like a deer in the headlights before his brain kicked into gear.
“Her name’s Ms. Oreo.” Gwaine said as he knelt down to Quinn’s eye level.
“Can I pet her?” Quinn asked.
“Well, you’ll have to ask your brother, since Ms. Oreo is his.” Gwaine said with a look up to Percival.
“Percy!” Quinn whined.
“Alright, alright.” Percival said. “Emma, can you and Quinn take the cage and stuff into the house?”
Gwaine handed over the things, telling Quinn to use both hands with Ms. Oreo’s cage. They dashed into the house, chatter about the bunny.
When Gwaine stood back up, both Rebecca and Tom were staring at him.
“Hello there.” Gwaine said, keeping his tone casual though his heart was starting to beat a bit faster. Both siblings turned to Percival with questioning looks.
“Er. . . Rebecca. Tom.” Percival said, “This is Gwaine.” Percival paused for an agonizing moment before adding. “My boyfriend.”
Both eyes turned back to Gwaine for a second before staring at Percival with shocked expressions. Percival stood tall, but his cheeks were turning pink under the scrutiny.
“What?” Rebecca said, looking surprised rather than anything else.
Tom was the one to smile. “That explains a lot, actually.” He turned to Gwaine, “Glad you could join us, Gwaine.”
“Thanks” Gwaine grinned and shook his hand.
“What do you mean that explains a lot!” Rebecca said with exasperation. “Perce! Why didn’t you tell us?”
Percival seemed to relax instantly at his sibling’s words. He sighed, “Still getting used to it, I suppose.” He looked to Gwaine, and Gwaine watched as Percival’s blue eyes crinkled with happiness.
“Percival!” Another voice shouted from inside the small house.
Gwaine turned to see a short woman standing on the porch, hands on her hips. “Percival Hector Troyes! Are you keeping your guest out in the cold?”
“No, ma’am!” Percival called out and quickly ushered everyone through the front yard and onto the porch. Standing on the first step and his Gran standing on the top porch step, he leaned in so that she could kiss his forehead. “Happy Christmas, Gran.”
“You're absolutely freezing, Percival.” She said, feeling his ears and cheeks. “Come into the house.” She pulled them onto the porch and Gwaine was quickly targeted. “Is this Gwaine? Well look at you. Percival, did you pull him out of a magazine?”
“Gran” Percival whined, his face lighting up with embarrassment.
Gwaine flipped his hair, preening at the compliment. “It's lovely to meet you ma’am.” He held out his hand, but she pulled him into a hug, the top of her head meeting at his shoulder. Then she pulled him back, surprisingly strong hands holding him in place as she inspected him.
“You don’t look that nervous, Gwaine.” She raised a brow at him.
“I’m getting there.” Gwaine admitted with an awkward laugh.
“Good.” She slapped him on the shoulder and then dragged Percival into the house by his sweater. “Percival, help your Gran with the ham before the kitchen burns down.”
Percival gave Gwaine a quick smile before he was pulled away. Gwaine was soon ushered into the living room by Emma and Quinn who were jumping up and down, insisting that Gwaine open Ms. Oreo’s cage door for them.
In the first hour or so Gwaine didn’t see much of Percival who was coerced into helping in the kitchen, and was constantly being badgered by Gran. Not that Gwaine had time to spend with Percival, he was busy playing around with the younger girls, Emma and Quinn, who demanded his attention. He was also in charge of keeping Ms. Oreo safe, which wasn’t too hard since all the siblings adored her.
Tom and Rebecca helped in the kitchen with Percival, but Gwaine noticed that both of them kept an eye on him. He knew that the older siblings would be harder to convince than the younger. Quinn was won over with one look at Ms. Oreo and Emma was satisfied when Gwaine played dinosaurs with her. It would be harder than playing around to show the older siblings he was good for their brother.
Eventually Percival was able to get away from his Gran when the ham was cooking and most of the food was on simmer. Gwaine, who was holding Ms. Oreo, stood up from where he was sitting cross-legged on the ground and sat on the couch next to Percival. Silently, Percival took the little rabbit and pet her head.
“Tired out yet?” Percival asked.
“Not yet.” Gwaine said. Both the young girls were a handful, but Gwaine had enough energy to keep up with them. “Are you? Your Gran seems...?”
“Perceptive? Terrifying? Five feet of pure maternal aggression?” Percival prompted with a smile. He set Ms. Oreo on his knee and let her hop over his legs. “She keeps a tight ship. She has to with all five of us.”
“She doesn’t hate me, does she?” Gwaine asked, casting a quick look to the kitchen where Gran was whipping together more food.
Percival shook his head. “Nah, she actually likes you.” He said as he kept Ms. Oreo from hopping off the couch. “As long as you don’t do anything completely stupid, she’ll like you.”
“Well, no promises there.” Gwaine said, knowing his mouth and actions weren’t always on their best behavior, even when he wanted them to be.
“You already convinced Quinn and Emma” Percival said, holding up the rabbit with a knowing nod of his head.
“Yeah…” Gwaine sighed as he took Ms. Oreo into his hands and pet her. “Any tips for the other two?”
Percival shrugged. “Sorry. Give them some time to get used to the idea.”
“Percival!” Gran yelled from the kitchen. “Get your nice strong guest to bring in a pile of firewood, would you?”
Gwaine grinned proudly and Percival rubbed his temple.
“I’ll help.” Rebecca said, catching Gwaine’s eye and nodding toward the front door.
The house was hot from the heat building up in the kitchen, but outside it was still freezing. When he and Rebecca stepped outside, Gwaine’s sweater felt instantly too thin. But he knew as soon as Rebecca volunteered to help him with the firewood, that she wanted to talk to him.
“The firewood’s here.” She said, walking across the porch to where the firewood was piled up to waist height. She was silent for a moment as she handed the firewood to Gwaine, piling it up in his arms.
Gwaine couldn’t take the silence much longer. “Thanks for helping with the firewood. I probably would have knocked over the pile by accident.”
“No worries.” She said, and then silent again. Gwaine was starting to realize that the silent thing wasn’t just a Percival thing.
“So…” Gwaine started again.
“You’ve been with Perce a while haven’t you?” She asked suddenly.
“Well, I met him a year ago but we didn’t- I mean- Well, we didn’t become- Er, boyfriends until June.” Gwaine stumbled.
She absentmindedly kicked at the porch where some bark had fallen off the wood. “Guess I’m a little surprised. Perce has always been my quiet big brother, you know? He doesn’t talk much, especially about himself. Then all of a sudden...” She gestured to Gwaine.
Gwaine nodded in agreement. “He’s getting more open about himself.”
“Yeah, I can tell.” Rebecca said, eyeing him for a moment. “Yeah…” She seemed to make a decision and when she gave him a small smile, Gwaine knew he was on her good side.
They came back into the house, thawing from the cold, and Gwaine built up the fire. As the fire was starting to grow, there came a knock at the door. Gwaine leaned back on his heels from where he was kneeling by the fire to look at the door.
“I got it!” Tom said energetically and the girls started sniggering. Tom opened the door to a girl, who Gwaine assumed was Tom’s girlfriend.
She hugged Tom and then pulled off her coat as everyone greeted her loudly. Emma bounced up to her, Quinn by her heels. She was talking with them, and then her eyes landed on Gwaine causing her to pause for a moment.
“Sarah,” Tom said, “This is Gwaine, my brother’s boyfriend.”
She looked up at Percival with a bit of an odd look, but Percival only shrugged his shoulders, seeming to have lost all his nerves from before. She shrugged back, “Okay then. Nice to meet you, Gwaine.”
“You too.” Gwaine said, glad that he wasn’t the only significant other at the family dinner.
The dinner was wonderful. They all gathered around two tables that were pushed together with mismatched chairs. Gwaine complimented Gran on the food, to which she pretended to not care but ended up preening about it. Percival rolled his eyes and leaned down to whisper to Gwaine to stop flirting with his Gran. Gwaine told him to shut up because his flirting was working and he needed Gran on his side.
After dinner they all managed to fit in the living room. Tom and Sarah sat on the couch. Percival sat on the hearth with Gwaine leaning against his shins. Emma and Quinn ran between the Christmas tree and the guests, acting as delivery elves. Gran reigned over everyone in her armchair.
Quinn got a pack of dolls that were more sparkle than Gwaine had ever seen. Emma got a set of lincoln logs, which she set up around her dinosaurs. Rebecca got her first set of makeup. Tom and Percival both got a new pair of shoes. Gran handed over a small bag each for Sarah and Gwaine. Sarah opened hers first, finding a pair of gray earmuffs.
“Dang it, I mixed them up again.” Gran said and Percival burst out laughing. Gwaine didn’t get the joke until he pulled out a pair of earmuffs from his bag, identical except for the color. His were pink.
Gwaine shrugged and put them on, “They’re very warm, thank you.” Gran laughed, and somehow Gwaine was very proud of that feat.
Percival ran his hands through Gwaine’s hair, readjusting the earmuffs on his head. “You look great, babe.”
“You bet I do.” Gwaine said. Sarah offered to switch, but Gwaine shook his head. “Nah, it’s more memorable this way. Plus, gray matches your sweater.”
“I like them!” Quinn declared and rushed up to Gwaine, feeling the fuzz on either side of his head. With that, the consensus was closed.
By the time pie was passed around, the house was burning up, despite the cold weather. They propped open the door, leaving the screen door to let in the cold air.
Gwaine ended up being on dish duty because he made a snide remark about apple pie being better than berry which Gran didn’t take kindly. Gwaine would have complained, but everyone was so happy not to be on dish duty that Gwaine didn’t mind.
From where he was washing the dishes, Gwaine watched as everyone calmed down, warm from the fire and full from the dinner. The screen door clicked behind Tom as he led Sarah outside to say goodnight.
"Watch them for me, Percival." Gran said, as she continued drying the dishes beside Gwaine.
"Watch them?" Gwaine asked a look over his shoulder at the couple on the porch.
"Gran has a rule about the porch." Percival said with a small smile.
"Five minute goodbyes.” She said sternly. “I'm not having great-grandbabies just yet."
From the kitchen Gwaine could see through the screen door, where Tom and Sarah were talking. They were holding hands, and Tom pulled on Sarah’s scarf, the one he gave her that evening. But when Gwaine looked back a moment later, he had to hold back a laugh because the two were snogging goodbye. Maybe Gran had a point about the great-grandbabies.
Gran gave Percival a look, and he sighed. “I got it.” He stood up and walked to the screen door, where the couple were still kissing on the porch.
“Time’s up!” Percival shouted, louder than Gwaine had ever heard him before.
"Perce!" Tom yelped and pulled away from Sarah. Poor Sarah blushed bright red.
Gwaine sniggered and Gran glared at him. He shut up quickly. He turned to watch Percival instead. Sarah was waving goodbye and Gwaine watched as Percival sat on the porch step next to his younger brother.
The dishes done, Gran ushered Gwaine out of the kitchen, telling him to get out of her hair, although she was the one to ask for his help. Gwaine headed to the living room and only caught the last couple words of Tom and Percival’s conversation as he stepped near the door.
"-her?" Percival said.
"Well, obviously.” Tom said, with a little happy smile.
Percival knocked shoulders with his brother, and Todd knocked him back.
"We never talked about girls when we were younger.” Tom said. “Now I guess I know why."
Percy looked down at his feet and even from behind, Gwaine could see his shoulders turn in.
"Oh come on, Perce. Don't clam up on me.” Tom said, knocking his knee with Percival’s. “It’s fine.” When Percival didn’t say anything, Tom knocked him again. “Come on. You and Gwaine? You like him?"
Percival didn’t answer right away. He shrugged as if the answer was obvious. "Love him."
Gwaine's heart jumped in his chest. He wondered if his face was just as surprised as Tom’s. With wide eyes, Tom gaped at Percival.
“Don’t look at me like that.” Percival said to his brother, rubbing his neck nervously.
“It’s just- You don’t banter around, Perce. You really mean that.” Tom said.
“Course I do.” Percival said.
“Wow.” Tom said and leaned back against the porch steps. They were silent for the moment, just as Gwaine shifted and the floorboards creaked beneath his feet. The brothers looked up and Gwaine gave a small smile. He’d been caught. He decided to take his eavesdropping in full stride and opened the door.
“I'll help Gran with packing up the food." Tom said, getting up with a quick pat on his brother’s shoulder. “Five minutes, Percy.”
Percival rolled his eyes as Tom ran back into the house. Gwaine sat down on the porch, a step above Percival so they were at the same height.
“Hey.” He said, his throat thicker than he expected. Percy didn’t miss a beat.
“You heard, didn’t you?” Percival said.
Gwaine sighed. “To be fair, the door was wide open.”
Percival looked out to the yard, refusing to look at Gwaine. He rubbed his thumb over his knuckles nervously.
“Hey, Perce?” Gwaine said softly.
“Yeah?” Percival looked at him through the corner of his eye.
“You know I love you too?”
Percival ducked his head and smiled, looking like he was holding back a grin. Watching Percy made Gwaine’s heart flutter and his stomach flip. He got to keep this man, to kiss and to love. He couldn’t hold it in. Gwaine leaned over and kissed the corner of Percival's lips. Percival turned his head and caught Gwaine’s lips, running his hand to the nape of his neck.
Gwaine was starting to enjoy himself when Gran yelled from inside the house. "Don't care if you can't make babies, get off my porch!"
They broke the kiss and both let out a breathy laugh. Percival held Gwaine close, pressing a kiss to Gwaine’s lips despite the warning, “Happy Christmas, Gwaine.”
Gwaine kissed him, “Happy Christmas, Perce.”
Author:
supercalvin29Pairing: Percival/Gwaine
Prompt: Perwaine: first time meeting the parents for Christmas
Word Count: ~13k
Rating: PG-13
Contains (Highlight to view): *Mention of off-screen minor-character death*
Disclaimer: Merlin characters are the property of Shine and BBC. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: Thanks, as always, to my beta who put up with my random emails and questions <3
Summary: Gwaine and Percival have been together for half a year and it's about time they meet each other’s families. When Christmas comes around Gwaine and Percival spend time at each other’s homes, getting to know each other’s family and only getting closer because of it.
On A03
Early in the morning, Percival woke up to the feeling of someone crawling into his bed. He curled onto his side, his eyes still closed as he reached out to Gwaine.
“Should have stayed in my bed.” Gwaine said, his voice still rough with sleep. “I had to walk across the house.”
Percival grumbled, pulling Gwaine so that his back fitted against Percival’s chest. “Your mum was watching.” Percival mumbled, pressing his face into Gwaine’s hair. “Not that it matters. She probably isn’t ever going to like me.”
“Well she’s just going to have to get used to it.” Gwaine said, pulling Percival’s arm over his waist. Percival smiled sleepily, happy in Gwaine’s warmth on Christmas morning.
They dozed off for another hour, in and out of sleep. When they were more awake, warm under the piles of blankets, they rolled around in the sheets and pressed each other into the pillows. A while later, when the sun was rising, they simmered down with panting breaths and cooling skin.
“G’morning” Gwaine pressed a kiss to Percival's lips and tangled their legs together.
“Happy Christmas.” Percival said, his voice still rough.
“Mm, and a very happy Christmas so far.” Gwaine said with a smile. Percival snorted out a laugh, happiness blooming in his chest.
Eventually they left the bed, taking their showers and getting dressed back into their comfortable pajamas. When they walked down the hall, Amanda rushed past them, knocking Gwaine upside the head as she ran by.
“Come on, Gwaine! Keep up!” She yelled. With that challenge, Gwaine ran after her and slid down the stair railing to get to the kitchen faster. By the time Percival made it to the kitchen, Gwaine and Amanda were already fighting over the breakfast food.
The morning was spent by the fireplace and Christmas tree. Popcorn was popped, cookies were baked, and hot cocoa was served to all. Most of the morning Percival sat back to watch as Gwaine and Amanda quipped and mocked each other. Later on, Mr. and Mrs. Greene came down and the presents were passed around. Amanda got a new phone and Gwaine got a pair of headphones.
Percival was surprised when Mrs. Greene caught his attention. She gave him a small understand nod, maybe even apologetic, as she handed him a scarf that was tied off with a red bow. “Thank you for spending Christmas with us, Percival.”
Percival took the scarf in both hands, feeling the warm yarn and thick knitting. Since Gwaine had given her no warning, Percival knew she had found this at the last minute for him. “Thank you for having me, Mrs. Greene.” Percival said, realizing that she would eventually come around.
“Come again next year, Perce. We’d love to have you.” Mr. Greene said with a smile.
“Well,” Percival hesitated as he looked to Gwaine who was across the room, batting away Amanda’s hands from his headphones and making a face at her. “We’ll see how it goes, but yeah. I’d like that.”
Christmas day was more relaxed than the day before. They ate leftover food from the Christmas Eve party, enjoying the warm fireplace and the soft sound of Christmas carols in the background. At some point Percival laid on the couch, watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas and fell asleep. He woke up to the film credits, and Gwaine’s hand running up and down his leg, slowly waking him.
“Hey there, sleepyhead.” Gwaine said with a smile.
“Hey” Percival said groggily as he stretched. As he sat up, Percival noticed that Gwaine was wearing a coat and scarf, as if he had just come back from somewhere.
“Want to open presents?” Gwaine asked.
Percival nodded and they made their way back to Percival’s room where they could have some privacy.
Shedding his coat and scarf, Gwaine sat cross-legged on the bed. He didn’t seem to have a present with him, but Percival didn’t question it. Percival pulled Gwaine’s present out of his bag and joined him on the bed, sitting across from him. He set down the present in front of Gwaine, who picked it up with a wary eye.
“You got me a book?” Gwaine said dubiously as he lifted up the square and heavy package which was undeniably a book of some sort.
“Open it.” Percival said.
Gwaine ripped open the paper, but even when the cover was revealed he only stared at it.
Percival wasn’t sure if Gwaine didn’t like it or if he was still confused by being given a book.
“You like cooking, and since I’ve never seen you with a cookbook, I thought it might be nice to have.” Percival explained.
“I didn’t tell you I liked to cook.” Gwaine said, brows pulled together.
“But you always make food.” Percival said. At the time he had thought it was brilliant, but now he was very unsure of the gift. “You have the best hangover breakfast food, and you have an hour-long rant about apple pie, and even when we’re at my place you’re the one that cooks.”
“No, I do like to cook.” Gwaine interrupted, opening the book and flipping through the pages. “But I’ve never told you- or anyone- that I like to cook. You just knew.” He looked up, his brown eyes more serious than Percival expected.
“Yeah?” Percival said, still confused.
Gwaine leaned over, cupping Percival’s jaw and kissing him softly and slowly. “You’re the best boyfriend, you know that?” Gwaine said, looking up at Percival with smiling brown eyes.
Percival's heart beat quickly and he couldn’t help but smile. “Yes.” He said cheekily.
Gwaine laughed, “Good.” He pressed a quick kiss to Percival's lips before pulling away. “Alright, your turn.” He stood up to retrieve the gift. Surprisingly, he left the room for a moment before coming back inside, shutting the door behind himself. In his hand was a red box with a gold bow on the top. Holes were punched into the top of the box. Something skittered inside.
“Gwaine…” Percival eyed the present carefully as Gwaine sat back down on the bed.
Gwaine smiled, more tentative than usual. He carefully set the box down on the bed. Percival eyed the present for a moment before deciding that whatever was in there probably needed to come out sooner or later.
Percival pulled the bow on the box and lifted the lid.
“I thought Oreo might be a good name.” Gwaine said, “Not very original, but she looked like she needed a good home.”
Percival carefully scooped up the black and white bunny, small enough to fit in one hand. She had a thin red ribbon around her neck.
“Gwaine.” Percival breathed out in disbelief as he stared at the little rabbit in his hand. He could feel her little heart beat quickly against his palm. Her nose twitched.
“Is it a bad gift? I thought you might like a pet. You said you never had any as a kid and I swear if it's too much, Amanda won’t mind taking her instead- and I’ll get all the other supplies as soon as the stores open up after boxing day.”
“Only you, Gwaine.” Percival ran a finger down the bunny’s back, feeling her soft fur. “Only you would buy a rabbit on Christmas Day.” Percival said, realizing that Gwaine had gone out while Percival had been sleeping. He lifted the rabbit up to eye level to look into her big brown eyes.
“It was a bit of an impulse buy.” Gwaine admitted sheepishly. “I bought you a sweater a couple weeks ago, but I didn’t think it was good enough so I went out today. I saw her in the window and I thought this was a better gift.”
“It is.” Percival said as he pulled Gwaine into a kiss, careful to keep Ms. Oreo safely in his hands. “Thank you.”
***
On Boxing Day, Gwaine and Percival packed up the car and headed out for Percival’s home in Devon. Gwaine said his goodbyes to his parents, noticing that his mum was a bit nicer to Percival than she had when meeting him. Gwaine hugged his dad, who gave him a satisfied nod and a pointed look to Percival. Amanda tackled him into a hug and made him promise to come home more often. He promised, this time meaning it completely.
The drive to Devon would take a few hours so Gwaine offered to drive part of the way, but Percival just shook his head and silently took the driver’s seat. They didn’t talk much on the way there, and Percy kept the music low. The more and more they drove, the quieter and quieter Percival became.
At some point, Gwaine dozed off in the passenger seat. When he woke up, they were driving through the streets of a small town. Percival was still driving, not speaking, and eyes glued to the road.
Gwaine knew that Percival was never one for talking, which was why Gwaine usually filled up the silence with empty noise. But now Gwaine realized that he was too silent and something was wrong.
“We’re staying in a hotel.” Percival said, speaking for the first time in hours. “My Gran’s place doesn’t have enough room for all of us.”
“That’s alright.” Gwaine said, a joke about preferring to sleep in a hotel dying on his tongue.
They arrived at the tiny hotel that was more of a house converted to an Inn than anything else.
Barely a minute into the room, Percival said, “I need to show you something.”
“Okay.” Gwaine said. Instead of pulling something out of his bag, like Gwaine expected, Percival took the keys again and took Gwaine back to the car. Percival’s eyes skirted away from Gwaine and his posture was stiff. Sometimes Percival didn’t know how to say something in words, so he showed Gwaine instead. Understanding, Gwaine waited as Percival started the engine and pulled out of the drive. They drove to the outskirts of town, where a rod iron gate stood along an open field.
Percival parked and stepped out of the car. He took the poinsettia from the back of the car, which Gwaine hadn’t even noticed until that moment. Then Percival started walking and Gwaine followed. Gwaine stopped in his tracks when he read the sign in front of the iron gates. Cemetery.
“Percy…?” Gwaine asked, but Percival was still walking, his shoes pressing into the wet and muddy grass. Gwaine stared at the rows of headstones in front of him, his mind catching up slowly. Gwaine hurried to walk beside Percival, taking his hand in his as they walked between the graves. Percy didn’t look at him, eyes straight ahead. Gwaine’s heart sped up as the years on the tombstones grew closer and closer to the current year.
At the back of the cemetery, there was a new headstone with two names.
“Oh god.” Gwaine breathed out, looking down to see the names carved into stone: Pellinore Troyes and Lynn Troyes. Their death dates were the same day, only a year ago. January. Right before Gwaine and Percival had met. Percival set down the poinsettia without a word, his hand slipping out of Gwaine’s, making the ground fall from beneath Gwaine’s feet.
“Percival.” Gwaine said again, his words getting caught in his throat.
Percival crouched down, his hand pressing to the headstone.
“I would have mentioned it.” Percival said, his voice quiet and rough. “When we first met I didn’t want anyone to know.” Percival said with a small and hesitant small as he looked up at Gwaine. “Later on... I just didn’t know what to say.”
“You never do.” Gwaine said, the normal tease not coming through properly.
Percy let out a small huff of a laugh. He ducked his head and his fingers trailed over the words. ‘Mother. Father. May they rest in peace. Together.’
They stayed there for a long moment, silently. Gwaine was rethinking of the past year. Of his own family. Of his sister and his parents. Of Percival who had four other siblings that Gwaine had yet to meet.
Percival’s hands gripped the stone tighter, and Gwaine watched him struggle for a moment. He let out a choked off laugh, “Not exactly how I wanted to come out to my parents.” He said, his voice catching on the last couple words. He covered his face with his hand.
Gwaine didn’t hesitate as he knelt into the grass and grabbed Percival. Gwaine leaned Percival forward, his knees falling into the grass on either side of Gwaine’s legs, and wrapped his arms around him.
Gwaine gripped Percival’s sides tightly and Percival pressed his face into Gwaine’s neck. Gwaine knew Percival could be stoic at times, but Gwaine had also seen him angry, happy, and any number of emotions. But this grief was something he had tucked away, even from Gwaine.
Gwaine swallowed the lump in the back of his throat. “I’m sorry, Perce. I’m so sorry.”
Percival didn’t cry, but he held onto Gwaine tightly. It was a while before Percy pulled away and Gwaine felt the damp grass bleed into his trousers, making him feel cold.
Leaning back, Gwaine watched as a few tears fell from Percival's eyes. Percival ducked away and wiped his eyes with the heel of his hand “Sorry. I thought I would be fine.”
“It’s alright” Gwaine pushed Percival’s hands away and ran his thumb over Percival’s cheek. “Last year.” Gwaine said slowly. “Right before we met?”
Percy nodded. “Drunk driver after a party.”
“Fuck.” Gwaine said. “God, Percy. I wish I had known.”
Percy shook his head. “You were the friend I needed, even if you didn’t know it.”
Gwaine remembered always coming around and asking Percival to come out with him. He remembered Percival being the designated driver on so many occasions. He remembered wanting Percival to smile and be happy, and trying to get him out of his shell. Maybe that shell had been more than just shyness.
Gwaine looked down to the headstone and gathered up his strength.
He ran his fingers over the names. “It’s nice to meet you both.” Gwaine said, bolstering up his spirits for Percival. “Sir. Ma’am. You have a lovely son. Just wanted to make my intentions towards your clear: I’m here to stay.”
“Gwaine…” Percival leaned forward so that his forehead leaned against Gwaine’s temple.
Gwaine continued. “Well you see, Mr. and Mrs. Troyes, I’m head over heels for your son. I know, I don’t look the type. But our Perce here, am I right?”
Gwaine swallowed down the emotion in his throat. “I’m not always the best man, but I’ll try to be good for him. He deserves the best. I’m sure you would agree.”
Percival ran his hands into Gwaine’s hair, turning his head to capture his lips in a demanding kiss. Gwaine held onto Percival’s shirt for dear life, kissing him to tell him everything would be alright.
“My Dad would’ve absolutely hated you.” Percival said, smiling against Gwaine’s lips.
“No doubt.” Gwaine said, the smile on Percival’s lips making Gwaine’s spirits rise.
“Same with Mum.” Percival said. “But she would’ve secretly liked you.”
“I would have charmed her.” Gwaine said.
“No doubt.” Percival said.
“Thank you, Gwaine.” Percival said, his forehead pressing into Gwaine’s. “Thank you so much.”
“I’ll always be here, Perce.” Gwaine promised.
***
Back at the Inn, they laid out on the bed, eyes on the ceiling, and Percival talked. They talked like they had on that rooftop in January. Percival told Gwaine how he hadn’t been close with his parents. He was the eldest child, before his brother and three younger sisters, and they had worried over the younger children more than him. Not that they didn’t love him, just that he wasn’t as close to them.
When they had passed away, his siblings moved in with his Gran. She was a spry 65-year-old who easily took in her grandchildren after her son and daughter-in-law had passed away. Percival, already going to university, was determined to graduate and get a well-paying job so he could support his family. It was something he had already planned on doing, since neither of his parents had made much money, but it became more important after his parents passed away.
“We’re having Christmas dinner tomorrow.” Percival said, “You still up for coming?”
“Of course.” Gwaine said and paused before asking. “Does your family know about me?”
“Gran does.” Percival said, “My brother and sisters don’t.”
“And…?”
“I don’t know.” Percival said. “Gran was fine with it. More than. But I really don’t know how my brother and sisters will be.”
Gwaine nodded. “Well you somehow charmed my mum so I think we can handle the kids, don’t you?”
Percival turn his head to smile at Gwaine, “I guess so.”
***
Gwaine woke up to the sound of Percival’s voice.
“-time.” Percival said. “I’ll call you then. No. Tom doesn’t know. No- Rebecca doesn’t- Yeah Gran, I’m aware I should have told them. Gran I didn’t exactly tell you either, you know- No ma’am. Yes, ma’am. Yes, I love you too.”
Gwaine stretched, telling Percival he was awake. When he opened his eyes, Percival was just hanging up his phone.
“Morning.” Percival said.
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing, just called my Gran to tell her we arrived.” Percival said, and started gathering up Ms. Oreo’s food and cage.
“What are you doing?” Gwaine asked.
“You want to leave her in the hotel?” Percival asked rhetorically. Gwaine grunted, not fully awake yet. Percival tapped Gwaine’s leg as he passed by, “Come on, time to get up.”
Gwaine whined, but eventually Percival pulled him out of bed and they started their day. By noon they made it to Gran’s house. The little house had a gated front yard with toys scattered around a playset in the damp grass. The porch was small, but it had a pile of firewood and a bench big enough for maybe two people if they were friendly.
When Percival opened the gate, a small bell jingled, alerting the people inside that they had arrived.
“Percy! Percy! Percy!”
A little girl with sparkly green boots and a messy brown ponytail, dashed out of the house at lightening speeds. She grinned, showing off her missing tooth, as she ran straight to her big brother. Percival knelt down and picked her up with an easy swoop. She giggled and held on tight to her brother’s neck.
“Hello there, Quinn. How have you been?”
“I grew an inch!” Quinn declared. “Gran measured me today! She says I’ll be as tall as you one day, Perce!” She said, her lisp accenting the ‘c’ in Percival's name.
Before she could continue or Percival could answer, two more girls ran out of the house.
“Percy!”
The shorter blonde girl jumped onto the arm that wasn’t holding Quinn, “Happy Christmas, Perce!”
Percival grunted as she unbalanced him. “Emma, you’re going to pull me over.”
“You’re fine.” Emma rolled her eyes and continued to hang onto his elbow.
The older sister, looking in the early stages of awkward teenagehood, came up to Percival's front and gave him a proper hug.
“Hey there, Rebecca. Mind getting one of these two?” Percival said.
She smiled, “Nah.” Then she held onto Percival’s shoulders, making a total of three sisters all hanging on their big brother.
“Becca!” Percival protested, to giggling from all three girls. To his credit, Percival didn’t even appear to be struggling.
“Rebecca! Emma! Quinn! Gran’s going to make you all be on dish duty if you break Percival before he has even come into the house!” Stepping down from the steps was a boy, tall and skinny without an ounce of the muscle that his brother had.
They all popped off Percival in an instant. They made way for their brother who walked up to Percival, toe to toe. He was almost as tall as Percival, though he still had a couple more inches to go. After a pause, the brother pulled Percival into a hug, clapping his shoulder a couple times. “Happy Christmas, Perce.”
“Happy Christmas, Tom.” Percival said, pulling back and looking over his brother. “Is that a Christmas sweater?”
Tom ducked his head in embarrassment. “Shut up, Sarah bought it for me.”
Percival made a questioning face and Tom rolled his eyes. Gwaine recognized the silent speak between siblings, having used it with Amanda over the years.
“Bunny!”
Suddenly, Quinn darted right in front of Gwaine, who was holding Ms. Oreo’s cage and food. All four siblings’ eyes were on Gwaine in a matter of seconds. He froze like a deer in the headlights before his brain kicked into gear.
“Her name’s Ms. Oreo.” Gwaine said as he knelt down to Quinn’s eye level.
“Can I pet her?” Quinn asked.
“Well, you’ll have to ask your brother, since Ms. Oreo is his.” Gwaine said with a look up to Percival.
“Percy!” Quinn whined.
“Alright, alright.” Percival said. “Emma, can you and Quinn take the cage and stuff into the house?”
Gwaine handed over the things, telling Quinn to use both hands with Ms. Oreo’s cage. They dashed into the house, chatter about the bunny.
When Gwaine stood back up, both Rebecca and Tom were staring at him.
“Hello there.” Gwaine said, keeping his tone casual though his heart was starting to beat a bit faster. Both siblings turned to Percival with questioning looks.
“Er. . . Rebecca. Tom.” Percival said, “This is Gwaine.” Percival paused for an agonizing moment before adding. “My boyfriend.”
Both eyes turned back to Gwaine for a second before staring at Percival with shocked expressions. Percival stood tall, but his cheeks were turning pink under the scrutiny.
“What?” Rebecca said, looking surprised rather than anything else.
Tom was the one to smile. “That explains a lot, actually.” He turned to Gwaine, “Glad you could join us, Gwaine.”
“Thanks” Gwaine grinned and shook his hand.
“What do you mean that explains a lot!” Rebecca said with exasperation. “Perce! Why didn’t you tell us?”
Percival seemed to relax instantly at his sibling’s words. He sighed, “Still getting used to it, I suppose.” He looked to Gwaine, and Gwaine watched as Percival’s blue eyes crinkled with happiness.
“Percival!” Another voice shouted from inside the small house.
Gwaine turned to see a short woman standing on the porch, hands on her hips. “Percival Hector Troyes! Are you keeping your guest out in the cold?”
“No, ma’am!” Percival called out and quickly ushered everyone through the front yard and onto the porch. Standing on the first step and his Gran standing on the top porch step, he leaned in so that she could kiss his forehead. “Happy Christmas, Gran.”
“You're absolutely freezing, Percival.” She said, feeling his ears and cheeks. “Come into the house.” She pulled them onto the porch and Gwaine was quickly targeted. “Is this Gwaine? Well look at you. Percival, did you pull him out of a magazine?”
“Gran” Percival whined, his face lighting up with embarrassment.
Gwaine flipped his hair, preening at the compliment. “It's lovely to meet you ma’am.” He held out his hand, but she pulled him into a hug, the top of her head meeting at his shoulder. Then she pulled him back, surprisingly strong hands holding him in place as she inspected him.
“You don’t look that nervous, Gwaine.” She raised a brow at him.
“I’m getting there.” Gwaine admitted with an awkward laugh.
“Good.” She slapped him on the shoulder and then dragged Percival into the house by his sweater. “Percival, help your Gran with the ham before the kitchen burns down.”
Percival gave Gwaine a quick smile before he was pulled away. Gwaine was soon ushered into the living room by Emma and Quinn who were jumping up and down, insisting that Gwaine open Ms. Oreo’s cage door for them.
In the first hour or so Gwaine didn’t see much of Percival who was coerced into helping in the kitchen, and was constantly being badgered by Gran. Not that Gwaine had time to spend with Percival, he was busy playing around with the younger girls, Emma and Quinn, who demanded his attention. He was also in charge of keeping Ms. Oreo safe, which wasn’t too hard since all the siblings adored her.
Tom and Rebecca helped in the kitchen with Percival, but Gwaine noticed that both of them kept an eye on him. He knew that the older siblings would be harder to convince than the younger. Quinn was won over with one look at Ms. Oreo and Emma was satisfied when Gwaine played dinosaurs with her. It would be harder than playing around to show the older siblings he was good for their brother.
Eventually Percival was able to get away from his Gran when the ham was cooking and most of the food was on simmer. Gwaine, who was holding Ms. Oreo, stood up from where he was sitting cross-legged on the ground and sat on the couch next to Percival. Silently, Percival took the little rabbit and pet her head.
“Tired out yet?” Percival asked.
“Not yet.” Gwaine said. Both the young girls were a handful, but Gwaine had enough energy to keep up with them. “Are you? Your Gran seems...?”
“Perceptive? Terrifying? Five feet of pure maternal aggression?” Percival prompted with a smile. He set Ms. Oreo on his knee and let her hop over his legs. “She keeps a tight ship. She has to with all five of us.”
“She doesn’t hate me, does she?” Gwaine asked, casting a quick look to the kitchen where Gran was whipping together more food.
Percival shook his head. “Nah, she actually likes you.” He said as he kept Ms. Oreo from hopping off the couch. “As long as you don’t do anything completely stupid, she’ll like you.”
“Well, no promises there.” Gwaine said, knowing his mouth and actions weren’t always on their best behavior, even when he wanted them to be.
“You already convinced Quinn and Emma” Percival said, holding up the rabbit with a knowing nod of his head.
“Yeah…” Gwaine sighed as he took Ms. Oreo into his hands and pet her. “Any tips for the other two?”
Percival shrugged. “Sorry. Give them some time to get used to the idea.”
“Percival!” Gran yelled from the kitchen. “Get your nice strong guest to bring in a pile of firewood, would you?”
Gwaine grinned proudly and Percival rubbed his temple.
“I’ll help.” Rebecca said, catching Gwaine’s eye and nodding toward the front door.
The house was hot from the heat building up in the kitchen, but outside it was still freezing. When he and Rebecca stepped outside, Gwaine’s sweater felt instantly too thin. But he knew as soon as Rebecca volunteered to help him with the firewood, that she wanted to talk to him.
“The firewood’s here.” She said, walking across the porch to where the firewood was piled up to waist height. She was silent for a moment as she handed the firewood to Gwaine, piling it up in his arms.
Gwaine couldn’t take the silence much longer. “Thanks for helping with the firewood. I probably would have knocked over the pile by accident.”
“No worries.” She said, and then silent again. Gwaine was starting to realize that the silent thing wasn’t just a Percival thing.
“So…” Gwaine started again.
“You’ve been with Perce a while haven’t you?” She asked suddenly.
“Well, I met him a year ago but we didn’t- I mean- Well, we didn’t become- Er, boyfriends until June.” Gwaine stumbled.
She absentmindedly kicked at the porch where some bark had fallen off the wood. “Guess I’m a little surprised. Perce has always been my quiet big brother, you know? He doesn’t talk much, especially about himself. Then all of a sudden...” She gestured to Gwaine.
Gwaine nodded in agreement. “He’s getting more open about himself.”
“Yeah, I can tell.” Rebecca said, eyeing him for a moment. “Yeah…” She seemed to make a decision and when she gave him a small smile, Gwaine knew he was on her good side.
They came back into the house, thawing from the cold, and Gwaine built up the fire. As the fire was starting to grow, there came a knock at the door. Gwaine leaned back on his heels from where he was kneeling by the fire to look at the door.
“I got it!” Tom said energetically and the girls started sniggering. Tom opened the door to a girl, who Gwaine assumed was Tom’s girlfriend.
She hugged Tom and then pulled off her coat as everyone greeted her loudly. Emma bounced up to her, Quinn by her heels. She was talking with them, and then her eyes landed on Gwaine causing her to pause for a moment.
“Sarah,” Tom said, “This is Gwaine, my brother’s boyfriend.”
She looked up at Percival with a bit of an odd look, but Percival only shrugged his shoulders, seeming to have lost all his nerves from before. She shrugged back, “Okay then. Nice to meet you, Gwaine.”
“You too.” Gwaine said, glad that he wasn’t the only significant other at the family dinner.
The dinner was wonderful. They all gathered around two tables that were pushed together with mismatched chairs. Gwaine complimented Gran on the food, to which she pretended to not care but ended up preening about it. Percival rolled his eyes and leaned down to whisper to Gwaine to stop flirting with his Gran. Gwaine told him to shut up because his flirting was working and he needed Gran on his side.
After dinner they all managed to fit in the living room. Tom and Sarah sat on the couch. Percival sat on the hearth with Gwaine leaning against his shins. Emma and Quinn ran between the Christmas tree and the guests, acting as delivery elves. Gran reigned over everyone in her armchair.
Quinn got a pack of dolls that were more sparkle than Gwaine had ever seen. Emma got a set of lincoln logs, which she set up around her dinosaurs. Rebecca got her first set of makeup. Tom and Percival both got a new pair of shoes. Gran handed over a small bag each for Sarah and Gwaine. Sarah opened hers first, finding a pair of gray earmuffs.
“Dang it, I mixed them up again.” Gran said and Percival burst out laughing. Gwaine didn’t get the joke until he pulled out a pair of earmuffs from his bag, identical except for the color. His were pink.
Gwaine shrugged and put them on, “They’re very warm, thank you.” Gran laughed, and somehow Gwaine was very proud of that feat.
Percival ran his hands through Gwaine’s hair, readjusting the earmuffs on his head. “You look great, babe.”
“You bet I do.” Gwaine said. Sarah offered to switch, but Gwaine shook his head. “Nah, it’s more memorable this way. Plus, gray matches your sweater.”
“I like them!” Quinn declared and rushed up to Gwaine, feeling the fuzz on either side of his head. With that, the consensus was closed.
By the time pie was passed around, the house was burning up, despite the cold weather. They propped open the door, leaving the screen door to let in the cold air.
Gwaine ended up being on dish duty because he made a snide remark about apple pie being better than berry which Gran didn’t take kindly. Gwaine would have complained, but everyone was so happy not to be on dish duty that Gwaine didn’t mind.
From where he was washing the dishes, Gwaine watched as everyone calmed down, warm from the fire and full from the dinner. The screen door clicked behind Tom as he led Sarah outside to say goodnight.
"Watch them for me, Percival." Gran said, as she continued drying the dishes beside Gwaine.
"Watch them?" Gwaine asked a look over his shoulder at the couple on the porch.
"Gran has a rule about the porch." Percival said with a small smile.
"Five minute goodbyes.” She said sternly. “I'm not having great-grandbabies just yet."
From the kitchen Gwaine could see through the screen door, where Tom and Sarah were talking. They were holding hands, and Tom pulled on Sarah’s scarf, the one he gave her that evening. But when Gwaine looked back a moment later, he had to hold back a laugh because the two were snogging goodbye. Maybe Gran had a point about the great-grandbabies.
Gran gave Percival a look, and he sighed. “I got it.” He stood up and walked to the screen door, where the couple were still kissing on the porch.
“Time’s up!” Percival shouted, louder than Gwaine had ever heard him before.
"Perce!" Tom yelped and pulled away from Sarah. Poor Sarah blushed bright red.
Gwaine sniggered and Gran glared at him. He shut up quickly. He turned to watch Percival instead. Sarah was waving goodbye and Gwaine watched as Percival sat on the porch step next to his younger brother.
The dishes done, Gran ushered Gwaine out of the kitchen, telling him to get out of her hair, although she was the one to ask for his help. Gwaine headed to the living room and only caught the last couple words of Tom and Percival’s conversation as he stepped near the door.
"-her?" Percival said.
"Well, obviously.” Tom said, with a little happy smile.
Percival knocked shoulders with his brother, and Todd knocked him back.
"We never talked about girls when we were younger.” Tom said. “Now I guess I know why."
Percy looked down at his feet and even from behind, Gwaine could see his shoulders turn in.
"Oh come on, Perce. Don't clam up on me.” Tom said, knocking his knee with Percival’s. “It’s fine.” When Percival didn’t say anything, Tom knocked him again. “Come on. You and Gwaine? You like him?"
Percival didn’t answer right away. He shrugged as if the answer was obvious. "Love him."
Gwaine's heart jumped in his chest. He wondered if his face was just as surprised as Tom’s. With wide eyes, Tom gaped at Percival.
“Don’t look at me like that.” Percival said to his brother, rubbing his neck nervously.
“It’s just- You don’t banter around, Perce. You really mean that.” Tom said.
“Course I do.” Percival said.
“Wow.” Tom said and leaned back against the porch steps. They were silent for the moment, just as Gwaine shifted and the floorboards creaked beneath his feet. The brothers looked up and Gwaine gave a small smile. He’d been caught. He decided to take his eavesdropping in full stride and opened the door.
“I'll help Gran with packing up the food." Tom said, getting up with a quick pat on his brother’s shoulder. “Five minutes, Percy.”
Percival rolled his eyes as Tom ran back into the house. Gwaine sat down on the porch, a step above Percival so they were at the same height.
“Hey.” He said, his throat thicker than he expected. Percy didn’t miss a beat.
“You heard, didn’t you?” Percival said.
Gwaine sighed. “To be fair, the door was wide open.”
Percival looked out to the yard, refusing to look at Gwaine. He rubbed his thumb over his knuckles nervously.
“Hey, Perce?” Gwaine said softly.
“Yeah?” Percival looked at him through the corner of his eye.
“You know I love you too?”
Percival ducked his head and smiled, looking like he was holding back a grin. Watching Percy made Gwaine’s heart flutter and his stomach flip. He got to keep this man, to kiss and to love. He couldn’t hold it in. Gwaine leaned over and kissed the corner of Percival's lips. Percival turned his head and caught Gwaine’s lips, running his hand to the nape of his neck.
Gwaine was starting to enjoy himself when Gran yelled from inside the house. "Don't care if you can't make babies, get off my porch!"
They broke the kiss and both let out a breathy laugh. Percival held Gwaine close, pressing a kiss to Gwaine’s lips despite the warning, “Happy Christmas, Gwaine.”
Gwaine kissed him, “Happy Christmas, Perce.”
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