Chapter Text
Vax whimpered, tugging against the hand in his hair just hard enough to feel the resistance. Something about being held down like this was almost comforting, reassuring. Whatever happened tonight, it would be OK. Percy was here.
"You knew you'd end up here when you messed with Grog's beard Vax, so don't go whining now."
He'd have an answer to that, some smart or sassy bit of back talk but he couldn't do more than mumble around the gag in his mouth, drooling ever so slightly. Besides, Percy wasn't wrong. They had a firm rule in place about not punishing each other when they were angry, which meant Grog wouldn't be the one in charge of disciplining him, which left only one really viable option with Pike currently out of town checking in at some temple or other. In many ways, Vax dreaded Pike's punishments the most and he couldn't deny that attention from Percy was something he'd been longing for and unsure how to ask for.
Things had been different between them lately. Not in a bad way but things were changing, in a state of flux and whilst Vax had been enjoying introducing more elements of fun into things he hadn't been entirely confident in his ability to ask for something harder and more painful without leaving Percy feeling pressured. It was of course deeply unfair to involve Grog in this but he hadn't realised this was what he was after at the time. Besides the two of them would be lost without their silly prank wars and dares and competitions.
"Now. Stay still and let me finish tying you down or you will regret it."
Vax shivered. He believed him. He always believed Percy, that was part of the trust that had built up between them. So he held himself still, as he'd been asked but not without a whimper of protest. If pushed, he'd admit to not being the biggest fan of restraints. It wasn't that he always needed to be in motion - though he was certainly a restless soul - he just needed to know he had the option. If need be he could stay still and silent and unmoving for an impressive amount of time, so long as it was his choice. If he was pushed, that's what he'd confess.
Yet here he was, in full knowledge of the fact that he could ask for something else, could stop this with a word, a gesture, by dropping the wooden ball clasped between his bound hands. He didn't because Percy had chosen this for a reason and the reason was that at times, Vax didn't know what he needed as well as those who loved him did. It wasn't just that he'd taken a prank too far and truly angered Grog. It was also that he was getting reckless again, rushing in before backup was in place, taking chances that weren't worth the risk should they fail.
Vax was spinning out of control,. as he was wont to do. Percy was here to remind him that if need be, someone else could take charge. Put him in his place and keep him there, for as long as was deemed necessary.
The fact that blindingly good sex was likely to feature at some point didn't hurt either.
"Good boy."
Vax found himself flushing at Percy's words. It might have been better if they'd been slightly mocking but the thing about Percy was that he was always so damn sincere. He meant what he said, which Vax found much harder to take. He wasn't one to downplay his rather impressive skills but that didn't mean he was comfortable with genuine praise from others.
"I want to explain the plan to you. Then you will have five minutes to think it over before you agree or not. There will be an opportunity to discuss amendments if the specifics aren't to your liking and of course, you can always call the whole thing off at any point. Nod if you understand."
Slightly wide eyed and trying not to swallow too obviously around the gag, Vax nodded.
"Your punishment lasts until Grog is ready to forgive you and you are ready to ask for it. Until that time, you will stay here, restrained and at our pleasure. You'll need to ask for anything you need or want and rely entirely upon us all to provide it."
For a moment, something too close to panic for comfort suffused Vax, his body growing taught as he tensed. This wasn't remotely what he had expected. He had anticipated Percy hurting him, with clamps and ingenious devices he'd concocted in his work shop and his hands. Not this. Then a hand, cool and gentle touched his cheek and Vax found he could relax, just a little.
"I know. I know it's hard but I just want you to think about it. Think about what you might need to get through it. Remember, you can ask Vax. You can ask for whatever you want."
Percy's words are reassuring only as long as the man himself is present. As soon as he moves away from Vax, leaving him to think things through the panic surges once more. It's hard to take deep enough breaths to calm himself with the gag but he manages it and with the calm comes two clear things he will need if he's even going to attempt this. He wants the gag gone and he needs someone with him the whole time. Or at least to start with.
Percy knew what he was doing when he set this up. Vax has no problem being available for everyone to play with. He loves them all some way or another and he enjoys sex almost as much as Scanlan, particularly when it means bringing joy to his loves. Asking for things though, that is and always has been a struggle for Vax. He learned quicker than Vex did during their time with their father that requests for anything you truly needed were as likely to be met with anger or derision. He preferred to acquire what he needed indirectly. And when he tried... Well, he wasn't good at expressing emotions or showing vulnerabilities. He tended to be too abrupt, too harsh, too unexpected. He worried he was too demanding, too undeserving.
By the time Percy returned to his side his eyes were burning with tears and his heart rate was still a touch too rapid but he knew he was going to agree.