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It was nearing the end of winter break, and Percy was pacing back and forth in his room, as he had for the last two hours, motivated by a mixture of nerves and excitement. He had double and triple checked his bag, ensuring that he had everything he needed for the next two days. Danni had gotten him set up with a full set of winter gear. It had been better than shopping for clothes with his mothers would have been - his stomach further twisted itself into knots at the thought of his parents’ divorce. He tried his best not to fixate on it. Today wasn’t about his rapidly changing family situation or about his newfound sobriety - today was a time to focus on a first with his boyfriend. 

They were going to a ski lodge together. Just the two of them. It had been a gift from Dorian’s father, and while the room was technically in his name, they would be allowed to do what they liked. He flushed slightly at the thought of it. He hoped Dorian liked his winter clothes. If he didn’t… 

He didn’t want to think about that. So instead he paced, and took a break to check his bag again - to make sure he had the correct outfits and his favorite books were present - and then went back to pacing, as he waited for it to be time to leave. The moment his watch beeped, he practically jumped out of his skin, as he picked up his bag and teleported himself to Dorian’s doorstep in New Orleans. 

Percy knocked thrice on the door, and waited. 

Normally at this time Dorian would've been out for his morning jog, but given what today was that wasn't about to happen. Snowboarding was enough exercise for the day he'd decided. So instead he paced within his room, and the living room, and kitchen, and anywhere his powers would allow him as he phased between walls, floors, and ceilings waiting for Percy to arrive. When he heard the knock on the door he ran up to his room to grab his bags. 

Max however had already come out of the living room where he was reading the days news and made his way over to the front door, opening it up to see Percy. [Color=aba400]”Mr. Novikov, nice outfit. Please come in, do you want some coffee? Any food?”[/color] Max gestured with the paper towards the kitchen with the folded newspaper.

Percy’s cheeks flushed lightly, as he tried to restrain the bit of embarrassment that hit him. He’d been trying to go a bit outside of his comfort zone with clothing, and the velvet, ruby one piece reminded him a bit of his favorite coat. He took off the sunglasses, clipping them onto the collar of his shirt, as he nodded politely at Mr. Gray. [color=ed1c24]“Erm, thank you. Danni picked it out.”[/color] He picked his bag back up and came inside the house, peering around to try to catch a sign of Dorian. [color=ed1c24]“Yes, please, I’d like some coffee.”[/color] He always felt so nervous in one on one settings with his boyfriend’s fathers - and there were four of them, each with their own quirks and expectations that he struggled to understand. 

Max began pouring a cup for Percy in his new household mug as they waited. [Color=aba400]””Black yes?”[/color] The fridge door opened up and a pair of eggs and bacon flew out. The eggs cracked themselves over a cast iron skillet that hadn't been on the stove before, fire crackling beneath it,  as the bacon settled next to the eggs and began to sizzle. The egg shells fell into the fire and burned away quickly without a trace as Max began to slice a thick piece of bread for Percy. In an instant there was a full breakfast sat before him with a cup of coffee to the side. [Color=aba400]”How has your break faired so far? Have you been enjoying it for the most parts?”[/color]

He had actually started taking his coffee with a bit of cream, but Percy nodded anyway to confirm having it black. He’d drunk it black for most of his life, he still enjoyed it that way - he had just started to crave a little bit of sweetness. He set his bag down as it became clear to him that he wasn’t going to be immediately leaving for the lodge - especially as the food started to fly and an entire breakfast was before him. He wasn’t hungry. But he didn’t want to upset Mr. Gray. His eyes flickered between the food and Max, an unspoken [i]do I have to?[/i] 

As for the question of how his break had been… Max knew how his break had been. Was this a test? Was he supposed to go on about how grateful he was for his few days at C.A.G.E. and how he had renounced alcoholism? Or thank Max again for sponsoring the trip to Asgard and Jotunheim? Or apologize for teleporting gallons of bay water onto Max’s floor? 

But maybe he was just being polite and making conversation? 

[color=ed1c24]“... For the most part,”[/color] Percy settled on. He shifted somewhat uncomfortably, before reaching out for the mug of coffee, and taking a sip. [color=ed1c24]“Thank you. How… was yours?”[/color]

Max didn't answer Percy's nonverbal question, opting to instead get himself another cup of coffee. [Color=aba400]”Quiet. For the most part. Everyone seems to be out and about more so than usual, the older they grow the less they want to stay home it seems. It's at least given me more time to grade my students more…unhinged projects.”[/color]

Percy hesitated for a moment longer, before sitting down in front of the breakfast Max had prepared. He couldn’t get a sense of what the wizard wanted, but he had gone through the effort of making this, and he understood that to refuse it would be considered rude. He took another sip of coffee, before picking up the piece of bread and taking a bite. [color=ed1c24]“What sort of projects?”[/color] he inquired, genuinely curious. He didn’t understand much about magic, and from what he knew, Mr. Gray specialized in an area that was confusing on purpose. 

Max pinched the bridge of his nose. [Color=aba400]”This one student doesn't seem to understand, or care for, the very simple rule that all magic carries a price. They clearly are trying to make their time here at Strange Academy an easy ride and have developed what they deem to be a spell matrix that would automate and solve not only questions posed and brought to them, but also aid in generating spellwork for them in ways one shouldn't imagine. The spellwork alone is basically spaghetti coding and the amount of energy it consumes to answer even the most basic of questions is the equivalent of ten Sorcerer Supreme spells. It is a vastly gross and extremely disgraceful use of magic that doubles in making a mockery of the ancient texts. Of course I need to find a way to have him redo it all and think of a new project he can work on.”[/color]

Percy blinked. He hadn’t known what he had expected there, but it wasn’t generative AI as spellwork. He didn’t know very much about artificial intelligence, preferring to look into the past and dive into stories, rather than focus on robotics and simulations. However, he was fascinated by Mr. Gray’s answer. He took a bite of the bread, before setting it down. [color=ed1c24]“Where does the energy for your magic come from?”[/color] he asked. [color=ed1c24]“Is yours different, as you’re a mutant?”[/color] He’d read enough fantasy stories to know about artifacts fueling magic, as well as connections to abstract entities and deities. But he didn’t know how it actually worked - he didn’t know if Max simply had to drink more coffee in order to power his spells. 

Max smiled, enjoying the conversation he could have with Percy about Mystic Arts. [Color=aba400]”Well you see Mr. Novikov, the way it works is –”[/color] 

Dorian came barreling down the ceiling, phasing through the floor above with bag in hand and ready to go. He snagged a piece of bacon off of Percy's plate, alongside an egg with telekinesis as he made himself a sandwich and poured some coffee in a to go container. [Color=CC99FF]”Let's  gooooo! I'm so excited I can't wait!”[/color] Dorian placed a kiss on Percy's cheek before taking a bite of his sandwich.

[Color=aba400]”A conversation for another time then. Shall we?”[/color] Max opened the portal for them to the Himalayan Mountains, right inside the resort they would be staying at. Checking them in before walking back through and leaving the kids to be.

The resort was extravagant, catering exclusively towards celebrities and the ultra wealthy. It had just about every amenity a person could desire, with staff who promised the utmost discretion, and not a single flash of a camera to be seen. It had the stereotypical rustic charm, the exterior of the building constructed with wooden logs, and covered in a dusting of snow that was almost veered into the uncanny with its perfection. Fireplaces roared in each room, with quilted throws and mounted animal heads and vintage travel posters on the walls completing the illusion of naturalistic bliss. Off the lobby were a series of shops, from fashionable boutiques to fine dining options, and the recreation options were so varied that guests could forgo the slopes outside entirely without regret. 

For a brief moment, Percy was torn. He loved learning new things. He was a little bit disappointed that he hadn’t been able to hear Mr. Gray’s answer - but at the same time, he was [i]thrilled[/i] to see Dorian. Butterflies swirled in his stomach, only increasing in intensity as they went through the portal, received the keys to their room, and found themselves alone. It was a big step. They’d slept in the same bed before, sure, but never at a resort - never on a vacation. He struggled to keep himself from visibly beaming too much, a grin vanishing and then reappearing on his face a moment later - the same sort of giddy feeling he’d struggled to control when they danced after the contest. 

[color=ed1c24]“Should we go take our bags to the room?”[/color] he asked, feeling almost lightheaded for a second. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Oui mon cœur. Après cela, nous pourrons explorer l'hôtel, les environs, puis nos corps.”[/color] Dorian hooked his arm into Percy's as he began leading them to where the rooms were. 

[color=ed1c24]“Nos… nos corps?”[/color] Percy repeated, the slight flush from earlier deepening into a crimson blush. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Oui?”[/color] Dorian looked a bit confused as he opened up their hotel room door before picking Percy up Bridal style and placing him on the bed. [Color=CC99FF]”You've been practicin’ your new jumps non? I want to see ‘ow well t'ey've gotten. ‘Ow you're control is comin’ along.”[/color] He set his bags down at the foot of the bed on the floor. 

Oh. 

Percy’s face fell slightly. Dorian just wanted to see how his teleports were. That was fine. [color=ed1c24]“Ah, je compris. Bien sur. On peut faire ca,”[/color] he agreed. That was acceptable - his boyfriend really cared about training, he’d been making sure that Percy didn’t slack off on it during the school year, but he hadn’t been able to drag Percy out of the library to go on a run during the break. He then tilted his head slightly. [color=ed1c24]“You do know that it’s newly wed couples that carry each other over the threshold?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”T'at's silly. Why can't everyone do it? Who told t'em t'ey get t'e ‘ot commodity of takin’ t'ier lover over a plank of wood eh?”[/color] Dorian began inspecting the room, all its features as he spoke. [Color=CC99FF]”Oh, et j'ai envie de faire l'amour”[/color]

He squirmed. There was a plank of wood he was interested in. [color=ed1c24]“Oui,”[/color] he said, his voice almost a little husky - a little breathless. It didn’t take much for Dorian to rile him up, as he crossed his legs on the bed. [color=ed1c24]“Moi aussi. Quelle surprise.”[/color] Percy tore his gaze away, as he started to look at the features of the room - at the wardrobe, the television mounted to the wall, the chair pointed directly at the bed for prime viewing - the bathroom… The door to it was open and he could see inside, see the large Caesar bath. It was a nice room - more than a nice room, it was one Percy and his family never would have been able to afford. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Later Perce. First I want to head outside and explore the grounds a bit. We still need to see ‘ow good t’e snow is for snowboarding later. Oh! And see if t'ere are any tigers t'at ‘ave been spotted recently.”[/color] Dorian adjusted his beanie slightly, revealing a small zit on his forehead where it previously sat.

Percy froze for a moment, seeing the zit on Dorian’s forehead - as he saw Fred Jr. He had spent all day yesterday with Danni, struggling to get rid of his own bit of acne before his date with Dorian. He had teleported across the country and back several times, and even left the States entirely, landing them in France. He had almost drowned, nearly avoided being run over, and had been successfully singed in an effort to keep Danni from burning his house down. All to get rid of a piece of acne - all because he had been [i]certain[/i] it would ruin his date, that Dorian would hate him and everything would go wrong. 

He had a mile long stare, before his eye twitched and he started to laugh - not at Dorian, but at himself, a disparaging, self pitying laugh. It would have been fine. He hadn’t needed to do any of it. 

Dorian watched as Percy stared at him and what felt like past him as well. His eyes looked up to where the zit was. [Color=CC99FF]”Ugh I know, it showed up yesterday out of nowhere. I t'ink it was just from a lot of stress between you not answerin’ , t'e book I was readin’ , and Danni bein’ nowhere to be found. It's fine, I brought some patches wit’ me.”[/color] Dorian pulled out a small box containing yellow star pimple patches and placed on atop his zit, covering it under the adorable star. 

Percy shook his head. [color=ed1c24]“It’s not you, it’s…”[/color] He took out his phone, swiped over to his camera roll, and moved through a few photos. There was a selfie he had taken yesterday morning, so that way he could zoom in and better examine the damage - so he could examine Fred. [color=ed1c24]“Dorian, this is why I was busy yesterday… I kidnapped your brother in a panic because I didn’t want you to see this,”[/color] he handed his phone over to Dorian. [color=ed1c24]“I almost drowned in the bay. My house almost burned down. I was almost run over by a car. I went to a fashion house in France to get clothes to impress you.”[/color]

Dorian laughed, tossing the phone back at Percy. [Color=CC99FF]”Feels like a bit of an over reaction if you ask me?”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Maybe.”[/color] He caught the phone effortlessly, and put it back into his pocket. [color=ed1c24]“But I think the clothes were worth it.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”With Danni? T'ey always are.”[/color] Dorian laughed. [Color=CC99FF]”Sooo, explore time? Or you goin’ to keep starin’ ? “[/color]

Percy rolled his eyes, as he slid off of the bed. [color=ed1c24]“I’m not staring,”[/color] he huffed, before heading towards the door to leave the hotel room. 

[Color=CC99FF]”You can stare, I know I'm great to look at.”[/color] Dorian teased as he followed behind him. 

[color=ed1c24]“Whatever you say, dear,”[/color] Percy navigated their way back through the halls, until they were in the main lobby space of the lodge - where giant glass windows showcased the beauty and might of the mountain for all to see. [color=ed1c24]“Maybe while you’re snowboarding, I’ll spend some time looking at art of Achilles and Patroclus.”[/color]

Dorian stopped in his tracks. [Color=CC99FF]”What do you mean ‘while I'm snowboarding?’ You're coming too non?”[/color] His arms were crossed against his chest as he looked at Percy.

Percy paused, turning around to look at him. [color=ed1c24]“I don’t know how?”[/color] Had Dorian expected him to learn to snowboard? He was fully planning on watching Dorian do it and reading some of the books they’d picked up in Asgard - there were a few he wanted to read again already. 

[Color=CC99FF]”You could…learn…I dont know. You're telling me you super secret agent S.H.I.E.L.D. mom never taught you how to snowboard?”[/color]

Percy shrugged. [color=ed1c24]“I’d never seen snow before this winter. It’s hard to learn when there’s none available.”[/color] He then frowned. [color=ed1c24]“Also her degree is in Nuclear Physics. Not snowboarding.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”OK but aren't you guys like, Russian? Shouldn't it be all Bears and Snow and…”[/color] Dorian was about to say Vodka, but given what Percy had just been through he decided to veer in a different direction. [Color=CC99FF]”Babushkas? Or those little nesting dolls that make no sense.”[/color]

He raised an eyebrow. He didn’t catch the comment Dorian had almost made. He was used to people stereotyping him, however - if it wasn’t Russian imagery they conjured up, it was Jewish imagery. [color=ed1c24]“My mother’s from Connecticut. She wasn’t born in Russia,”[/color] he reminded Dorian. [color=ed1c24]“I’m not really interested in bears, either. And as for snow - my mame’s family always comes to California for the holidays, even my bubbe.”[/color]

Dorian crossed his arms, staring very intently at his boyfriend. He could've [i]sworn[/i] Percy had told him the story of how when he was just a little Russian baby and his mother was back in Russia, that she wrestled a bear as she made her trek over to the America's to gain freedom and sunshine or something. There was definitely like, a heard of Bears too, like twelve bears that she fought off angle handedly with a baby Percy in one arm. [Color=CC99FF]”Youre learning to Snowboard.”[/color] Dorian said flatly.

[color=ed1c24]“And if I refuse?”[/color] Percy crossed his arms. 

[Color=CC99FF]”I'll use the nuclear option.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“And that is…?”[/color]

Dorian’s eyes began to wet, his lower lip trembling as it was clear he was about to start crying.

Percy’s eyes widened. He thought the nuclear option was that Dorian would possess him and force him to snowboard. He hadn’t been expecting [i]tears[/i]. How long had Dorian been able to cry on demand? His resolve was crumbling. [color=ed1c24]“No, please, don’t,”[/color] he begged. [color=ed1c24]“Don’t cry.”[/color]

Dorian slowly dropped down onto his knees, tears streaming down his face. [Color=CC99FF]”I-If you w-wont board with m-me. T-t'en I'll be all alone on our trip.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Fine, fine, I’ll learn to snowboard just - please, please don’t cry!”[/color] he begged.

[Color=CC99FF]”Really?”[/color] Dorian sniffled.

Percy nodded, uncrossing his arms as he gave Dorian a tight hug. 

Dorian wiped the tears from his eyes as he smiled. [Color=CC99FF]”Like a charm. Lets go get our boards!”[/color] 

He shook his head, irritated at his boyfriend’s act - but relieved to see that Dorian had stopped crying. Maybe after he completely wiped out, he’d have mercy on him and let him watch from a safe distance. [color=ed1c24]“If I get hurt learning how to do this, you’re going to owe me an activity of my choosing,”[/color] he informed him. He had a few ideas in mind already. 

[Color=CC99FF]”If? What do you mean if? It's more of a when. You will get ‘urt. Its part of learnin’. Might even ‘it a tree or two.”[/color]

Percy’s jaw dropped slightly. [color=ed1c24]“And you want me to learn this why?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Because it's fun! Besides t'e more you learn t'e safer it is and t'e less you'll get ‘urt.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“…Can we cuddle by the fire later, at least?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Do tigers ‘ave stripes?”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Yes…?”[/color] Percy didn’t understand why Dorian had asked that. Of course tigers had stripes. It was one of their defining features. Was he checking in on that fact on the chance they’d see one while they were snowboarding? 

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The lodge was nestled into the Himalayans, just a stone’s throw away from the slopes. An indoor passageway had taken Percy and Dorian from the main building to one designated for sporting, a winter enthusiast’s dream of a shop. Every bit of gear one could possibly desire was available for purchase or for rent, from parkas for the tiniest of babies to the same ski poles used in the Olympics. Two employees were assisting customers, helping them try on boots and check for a fit, while another stood behind the counter, explaining the logistics of how to access the lift outside to get to the various slopes, indicating on a map ones of suitable difficulty for the customer. In the back, there was a small cafe, where those who had already enjoyed the slopes but weren’t quite done for the day were enjoying a steaming hot drink, and to the left, a red cross mounted to the wall indicated the medical station for those in need. 

Percy looked at the different snowboards on the wall, more than a little bit intimidated. Some of the boards looked bigger than he was. And he was supposed to strap himself to these and let himself go down a slope with no safety net, with no means of stopping himself? Sweat started to pool on the back of his neck out of nerves. [color=ed1c24]“Er. How do you know which one to use?”[/color]

Dorian began to explain to Percy how to find the right board for himself, pointing out to various different options and styles while also having an attendant help them out for a more professional touch. By the end of it Dorian had already grabbed the one he wanted offering Percy the last bit of advice. [Color=CC99FF]”In t'e end I usually pick one t'at's cool lookin’. T'en again…I dont ‘ave Pops ‘ere to ‘elp ‘eal a broken bone due to carelessness.”[/color]

He hated all of the different options present. It made it all the more intimidating. What if he chose incorrectly? He stared at each board, scrunching up his face as the doubt ate away at him. It was like being asked to pick a car to drive from the lot - even with the explanation of how to find one, it still felt somewhat overwhelming. Eventually, however, he settled on Dorian’s advice. One that looked cool. It had a bunch of flowers on it, little water color ones that stood out in a sharp contrast to the white base of the board. It reminded him of the small ponds he’d seen in New Orleans, where lilies floated on the surface. 

But if picking a board had been a challenge, it was nothing compared to the lift. He stared at it. He watched others get onto it. But the movement didn’t make any sense - they were clipping in, then out, then in again?? It was worse than trying to figure out swing dancing. 

So Percy bypassed the problem. [color=ed1c24]“I’ll see you at the bottom, then,”[/color] he said, before teleporting to the top of the slope. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Wait Perce no!”[/color] Dorian panicked. Percy wasn’t equipped to do the harder slopes, hell he was barely equipped to do the bunny slope! But Dorian had no way of knowing exactly where Percy had teleported, especially given how long his range had now increased since the competition. He could be anywhere on the mountain. Dorian looked around wildly from his seat on the lift before a strange scent came over him. He closed his eyes and tried to focus on it, the smell of parchment and ink, of dark woods and fresh coffee, all intertwining together  as he moved on up the slope. It got stronger the more he moved up, and when Dorian opened his eyes he swore he saw slivers of golden light. It was like small threads of gold were thrown into the wind, flowing, but it didn’t move with the wind, it followed its own path, one Dorian felt inclined to follow no matter how tenuous the visuals were.

He didn’t hear Dorian’s protest, as Percy reappeared at the top of the slope - not the bunny hill, either, but one meant for advanced individuals. He didn’t know that, though, the intricacies on who was allowed to snowboard were lost on him. The most he knew about winter sports came from when he’d been ill and watched all of [i]Heated Rivalry[/i] in a feverish haze. He took in his surroundings, a bit awed at the height and scale of it all, how the sun reflected off of the snow, the trees dotting the landscape… a lot more trees than he expected, but he was a mutant able to teleport. He could handle it. He waved down at the rising lift, assuming Dorian could see him - and he meant to wait, he really did, but his balance shifted and the board began to slide, slowly building up speed as Percy flailed, desperate to stop it - but his motions only made it worse, and the next thing he knew, he was zipping down the mountain, completely out of control. 

And then, the world seemed to slow down - he made eye contact with Dorian on the lift, completely turning his head as he grinned - this was actually fun, he liked this, the rush was - 

[i]CRASH.[/i]

Dorian clipped himself back into the snowboard, launching off the lift and attempting to go help Percy. His control was shaky at best as panic was quickly setting in. One wrong move and it sent Dorian lurching forward towards Percy, he tried to use his telekinesis to help stabilize himself but it didn't help. He was moving too far too fast already, so he braced for impact and phased through both Percy and the Tree. [Color=CC99FF]”Percy! Perce?!”[/color]

For a moment, Percy didn’t answer. His head was spinning as he was laid out on his back, a tiny little crater in already compacted snow. The pain of the crash hadn’t even registered yet, as slowly, he lifted his head. Nothing felt broken. [color=ed1c24]“Dorian?”[/color] he called out, still a little dazed as he hobbled on up to his feet, regaining his balance a little more with each step. 

Dorian phased out of his board, scrambling up the mountain as he tried to reach where Percy was seen last. [Color=CC99FF]”I'm here Perce, just – just hold on.”[/color] The sound of snow crunched beneath his hands and knees as he began his crawl, slowly working himself back up until he was running as fast as the snow allowed for him. 

He took a breath, looking around the mountain as the crisp, cold air burned his throat. Danni’s blush had been rendered completely unnecessary by the sun freezing temperatures, the chill bringing out a rosy red in his cheeks. As terrifying as it had been, it had been exhilarating, too - his adrenaline was up, his blood was pumping, and he had the urge to go back up to the top of the mountain and try it again. He thought he’d hate it - he’d spent his entire life preferring books and softness to athletics and sports. [color=ed1c24]“Dorian?”[/color] he called out again, trying to see if the scrambling figure on the hill looked like him. He went to teleport to close the gap between them, but he was winded from the crash, only vanishing and reappearing about fifty feet closer. He squinted, waving at the scrambling person. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Percy, I'm coming! Are you ok? Are you hurt?”[/color] Dorian waved back towards  Percy, trying to give him a semblance of hope that help was coming. But the side was too steep and his pacing too slow. He was so close, he just needed to get a little further.

He could barely hear Dorian, but his voice came through over the noise of the mountain. He hadn’t realized it would sound like this, a deep guttural growling that came from somewhere behind him. Was it just the wind? Or from the other snowboarders? He held his hand in front of his eyes, trying to see his boyfriend a little better. [color=ed1c24]“I’m okay!”[/color] he called out, but the sound was only getting louder and louder, and the ground shook behind him. He turned around to get a look at what it was, only to be met with solid white fur - fur that extended upwards at least ten feet, with a terrifying, snarling face. 

The beast roared. 

It lunged at Percy faster than he could react, grabbing him by the ankles and slinging him over its shoulder. 

Dorian breathed a sigh of relief as his muscles began to relax. He was ok, thank Goose he was ok. They just needed to check for a concussion first and take him back to the lodge for some rest and cocoa. Dorian could see his boyfriend, and just as he was about to run, he froze. [Color=CC99FF]”Is t'at a dang Wampa?!”[/color] Star struck aside, he needed to hurry. It had already grabbed Percy and began to take him away. The creature was bigger and faster than Dorian in the snow.

The yeti let out a final cry, a challenge to anyone who would dare come and take its prize, as it raised its free arm, pointing at Dorian. And then it turned around as abruptly as it had appeared, bounding through the snow and the trees with ease only known to families of Russian bears, quickly outpacing the young mutant.  

[color=ed1c24]“Dorian!!”[/color] Percy screamed, as he tried to grab at his ankles to pull himself free - it was always the ankles with him, always his achilles’ heel - but the creature was stronger than him. Teleporting was a possibility, but he couldn’t guarantee that the beast wouldn’t come with him - and with each running leap, his disorientation grew and grew. He needed to try anyway, though, had to do whatever it took to get free - he closed his eyes, trying to focus on the little cabin where they’d received their snowboards, waves of blue pulsing off of him and then… 

[i]WHACK[/i]. 

His head collided with a tree branch as the creature ran, and the tiny twink slipped into unconsciousness. 

As soon as the Yeti began bounding away, Dorian decided to he needed to fly up above the snow. He could move faster this way, track the beast without ruining its own tracks in the process, but even with that advantage it still moved faster than he could hope to achieve. He lost visuals quickly, the creature's white fur blending in well with the snow. His training kicking in, as he lowered down slightly and tried to focus his mind, to calm himself. Panicking wouldn't help anyone, especially not Percy. So he followed the tracks, carefully but quickly as that allowed.

The Yeti made it back to its lair without issue, a small cave opening in the mountain rock. Very little light penetrated, but it didn’t need it to navigate its home, as it strolled deeper and deeper into the cave, letting out an affectionate howl at its sleeping offspring, before grabbing its prize off its back. It didn’t want it to be able to run off again, after being collected so soon, so the beast lashed its feet to the cavern ceiling, allowing it to dangle upside down as it slept. Satisfied with its work, the Yeti then shuffled to one of the corners of the cave, sniffing at the varying food stores it had collected from the strange creatures that screamed on its mountain. It selected a package with an orange fish on it, and ripped it open, before calling for its offspring to come and feast - all but one. 

It took him a while, but Dorian had finally found the entrance to the Yeti's cave. He listened in from outside, trying to get a feel for the situation. With a defeated sigh, he finally phased so that the Yeti wouldn't spot him or touch him, moving in silently as he tried to find Percy. All he saw was a bunch of smaller ones eating…Goldfish? Dorian phased back in, before doing his best impression of  Chewbacca.

There were eighteen smaller yeti, all approximately Percy’s size. The furry creatures stopped in their feast, looking up at Dorian with something akin to curiosity. And their parent, easily twice Dorian’s height, stared back at him. For a moment, the air was still. It wouldn’t take much for the Yeti to rip Dorian to shreds, to rip him apart and protect its offspring, protect its home. 

The Yeti roared, and looked at Dorian expectantly. It moved towards him, revealing Percy strung up from the cave ceiling behind him, the slowest stirrings of consciousness beginning in the young hero. 

Dorian stood his ground as the yeti began closing the distance, roaring at him before staring. He pointed towards Percy as he began to continue speaking Wookie. Trying to convey to him that he wasn't a threat and simply wanted his boyfriend back.

The Yeti lunged, its arm missing Dorian’s head by a few inches - and it suddenly pulled it back, revealing a box of assorted chips. It shook the box at Dorian and set it down in front of him, before gesturing back at Percy, and letting out another cry. It wasn’t antagonistic, however - it almost sounded inviting. 

Dorian grabbed the box of chips, staring at them and towards Percy as he tried to piece together what he was saying. He made his way over, just beneath Percy before flying upwards and opening the box to feed him. [Color=CC99FF]”Perce please wake up, I need you to help translate the Russian Wampa speak. Best I can manage is Wookie and I'm very rusty in it.”[/color]

Percy’s eyes slowly blinked open, stirred by the sound of Dorian’s voice. [color=ed1c24]“What… what happened?”[/color] he mumbled, his eyes closing again. All of the blood in his body was rushing towards his head, just adding to his state of disorientation. He remembered snowboarding down the slope, crashing, and then… [color=ed1c24]“where are we?”[/color]

The Yeti howled at Dorian, as it finished distributing food to the rest of its young. 

Dorian grabbed a handful of food and shoved it into Percy's mouth. [Color=CC99FF]”Chew and listen closely. We are in a Wampa's nest, t'ere are well over a dozen babies ‘ere and t’ey ‘ave you captive. I don't want to startle t’em, but like I said, my Wookie is [i]rusty[/i] so please ‘elp me talk to t'em.”[/color]

Before he could fully follow what was going on, a fistful of potato chips were shoved into his mouth, and he hacked it up on reflex, the saliva covered chips falling to the ground and missing Dorian. They were in a wampa’s nest…? Like in [i]Star Wars[/i]...? His eyes widened, realizing that he was upside down. Was he Luke Skywalker then? He didn’t mind the thought of that, Luke Skywalker had been gay awakening - him and Daniel Craig. He made eye contact with the Wampa, as it let out another roar. A roar that he should have been able to understand - this was his power, it was the one time it would come in handy, and he tried to force himself to respond, but what came out sending more like a mew and less like a Wampa. [color=ed1c24]“I don’t think I speak Wampa…”[/color]

The Yeti let out another roar - angrier than the one before - as it lumbered over towards Percy and Dorian, reaching upwards for the imprisoned twink. 

Dorian gestured towards Percy, giving out a series of wookie growls and gestures at him and the food he spat out as he tried to convey to the Yeti that Percy clearly isn't eating. As it began to approach them Dorian flew up higher, blocking its path to Percy as he kept his arms crossed like a X to tell it not to grab him.

The Yeti stopped, arm outstretched, as if Dorian were Owen Grady and it a velociraptor. Even the smaller Yeti stopped eating their goldfish feast, looking up at Dorian almost with a sense of wonder. 

[color=ed1c24]“Erm, I think your Wookie… is working,”[/color] Percy didn’t have time to consider the implications of that right now. He couldn’t get a good read on the situation - he didn’t know why the Yeti had taken him or why it seemed to want Dorian to feed him stale potato chips. He didn’t realize that the baby Yetis were about the same size as him. Still dangling upside down, he removed his goggles to get a better look, and the moment he did, the Yeti began to wail. 

It wailed and wailed, looking at Percy and then at its many children, before looking at Percy and then finally Dorian. 

Dorian proceeded to speak to the Yeti, various growls and thrills as he tried to explain that Percy wasn't one of his kids, that he was in fact a human boy with about as much hubris as a Greek Hero. Trying to tame a slope before he even learned how to crawl. He also explained that they don't do well to being upside-down or the fact that it was cold so they needed to leave soon.

The wailing stopped abruptly, as the Yeti turned to look at its children. It held out its paws, tapping one of its claws to each digit, and repeating a few times. And then, as it turned back to face Dorian and Percy, it let out what sounded almost like a bark, as it reached past Dorian, and tugged Percy down, letting the boy drop unceremoniously onto the cave floor - an action that caused it to bark more, followed by a few growls aimed at Dorian, with almost a twinkle of glee in its eye. 

Percy’s eye twitched. It had been a while since he hadn’t been able to follow a conversation and he hated it. [color=ed1c24]“What did it say? What did you say?”[/color] he grumbled, as he got back up to his feet. 

Dorian helped Percy back up to his feet, wrapping his arm around Percy's shoulders as he gestured towards him with his head and let out a few barks before going back to his growls in response to what the Yeti had said. [Color=CC99FF]”I'll tell you later Perce.”[/color] 

He was probably just telling the Yeti that they were leaving - or admonishing it for having abducted him in the first place. That had to be it. Percy nodded slightly, as much as his body felt like it was filled with angry, buzzing bees at the lack of certainty about what was said. It was like being back in CAGE, hearing folks whispering near him in other languages, conversations he didn’t need to be a part of, but the mystery of it had been maddening. [color=ed1c24]“Are we going back to the slope now then?”[/color] 

The Yeti shook its head from side to side, letting out a final series of growls, before extending one arm towards Dorian, and leaving the other slightly curled as it stepped forward. 

Dorian mirrored its movements, pulling the Yeti in for a bro hug before sliding it back and dabbing him up. A few more growls to let them know he'd stay in touch. [Color=CC99FF]”Why don't we ‘ead back to t’e lodge? Unless you really want to get acquainted wit' a few more tree's.”[/color]

Percy stared for a moment. Did everyone except for him know that ritualistic embrace? He recognized the first part, the bro hug - Dorian had done one with Gideon during Hanukkah. But the second part? Did Dorian also know Yeti sign language? 

[color=ed1c24]“I thought you wanted to snowboard, though,”[/color] he said a bit hesitantly, as he realized his urge to skip the lift had ruined the session for Dorian. It had been really important for him that they both do this, too. [color=ed1c24]“… It was fun until the tree,”[/color] he added, as the Yeti stood off to the side, allowing them to exit the cave - and all eighteen baby Yetis swarmed Dorian, hugging him and mewling little growls.

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A little while later, Percy and Dorian had returned to the lodge, warming up by the fire with two large cups of hot chocolate, done with all the works - whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, and candy canes. A brief stop by the first aid station had confirmed that Percy didn’t have a concussion, and they were clear to go back to the slopes whenever they wished. And as much as he had felt bad about ending the snowboarding session early, he was enjoying the feeling of warmth returning to his body, as he took a sip of his hot chocolate. He set his mug down, unaware of the whipped cream that had adhered to his upper lip. 

[color=ed1c24]“So… Yetis are real, then. And subsist on a diet of GoldFish and potato chips,”[/color] Percy summarized. He then frowned slightly. [color=ed1c24]“Are other cryptids real then, too? Is Mothman real? Is Bigfoot?”[/color]

Dorian took a deep sip of his cocoa. Letting the rich chocolaty flavours settle on his tongue before finally swallowing it down and plucking off a marshmallow from the top to eat. [Color=CC99FF]”Yeah? A well balanced diet obviously. Fish n Chips just like t'e British.”[/color] He shrugged at the other questions. Cryptids were cryptids for a reason,  humanity had barely handled race, sexuality, or mutants.  How did anyone expect them to handle another form of creature or being they didn't understand?

Percy raised an eyebrow. [color=ed1c24]“You do know that’s a terrible diet, right?”[/color] He didn’t believe for one second that he didn’t know. Dorian worked out and took his training more seriously than anyone Percy knew. Although he supposed that it was possible James just healed them up enough it didn’t really matter what they ate. He took another sip of his hot cocoa, contemplating. They were sitting in one of the lounges of the lodge, the firing roaring in the fireplace in front of them, a coffee table for resting their drinks and plush ruby red couches, with quilts draped along their backs to lounge on. Christmas music played softly from a record player. Behind them were varying activities - a ping pong table, a pool table, and even a pinball machine. But Percy’s gaze kept going to the windows, where the snowboards and skiers looked like tiny specs as they zoomed down the hill. 

[color=ed1c24]“If it was your last day on Earth, what would you do?”[/color] he asked suddenly. 

[Color=CC99FF]”T'e most dangerous heist known to man. Somet'in’ like raidin’ all of t'e British Museum to return precious artifacts back to where t'ey belong. What about you?”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“So you’d take the date we had and elevate it,”[/color] he mused, shaking his head slightly. He hadn’t known what he’d expected from Dorian. He shrugged slightly, even though he had been the one to pose the scenario to begin with. [color=ed1c24]“Am I not invited to the raid? Hurtful, [i]meyn libe.[/i]”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”No no, you ‘ave to answer too. You can't get away from it.”[/color] Dorian stuck his tongue out before taking another drink of his hot chocolate.

[color=ed1c24]“Maybe I spend the day foiling your heist, as the Sherlock to your Moriarty,”[/color] he countered, before seriously contemplating. Dorian hadn’t given him a mushy answer, so he wouldn’t either. [color=ed1c24]“I think it would be fun to have a fight to the death using swords while sky diving. Maximize the adrenaline the rush on my way off this mortal plane.”[/color] He then frowned slightly, considering once again how meaningless death was for his boyfriend. Would he be having this same conversation with another guy a hundred years from now?

Dorian laughed. [Color=CC99FF]”Do you even know ‘ow to use a sword? Or skydive? Also you can teleport, t'at gives an unfair advantage. T'en again I can phase so a ‘eist also would seem unfair unless I decided not to use my powers for it. “[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“I used to play with swords when I was little,”[/color] Percy argued. [color=ed1c24]“How hard can it be? You just swing it around like a stick. Same thing with sky diving - you just fall. It’s easy.”[/color]

Dorian's jaw dropped for several reasons. First, new boyfriend lore drop, second, how dare he say its just swinging around. Dorian had spent years perfecting his ability with a sword, sure he never used it for combat because a sword should never be drawn unless you had the intent to kill. It was part of why he had chosen a ceremonial sword as his weapon to store his antitelepathy charm. He was speechless. 

Percy reached out, and gently closed Dorian’s mouth. 

[Color=CC99FF]”When we get back, you me and bokken. We'll see how easily you swing your stick Perce.”[/color]

Percy rolled his eyes. [color=ed1c24]“I do more than just read books, you know. So don’t be too shocked when I win,”[/color] he teased. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Oh you're goin’ down Novikova.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“It’s Novikov,”[/color] Percy corrected, setting his hot chocolate down with a huff. [color=ed1c24]“Unless you think I’m a girl.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”I'd say you'll fight like one but I dont t'ink youre as good as Gideon.”[/color] Dorian stuck his tongue out at him.

His eyes narrowed. [color=ed1c24]“You want to fight right now, Gray?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Non mon cœur. It shall ‘appen when we get back. I still want to enjoy our Christmas gift and we still ‘ave more boardin to do.”[/color]

Percy sighed slightly, before picking up his hot chocolate - even as he kept an eye on Dorian. He didn’t dare completely let his guard down around him. He’d been pranked enough to know better. [color=ed1c24]“Well, what do you want to do then? Since you’ve chosen cowardice.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”I was gonna say you, but clearly you ‘it your ‘ead ‘arder t'an I t'ought if you t'ink me given you a day to recover from your fall and subsequent capture, cowardice.”[/color]

He raised an eyebrow. [color=ed1c24]“My head is perfectly fine.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”You've never ‘eard me complain before ‘ave you?”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“You’re impossible,”[/color] Percy shook his head, even as his cheeks reddened again and not from the cold. 

[Color=CC99FF]”I t'ink you mispronounced impeccable.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Infuriating, actually.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Impolite.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Yes, you are extremely,”[/color] Percy agreed, before setting his hot cocoa aside and pulling Dorian into a kiss. 

Dorian smiled weakly. [Color=CC99FF]”You want to take t’is to t'e room? Or you plan on leavin’ it at t'at?.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Do you want me to take this to the room?”[/color] he challenged. [color=ed1c24]“You seemed awfully interested in my stick and my head.”[/color]

Dorian nodded excitedly. There were no parents, no supervision, and no students to walk in on them.

He sighed dramatically, pulling Dorian in closer by the collar. [color=ed1c24]“So needy,”[/color] he teased. The energy around them shifted and pulsed, as Percy had every intention of sending them to reappear in their hotel room on the bed - and while they made it back to the room, his aim was a little bit off. Instead, however, he appeared in Dorian’s lap on the cuck chair. 

Dorian looked at where they were, using his telekinesis to pull the blinds closed before phasing his and Percy's clothes off his body quickly.

[color=ed1c24]“And here I thought you had no interest in sword fighting,”[/color] he growled lowly into Dorian’s ear. 

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Percy and Dorian had spent most of the first day doing cardio of one kind or another, from exploring the slopes and each other, and befriending nineteen Yetis. Miraculously enough, their afternoon snowboarding session went far better than the one in the morning. They had started on the bunny slope, Percy stumbling his way through the movements, and falling face first into the snow so routinely he was beginning to question if he really were Russian at all. Any protests that his mame’s family were a desert people were summarily dismissed by his boyfriend. By the time he had managed to get down the slope without nearly injuring himself, the sun had already begun to set in the sky, and his sore, aching body was covered with a thick layer of sweat. He’d practically collapsed the moment they made it back to their room, barely having the energy to take a shower, as he vowed he would never exercise again. 

They had eaten dinner at the resort’s restaurant, an upscale fine dining experience where the chef came out to personally speak to diners at the start of their meal, and recommend specialty, sometimes custom dishes to best suit their interests and palette. The atmosphere was warm and romantic, heavy oak tables set with white cloth and lit by flickering candles, as a cellist softly played. In lieu of champagne or other alcoholic beverages, the two had been offered their choice of a variety of mocktails, before they had settled on a bottle of sparkling cider, handcrafted here at the resort. The food itself had been exquisite too - juicy, tender steaks cooked to perfection paired with seasonal vegetables, and followed up with an elevated take on creme brulee for dessert. 

With what little energy they had regained from dinner, they spent exploring the resort itself. It had just about every amenity one could want, including a small arcade, complete with virtual reality simulators - an option Percy had been very quick to refuse even contemplating - an indoor heated pool, a sauna and a spa, a gym, a movie theater, and more. They took advantage of the movie theater’s emptiness, and Percy had screamed his way through [i]Friday the 13th[/i], hiding his face in Dorian’s chest for most of the movie. The palette cleanser movie of [i]the Wizard of Oz[/i] had been more his speed, and by the final act, he had fallen asleep on his boyfriend’s shoulder, only to stir slightly at the very end, and mumble, [color=ed1c24]“what did the wampa say?”[/color]

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Dorian woke up the next morning, his hand blindly reaching over on the bed as he began to yawn and stretch. He tapped once, twice, then opened his eyes in a panic as he didn't feel his boyfriend right next to him. He quickly shimmied up in the bed, looking towards the counter to see that Percy's phone had also been missing. [Color=CC99FF]”Perce!?”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Yeah?”[/color] Percy’s voice came from the bathroom, the door closed. 

Dorian laid back into the bed, a huge sigh of relief. [Color=CC99FF]”Oh man, I t’ought t'e Wampa took you again.”[/color]

He laughed slightly. [color=ed1c24]“I have a surprise for you. Close your eyes and I’ll come out.”[/color]

Dorian cooed with excitement as he wiggled back into the bed, closing his eyes and also placing his hands over them. [Color=CC99FF]”Ready! I wont peek promise!”[/color]

Percy took a breath, as he inspected himself in the mirror one last time. It had taken him an hour to get ready, and he’d needed to bring his phone with him in order to refer to Danni’s detailed instructions. He’d started with the makeup, applying a rosy blush to his cheeks. It had been more challenging than he’d thought it would be, and he’d gone through a half dozen makeup wipes until he’d been satisfied. And once it had set, he set about getting into the clothes. [url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019b4815-52e8-709f-8b3b-c56ae942aa45.webp]The pants[/url] had been easier - they were long with a slit on the side, almost giving the illusion of a long skirt. [url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019b4815-ce19-729a-9548-a04f5a33ae04.webp]The top[/url] took him about half an hour to sort out, his frustration boiling as he tried to [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/users/morose/images/019b4815-9b49-74b8-9ea0-ece531cdec0b]figure out the way to wrap it and tie it[/url], and he’d almost video called Danni in a panic, even considering a quick jump back to New Orleans for help, only to [i]finally[/i] get it on. The heels went on next, followed by the circlet and the rings and other pieces of jewelry. 

But he finally had it on. The showpiece outfit. His heart started pounding thunderously. He stared at himself in the mirror again, counted to five slowly, and left the bathroom. He walked out and stood in front of the bed. [color=ed1c24]“Okay, you can open your eyes now.”[/color]

Dorian kicked his feet with excitement. When he opened his eyes at first he didn't know what to expect. He'd thought a physical gift, or if not physical then something small or minor. But what he got was so much more. His jaw dropped, shock written clearly across his face as he found himself at a loss for words. Dorian was never one for swearing, the most he did was a little ‘shit' in french which barely counted. But seeing his boyfriend at that moment. [Color=CC99FF]”Holy Fuck! Perce you look amazing!”[/color]

Percy’s face turned bright red. The blush hadn’t been needed after all. [color=ed1c24]“D-do you like it?”[/color] he stammered out, his body language shifting slightly to be a little more compact, to make him a little smaller. 

Dorian nodded furiously. [Color=CC99FF]”Like it? Perce I love it! You should dress like t'is more often. Omg I ‘ave not'in like t'is to wear! I didn't know we'd do a fancy day!”[/color]

He failed to bite back the smile on his face. [color=ed1c24]“Danni said I needed a showpiece outfit… He called this the snow prince,”[/color] he paused for a moment, before slowly turning around so Dorian could see it from the back, too. He wanted to tell him that the ties were meant for him to be able to unwrap Percy like a gift, but he was feeling a little tongue tied. 

[Color=CC99FF]”More like a show stopper. Wow, Perce, I…when? Why? ‘Ow? Who?”[/color] Dorian ran his hand through his bed head of hair as he tried to make sense of everything that Percy was saying. The shyness, the blush, the outfit, all of it was a lot and in all the best ways. Danni needed to take Perce on more shopping trips clearly. 

[color=ed1c24]“Erm, two days ago. After Danni helped me with Fred, we went to Paris and got this… for you…”[/color] Almost shyly, he moved over to the bed, and sat down on the edge of it, looking at Dorian. [color=ed1c24]“Just for you,”[/color] he added, clearing his throat slightly. 

Dorian shook his head. [Color=CC99FF]”Non mon cœur. An outfit like t'at deserves to be shown. We are goin’ down to get me a new outfit and t'en we can ‘ave a nice dinner date. Let t'e world see my Snow Prince.”[/color]

Percy opened his mouth to protest - he didn’t know how comfortable he felt, having other people see him like this. He didn’t really show skin in public, preferring things that kept him covered up - and certainly nothing that drew the eye. But as Dorian called him [i]his[/i] Snow Prince… his traitorous heart swooned. He’d do anything for this boy. He swallowed, his eyes lingering on his lips for a moment, before quickly darting further down, and he nodded. Dorian had never wanted to show him off before. He felt like a prize… and it was strangely thrilling. [color=ed1c24]“Okay,”[/color] he agreed. [color=ed1c24]“But if anyone starts to stare…”[/color] 

[Color=CC99FF]”Let t'em. T'ey should stare, you wouldn't tell someone to avert t'eir eyes away from a piece of art would you? To look away from an Achillean statue? Non?”[/color] The answer that Dorian had wanted was obvious, and it showed plainly on his face. 

[color=ed1c24]“… You think I’m as pretty as a piece of art?”[/color] He felt lightheaded for a moment, as he reached out and put a hand on Dorian’s arm to settle himself. He’d never felt like this before. The rush of endorphins was almost addicting. [color=ed1c24]“As Achilles?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Tu es plus bee que toutes les œuvres d'art que j'aie jamais vues.”[/color] Dorian cooed. 

Percy couldn’t help himself, as he swooned, practically collapsing into his boyfriend. No one had ever told him he was beautiful before (well, aside from his mothers). His heart was fluttering. He didn’t know what to say, as he managed to catch his breath. [color=ed1c24]“Merci…”[/color] he whispered. He then swallowed slightly. [color=ed1c24]“Allons-y? À la boutique?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Oui.”[/color] Dorian quickly changed out of his pajamas, throwing on some light wash jeans, a shirt, and a beanie that he'd be abandoning soon before he held his arm out for Percy to take before descending downstairs. 

The ski lodge catered to an exclusively wealthy clientele, offering intimate views of the Himalayans, world class dining, and the guarantee of privacy. Everything a person could desire was available here - and everything else, a member of the staff could gladly procure for them. As such, the resort boosted a small collection of high-end stores and boutiques, offering precious, finely crafted jewelry and one-of-a-kind designer clothing. The boutique that Percy and Dorian entered first was called [i]भव्यता[/i], glass window displays featuring mannequins in haute-couture, posed and dressed for a variety of situations, from casual fun on the slopes to elegant dresses and suits fit for a ball. Rather than having spiraling racks of clothing, the store was like a collection of frozen statues, each modeling yet another option, with a small card indicating the name of the designer. An employee stood behind the counter, her glasses secured to her face with a beaded chain, and she smiled as the two customers entered. 

“Ah, welcome in, welcome in. My name is Grace and I would be happy to bring you any pieces you would like to try. Whatever I can do to make your visit more pleasant and comfortable, it would be my pleasure. Might I offer you a refreshment?”

Dorian looked over the outfits on the mannequins. He'd recognized some of the brands that were one display, some of which his father had modeled before, some that were even his design influence. He doubted Percy knew any of that however. He wasn't even sure if Percy understood the price tag of it all. But he didn't care, he wanted a new outfit to match his boyfriend for a lovely dinner. 

When the sales clerk alerted them to their presence Dorian turned with a polite smile. [Color=CC99FF]”Bonjour! We are just lookin’ for now to see which of t'ese we shall take. But we will let you know if we need to try any on. D'accord?”[/color]

“Bien sûr!” Grace agreed, smiling at the pair. “Amusez-vous.”

Percy looked around at the outfits on display, a little less intimidated by them than he would have been a few days ago. He wasn’t comfortable yet in them, but they weren’t as foreign as they’d been before. They were shopping for Dorian, too, so he didn’t have to swallow any pride and look at women’s clothing for himself. He didn’t see any prices listed on the clothes either, so he did his best to put the thought of price out of his mind - he didn’t need to panic again over it. 

Dorian followed behind Percy, looking at everything they had on display, taking a few photos for outfits he'd want later as well as some he thought Danni may like. Lingering a few that caught his own eye as he felt the material to see what they were made of. He wasn't exactly certain what to get, or what to look for in order to go with Percy. He didn't want to [i]match[/i] him per se, more so compliment his own outfit. Share in the light rather than attempt to take it. 

Percy bit his lip for a moment, thinking. He wasn’t as good as Danni at putting outfits together but… maybe he could try to assemble one for Dorian. It’d be a way to make this trip even more special, even more memorable. He glanced over at him, seeing the way he was trailing behind him, until his resolve solidified. [color=ed1c24]“You’ve dressed me before… I’d like to dress you.”[/color]

Dorian was shocked. His eyes lighting up at the mention of having Percy pick out his outfit. Somewhere between absolute delight and pure abject horror. Dorian had had to show Percy how to dress beyond dress shirts, slacks, and school uniforms. He'd had to show Percy there was a hairstyle beyond a come over. It was a tall order, but he was excited to see what Percy came up with. [Color=CC99FF]”Ok! What're you t'inkin’?”[/color]

He nodded, his expression mirroring the one he made when approaching an essay topic with a particularly challenging nuance to it. He didn’t answer Dorian at first, as he walked around the store, taking in the various options - some of them he didn’t like the feel of the fabric on, some looked too complicated to figure out how to put on and off, others looked too boring and dull. Dorian wasn’t boring, so his clothing needed to match. 

Eventually, however, [url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019c01e7-476f-777f-a642-f3d2363dd4dd.webp]one top in particular[/url] caught his eye. It was colorful and whimsical, soft blues and reds against an almost beige, with billowing sleeves and a long tie. [color=ed1c24]“This,”[/color] he informed Dorian, pointing at his pick for the top. 

Dorian silently gasped as he placed a hand onto his chest in awe. He hadn't expected for Percy to actually grab an item he'd like. [Color=CC99FF]”I love it! So what's t'e t'eme?”[/color]

The theme. 

He was silent for a moment, as he considered it. Truthfully, he had picked the top because its colorful liveliness reminded him of Dorian. Answering Autumn Prince or Fire Prince was far too basic, far too boring of an answer. He needed something more interesting to pair with Snow Prince. And as always, his thoughts gravitated towards Greek myth - towards a wretched, cold god grasping at a goddess of spring. Snow as icy death - as Hades. 

[color=ed1c24]“You’re Persephone,”[/color] he decided, pleased that Dorian liked the top. He went to look for a bottom piece next, something solid that wouldn’t pull the eye away from the top too much, but would still emphasize Dorian’s height. It took him a bit to find something he was satisfied wouldn’t clash, as he directed his attention towards a pair of flared, billowy dark denim pants. [color=ed1c24]“With this.”[/color]

Dorian posed as Percy declared him be Persephone. One hand on his hips as another dramatically flared up towards his forehead. [Color=CC99FF]”I, t'e Goddess of Spring and you t'e God who brings t'e unbearing winter?”[/color] He followed quickly behind, watching as Percy went to work looking for more and finding [url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019c01e7-86a4-72e6-b918-1f108d2c03e4.webp]some beautiful pants[/url]. [Color=CC99FF]”J'aime.”[/color]

Percy beamed. This was actually really fun. Maybe he needed to try dressing up Dorian more often. He could already imagine himself going through his closet at school, picking out various items and asking him to try them on together. It’d have to be on Fridays when they had free dress, of course, but the idea made him a little bit giddy. He continued to look around the store, knowing that they’d need to find some shoes and accessories - he looked at Dorian, looked at the shoe options, looked at him again, until he found a pair that he didn’t fully understand how it offered any stability at all. The wedge of [url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019c01e7-d772-73da-919e-362d5dadb082.webp]the heel[/url] was tilted, almost a triangle with one tip facing the ground - but he liked the way that the shoe looked almost like a sandal, with straps and buckles. [color=ed1c24]“These shoes,”[/color] he indicated, before [url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019c01e7-b1a2-77b8-9495-7066b93d4958.webp]a beautiful scarf[/url] caught his eye - [color=ed1c24]“and that.”[/color] He liked the idea he could grab onto it and pull Dorian around. 

He then frowned, turning to look at Dorian. [color=ed1c24]“You need jewelry, too.”[/color]

Dorian giggled as he told Percy to go ahead and grab some jewelry for him. He went over towards the sales clerk pointing out towards all the items that Percy had picked out for him, asking for the appropriate sizes for him to both try out as well as purchase. After long he went  back over to Percy. [Color=CC99FF]”So what's the verdict?”[/color]

Percy was standing in front of the case, looking at all of the jewelry options. He had found a gold circlet with a floral motif, as well as some rings that he thought would look nice. There was a locket he was tempted by, but he knew Dorian had received one for Christmas, so that would work. [color=ed1c24]“These things,”[/color] he indicated, pointing at all of them. A sudden idea then hit him, as he noticed a silver ring that matched one of the gold ones he liked for Dorian. He knew that exchanging rings was a popular step in relationships - would Dorian want to do that? 

Dorian waved the clerk over to show which accessories they needed from the case. Grace happily complied and unlocked them, pulling out each piece for Dorian to try on and see how he felt. [Color=CC99FF]”Now you cant see it all toget'er until I'm fully ready. Just as I couldn't see it from you.”[/color]

He rolled his eyes slightly, before nodding. [color=ed1c24]“I’ll go sit on the boyfriend chair, then,”[/color] he said, before heading over to some of the seating provided in the store. The clerk had unlocked a dressing room for Dorian so he could try them all on together, and Percy figured this might take a moment, so he pulled out his phone and resumed reading the fanfiction he had been perusing earlier. 

Dorian tried it on, looking at himself in the mirrors to see how the fabric fell on him, to see every angle of the outfit and how he felt about it. He loved it, he'd take it. He took it all off, folding it nicely before getting back into his jeans and stepping back out. [Color=CC99FF]”We'll take it all t'anks.”[/color]

“Excellent!” Grace beamed, as she retrieved the items and bagged them up, ringing up each piece as she went. She then paused, waiting for the boys to decide how they wanted to handle payment. Before tax, the total for just the clothes, not including the jewelry or anything, was $5380 US. 

Percy couldn’t help but feel a little faint as he looked at that number. He’d spent almost all of his contest winnings his mothers had allowed him to have access to during his trip with Danni. [color=ed1c24]“Tvoy otets budet ne protiv?”[/color] he mumbled. 

Dorian shrugged and charged it all to the room. The numbers meant absolutely nothing to him. He still found it odd that people actually took clothes [i]out[/i] of the stores. It was so much easier to just have his Pa make him anything he wanted. 

“Enjoy, have a great rest of your stay and please don’t hesitate if you have any questions or concerns!” Grace put a receipt for the clothes in the bag, and then passed them across to Dorian. 

Percy blinked. He didn’t even know you [i]could[/i] charge that much to the room. He looked at his boyfriend again, the slight itchy awareness of just the sheer difference in class between the two of them bubbling back up to the surface. He didn’t even know if there was a word for Dorian’s level of wealth. And while he usually didn’t feel poor, he did in moments like these. [color=ed1c24]“Erm. Should we go back to the room, then?”[/color] he asked quietly. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Duh! I gotta get all showered and ready! Good t'in’ i brought some makeup wit’ me in case I needed it. I'm t'inkin’ wait no I cant tell you what I'm t'inkin’ it's a surprise.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Uh huh.”[/color] For a brief moment, he regretted that he had already showered. There was an idea there to explore. He put a hand on Dorian’s bicep, and in a blink, they reappeared in their room, his accuracy perfect this time - no cuck chairs involved. 

Dorian went to work, placing the clothing off onto the vanity counter as he got showered and ready for the day. He blushed his cheeks much like Percy had, but in lieu of the frosty cold pale colors, his were rich and deep berry colors. His lips lightly tinted with a purple-red and glossed over. In comparison to Percy's pale soft pallette, his was more warm and vibrant. He finally got dressed in the outfit chosen for him, having less of an issue than Percy had in his, including the shoes. [Color=CC99FF]”Ready?”[/color]

Even though he’d picked out the outfit for him, he was still stunned to see him in it, fully at a loss for words. Dorian was the most beautiful boy he’d ever seen. He put his phone away, hopping off of where he’d been perched on the bed, as he walked on over to him, standing up on his toes to give him a kiss. [color=ed1c24]“You look incredible,”[/color] he murmured, before giving him another one. He looked around the room for a moment, taking stock of the space available to them, before he nodded. It would be tight, but there was enough. 

He held out his hand. [color=ed1c24]“May I have this dance?”[/color]

Dorian pushed back the furniture with his powers, gently moving them to allow for a bit more room as he took Percy's hand in his. [Color=CC99FF]”Always mon cœur.”[/color]

They didn’t have any music playing, but it didn’t matter. His heart felt full as the two of them swayed softly to their own rhythm, Percy holding onto Dorian’s hand with one, his shoulder with the other. He couldn’t help but think of the sheer contrast - how much he had hated Dorian at first, how ready he had been to assume that he was just another asshole, content to toy with him. He remembered the day in his dorm room where Dorian had confessed he’d had his first kiss, how angry he had felt - so jealous of this mystery boy, and so hurt that once again, his feelings had been played with, that the person he liked didn’t like him back. He felt safe and secure in a way he hadn’t in a long time, and the siren song of the bottle was the quietest it had ever been. It was mushy and it was cheesy, but he would have been a worse person if it hadn’t been for Dorian. He wouldn’t have been a hero. 

[color=ed1c24]“What was it you saw in me, when we first met?”[/color] he asked softly.

[Color=CC99FF]”You mean besides t'e anger in your eyes as we accidentally burned your nice jacket?”[/color] Dorian smiled, swaying to the silence, to the music in their hearts. [Color=CC99FF]”T'ere was a lot. Too much to unpack, but, above all I saw t'e kindness in your ‘eart. I saw t'e good you could be, t'e good you were, be'ind all t'e anger and avoidance. I t'ink Fate saw it too.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Do you believe in fate?”[/color] Percy frowned slightly. He remembered his rage towards Agatha too, when she informed him that he was meant to be with Dorian and there was nothing he could do to stop it. But he remembered more than just anger from their first meeting - he remembered being hypnotized by those eyes, the prettiest green he’d ever seen. [color=ed1c24]“It was my fault it all happened,”[/color] he admitted. [color=ed1c24]“I teleported into you. And I wanted so badly to hate you, I tried to convince myself that I did… that you weren’t charming and funny, selfless and witty… that you didn’t have the prettiest eyes… I wish I remembered it, our first kiss. But I don’t know if I would have initiated it back then, if I hadn’t been delirious.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”If it ‘elps any, t'at kiss made me a little delirious. So it's all good mon amour. So…I'm funny and witty [i]and[/i] charmin'? Mon dieu t'at's a ‘ole lotta t'in's to keep up.”[/color] Dorian chuckled softly. Debating on how to answer Percy's question. [Color=CC99FF]”I t'ink everyt'in’ ‘appens for a reason. People who try and change t'at are fools, but not t'at everyt'in’ is a fixed point. T'ere's wiggle room, ways to get t'e same result wit’ different variables.”[/color]

Percy rolled his eyes slightly. [color=ed1c24]“You also have a huge ego,”[/color] he shot back, even as he was smiling. He nodded a bit at Dorian’s explanation. He hoped he was right - and that this was a fixed point. [color=ed1c24]“If soulmates are real… I hope you’re mine.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Perce we are literally bonded on the quantum level. I – ‘ow else more do you want t'e universe to show it to you?”[/color]

He was quiet for a moment, considering that. It wasn’t necessarily the universe that he wanted to show it to him. And he was right, they were entangled - irreversibly, much to his mother’s regret. [color=ed1c24]“You don’t have to say anything, but one day - when we’re older - would you marry me?”[/color] 

Dorian couldn't help but laugh a little. Clearly not at Percy, nor even the question itself. But the mere thought running through his mind before he spoke. [Color=CC99FF]”I don't t'ink t'at's ‘ow a proposal is supposed to go.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“I’ll get you a ring and do it properly when we’re older,”[/color] Percy promised. [color=ed1c24]“But you asked what else and… that’s what else.”[/color] He looked down at the ground, feeling a bit embarrassed. 

[Color=CC99FF]”I said for t'e universe, not you. But when t'at time comes, I prefer emeralds over diamonds, not'in’ too big, or too clunky.”[/color] 

Percy’s ears were red, but he nodded. [color=ed1c24]“No blood diamonds. Understood.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”I prefer lab grown anyways.”[/color] Dorian smiled.

He raised his eyes back up to look at his boyfriend. [color=ed1c24]“Sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything,”[/color] he said somewhat sheepishly. He glanced back down again, even as he committed that to memory. Lab grown and emeralds. [color=ed1c24]“Did you want to go explore the resort more before dinner?”[/color]

Dorian nodded in agreeance, taking Percy's arm as they left the room to take a turn about the resort. They found themselves occupying their time with various activities the resort provided in the event of no snow days, where the weather was harsh and wouldn't permit any outdoor activities. The pair played chess by a large open stone fireplace, the warmth and light bathing them like a blanket as they matched wits against one another. After several games, they found themselves in the arcade where Dorian ushered Percy to play a few rounds of DDR, given his reluctance to do anything VR for reasons he could not possibly imagine. When it appeared that Percy was getting too worked up where he may start to sweat, Dorian took them back to a cozy nook within the resort and they grabbed some books to read in silence until it was time to eat.

By the time they were at the restaurant, Percy was absolutely starving. He hadn’t realized how much playing DDR would take out of him - and his usual rush from playing chess and reading had made him forget about his hunger. They’d smacked throughout the day, yes, but hadn’t had a proper meal. So as the hostess brought them to their table, Percy pulling out a chair for Dorian and waiting for him to sit down, his stomach was audibly growling - almost making an identical noise to the Yeti. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Look who finally speaks Wampa.”[/color] Dorian joked as he used his powers to pull Percy's chair out for him while he sat in his. 

Percy rolled his eyes, as he pushed Dorian’s chair in and then sat down himself. [color=ed1c24]“It’s not a real language. You got lucky. It probably just resonated with your bro-y energy.”[/color]

Dorian pulled Percy's seat back in for him once he sat. [Color=CC99FF]”You're just jealous you can't speak it.”[/color] 

His eyes narrowed. [color=ed1c24]“Why would I be jealous that I can’t speak a fake language? It’s as real as Dothraki.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Oh so you can't speak Dothraki either. Interesting. Do you even know Sindarin or Quenya? Can you read t'e words of a lost Time Lord?”[/color] Dorian poured over the menu, his eyes never leaving the pages as he spoke.

He [i]knew[/i] what Dorian was doing. He [i]knew[/i] he was just trying to get a rise out of him. He tried to smother his temper, to keep the anger from rising in his throat. [color=ed1c24]“They’re not actual languages! They have all the rules and structure of a baby’s babbling! No one can speak them!”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”T’en why can I speak t’em?”[/color] Dorian flipped the menu over. [Color=CC99FF]”I t'ink I'll have t'e seafood today. See what t'e Chef choice is.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“You can’t. You’ve just memorized phrases that are supposed to be them.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Keep tellin’ yourself t'at. T'ough t'at is a subject of conversation some people ‘ave about all languages and learnin’. Do some people actually learn a language, or do we only memorize patterns and words or sounds wit'out knowin’ or understandin’ meanin’.”[/color]

Percy crossed his arms. [color=ed1c24]“It has to be the first option. The second option is horrendous. What’s the point in a language if the meaning is lost? Why bother exchanging ideas if it’s just memorization?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Well t'e second option ‘appens, like it or not. But t'ere's more ways to communicate t'an language.”[/color] 

[color=ed1c24]“Like what?”[/color] he challenged. [color=ed1c24]“If your answer is body language and cues, those are impossible to interpret.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”T’ey're not. Its how most animals communicate. T'ere's also sign, art, pictographs, music, we communicate on such a level t'at sometimes language isn't necessary. I could give you a glance and you'd be ready for us to move back to t'e room. Language, is what we make it.”[/color]

Percy failed to reflect on how his own struggles in reading other people weren’t necessarily normal. [color=ed1c24]“Oh really? Because I don’t think you could communicate something to me without words. You could try, but the meaning won’t be clear.”[/color]

Dorian rolled his eyes, his powers carefully unbuckling his shoe as he slipped one off and under the skirt of the table rubbed it against Percy's thigh. He didn't say anything, he didn't even look at him, he kept his eyes fixated on the menu.

Percy had been about to take a sip of water, as he suddenly gasped from the contact, nearly swallowing an ice cube. His face turned bright red. Here? Now? Where everyone could see? [color=ed1c24]“Y-you’re just taking advantage of a biological response, you aren’t communicating anything,”[/color] he shot back, flustered. [color=ed1c24]“It’s no different than ruffling someone’s hair. There’s no clear meaning there.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Oh? I'm not communicating anything? T'en I guess t'ats means I can keep goin’ seein as ‘ow I'm not actually sayin’ anyt'in.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“… Fine. Keep going then.”[/color] His pride wouldn’t let him back down. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Non.”[/color] Dorian whispered softly yet assertively. That would kill Percy more than standing his ground, he was sure.

Dorian was not wrong. 

Percy took a few deep breaths, mentally reciting the opening text of the Odyssey a few times, as he struggled to regain his composure and direct his thoughts towards something else, anything else. 

[Color=CC99FF]”So, did you decide what you wanted to eat? Should we do apps?”[/color]

He hadn’t even looked at the menu. He picked it up, finally having himself somewhat under control again, as he crossed his legs. [color=ed1c24]“Erm. Sure. Is there one you had in mind?”[/color] 

[Color=CC99FF]”I already said what I was t'inkin’ about. What're you?...t'inkin’ about. “[/color]

Percy hid his face behind the menu. He picked something at random. [color=ed1c24]“Oysters. Let’s have the oysters.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”So you did understand t'en? No words were said yet you locked t'e one app t'at corresponds to what was implied.”[/color]

He squirmed again. Despite the amount of exposed skin from the shirt’s design, he felt himself begin to sweat. [color=ed1c24]“Coincidence. I picked the first thing I saw,”[/color] he argued, as he returned the favor to Dorian, borrowing the telekinesis and reaching out to give his thigh a squeeze. 

[Color=CC99FF]”Yet you're saying otherwise wit'out words. I believe t'at's checkmate my dear.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“… Fine. Maybe I can understand what you’re saying without language. But we’re entangled on a quantum level. That doesn’t mean anyone else makes sense.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Uh huh. Just admit defeat.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Never.”[/color]

The waiter came by, asking if they were ready to order or if they still needed some time. Dorian was quick to say they were ready, placing an order of Oysters as well as asking about the Fish of the Day before ordering it and turning towards Percy, smiling as he used his own TK to return the favour Percy had given him. [Color=CC99FF]”Et toi?”[/color]

Percy bit down on his cheek. He hadn’t processed at all what was on the menu. He would have just told Dorian to order for him, he’d done it before, but he wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing him slip. [color=ed1c24]“Je voudrais des coquilles Saint Jacques avec la sauce au caviar, merci beaucoup.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Wrong language babe.”[/color]

His ears flushed slightly. [color=ed1c24]“I’d like the scallops with caviar sauce, please.”[/color]

The waiter took their orders, and a little while later, their appetizers were brought out, followed by their main dishes and then dessert - a tempered chocolate in the shape of a skull, set on fire to melt away and reveal a rich, cinnamon chocolate cake. All the while, Percy and Dorian exchanged favors and glances, testing their control of their powers, themselves, and each other. After the meal, they had planned to go on a stroll, admiring a night sky free of pollution and lights. 

They didn’t make it very far, before Dorian proved once more that there was a way to communicate without words.