vax knows that look in his eyes, and it's almost annoying. vax isn't some commodity, he isn't artwork in a museum. percy is his brother, his best friend, and he doesn't want to be handled with kid gloves by someone he respects so deeply. so vax'ildan spots that hand when percy extends it, frowns at it, then steps forward, past the hand and past percy's hesitance to pull him into a tight, warm embrace.

"yes, percy, it's me. i'll explain in a moment. are you alright?" he pulls apart, but just enough to look him in the eyes and run a hand through that saltwater-tossed hair. his heart aches, seeing him in such a state, and for a moment he thinks of the rest of his friends. his sister. "is vex'ahlia with you?"